Ayutthaya

Things to see and do

Chantharakasem National Museum

This quaint musuem is set towards the northeast corner of the island and contains a smaller collection of exhibits than the grander Chao Phraya Museum. The palace was originally built in 1577 as the residence of King Naresuan, before he ascended the throne. Later on it served as the residence ... read more
Wat Khun San

All that remains of this wat is a large stone chedi with a gash running down one side, although its set in a pleasant little garden. Wat Khun San certainly isn't worth a trip across town to see, but if you are in the area it is worth a peek.
Wat Suwandawas

Records of when this wat was built have been destroyed, as was the wat itself during the Burmese razing. Today all that remains are a few small chedis and a badly-damaged Buddha image. The setting is nevertheless quite photogenic. Don't confuse this site with Wat Suwandararam on the southeast ... read more
Khun Phaen's Residence

This 1894-built house was the home of a former governor of Ayutthaya, and was moved here from another site in 1940 by Dr Pridi. It's built on the former site of a prison and area where public executions took place. Some additions were made to the original house to create a better example of ... read more
Wat Phra Ram

Wat Phra Ram marks the cremation grounds of King U-Thong and was built in 1369. In the years following its construction the wat was allowed to deteriorate considerably, and it was only its close proximity to the Royal Palace that saved it from rack and ruin. During the reign of King ... read more
Wat Phra Sri Sanphet and the Grand Palace

This impressive site boasts an array of nooks and crannies to explore as well as plentiful shade. The original site was used as a royal palace during the reign of King Ramathibodi I from 1350. In 1448, King Borommatrailokanat ordered that a temple be built here creating a centrepiece to the vast ... read more
Viharn Phra Mongkhon Bophit

This viharn holds Phra Mongkhon Bophit, one of the most important Buddha images in Ayutthaya and a highlight for Buddhists visiting the town. The massive seated Buddha marks what was the official cremation area for the Thai royal family from 1612 until the sacking of Ayutthaya in 1767, after which ... read more
Wat Ratchaburana

Wat Ratchaburana boasts a spectacular Khmer-style prang and a quirky history as well. In 1424, King Intharacharthirat died and two of his sons, Chao Aye Phraya of Suphanaburi and Chao Yi Phtaya of Sanburi met on the site of the wat to contest the throne via an elephant duel. They both died, leading ... read more
Wat Phlap Phlu Chu

This early-Ayutthaya period wat has shrunk to a small chedi and basic brickwork only worth sticking your head in to see if you're in the area.
Wat Thammikarat

This early-Ayutthaya period temple was once home to a large bronze Buddha image. Only its head now remains and is housed at the Chao Sam Phraya National Musuem. The centrepiece today is the roofless viharn that has around ten towering brick pillars. All the Buddha images have all been removed or ... read more
Wat Na Phra Men

This highly-revered temple escaped destruction by the Burmese as they chose it as a base to launch their attacks. It was restored during the reign of King Rama III. The main attraction here is a large golden seated Buddha and a beautifully carved ceiling. The smaller viharn behind and to the ... read more
Wat Choeng Tha

This small ruined temple is within walking distance of Wat Na Phra Men. Set in small garden of safron wrapped chedis, the wat has a couple of small Buddha images and is in a pretty worn but photogenic state. A noticeboard by the entrance lists the names the wat has gone by throughout its history. ... read more
Chedi Phu Khao Thong

This massive, slightly lopsided white chedi is believed to have been built by a Burmese king and forms the western landmark of Ayutthaya. Not worth the effort of getting to unless you're a ruin buff.
Queen Sri Suriyothai Memorial

This large memorial pagoda sits on the western bank of the river overlooking the area where the annual Ayutthaya boat races are held. It was built by King Maha Chakkraphat in honour of his queen, who lost her life in order to save his during a battle on elephant back in 1548. The story has been ... read more
Wat Chaiwatthanaram

When King Prasat Thong returned victorious from Cambodia, he ordered the construction of this sprawling Khmer-influenced temple. Centered around a large chedi, the complex has four lesser chedis surrounding it along with 120 stucco seated Buddhas. The complex runs down to a pleasant stretch of ... read more
St Joseph's Church

Originally built by Vietnamese immigrants, St Joseph's church was destroyed during the sacking of Ayutthaya in 1767 and sat in a ruined state for almost 100 years until finally being restored during the reign of King Rama IV. Unremarkable for a church, it does have some rather nice stained glass ... read more
Wat Phutthaisawan

Built in 1353 by King U-Thong, this complex originally formed a temporary lodging for royalty. Set beside the river, this temple is particularly interesting as the modern functioning Wat at the front of the complex contrasts with the intact older buildings in the middle and crumbling ruins at the ... read more
Pridi Phanomyong Monument

This smallish traditional house is worth a look if you happen to be in the area, though Khun Phaen's residence is probably a better example and is more centrally located.
Muslim Quarter

Across from the island, nestled along the southern banks of the river is a predominantly Muslim community. The hotch potch of houses, and mosques interconnected by small lanes and pathways makes this an interesting area to explore.
Wat Mahathat

Built during the reign of King Borom Rachathirat I, Wat Mahathat featured a large central prang which collapsed and was later rebuilt. Sacked by the Burmese, the complex has been in a state of ruin ever since. The highlight of this temple is perhaps the most photographed site in Ayutthaya: an ... read more
Queen Suriyothai Monument

Not to be confused with the Queen Suriyothai Chedi on the island, this monument to Queen Suriyothai is located outside of town in a large park that is empty most days. It's worth a drive-through if you are in the area on the way to Chedi Phu Khao Thong or dinner at the romantic Chaw Praya Hut.
Elephant Stay at the Elephant Kraal Pavilion

Elephants have played an important role in Thai history and culture, so it is fitting that visitors to the Ayutthaya Historical Park have the opportunity to take a short tour of the ruins on the back of one of these noble beasts. The elephants that provide these rides and their mahouts all live at ... read more
Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon

This 650 year old temple complex is one of the more popular sites off of the island. It includes a reclining Buddha and a huge chedi that can be scaled for an outstanding view of Ayutthaya. If you make it here, be sure to go another kilometre down the road to visit Wat Phananchoeng.
Wat Phananchoeng

After visiting the ruins in the historical park, it's refreshing to see one that is still in use today. Wat Phananchoeng is often packed full of Thai worshippers, especially those of Chinese decent. The six-meter tall, 600 year old sitting Buddha is one of the most revered in Thailand. Be sure to ... read more
Portugese settlement

It's a pleasant enough bike ride alongside the rice paddies to this spot, but not really worth it unless skeletons happen to be your thing. If the building appears locked, try the door around the back. On the way to the Portugese settlement, just after a large factory on your left, is a small ... read more
Bang Pa-in Palace

King Rama V liked to holiday here, but as things were becoming downtrodden he had the whole site made-over into what you see today; a variety of immaculate buildings nestled amongst manicured gardens, statue lined bridges, ponds and fountains. Shame about the piped music, which some say adds to the ... read more