Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is a province in Central Thailand located about one hour away from the capital Bangkok. Thailand’s largest river, the Chao Phraya flows through the province. The vast majority of foreign tourists to the province visit Ayutthaya Historical Park, the old capital of the Ayutthaya Kingdom.

To do & see in Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya province houses many historical, cultural and natural attractions.

Ayutthaya Historical Park

Ayutthaya Historical Park is located on an island surrounded by three rivers. The park marks the site of the capital of the Ayutthaya Kingdom which was founded halfway the 14^th century. Over the course of several centuries three Royal Palaces and hundred of temples were build, including important temples as the Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Ratchaburana and Wat Chaiwatthanaram that have been restored by the Thai Fine Arts Department.

Ayutthaya was one of the largest and most prosperous empires of its time. In 1767 the Burmese armies ended the Kingdom wen they invaded and destroyed the capital. Today Ayutthaya Historical Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bang Pa-In Summer Palace

Just a few kilometers from Ayutthaya is Bang Pa-In Summer Palace. In a park like setting with fountains and ponds are a number of Palace buildings in various styles including Thai, Chinese and neo classical European. The original early 17^th century Palace was destroyed by the Burmese in 1767 and rebuild by King Chulalongkorn in the second half of the 19^th century. Today the Palace is still being used by the Thai Royal Family; not all buildings are open to the public.

Boat trips & dinner cruises

A boat trip is a relaxing and enjoyable way to see the river area and Ayutthaya Historical Park. Tour around the island enjoying the river scenery with great views of some of the less visited temples. A trip on a converted rice barge will cost about 300 Thai Baht per person.

For a private river boat tour, charter a longtail boat at Chan Kasem pier next to Hua Ro market, on the Northeast corner of the island. Another option is taking a dinner cruise offered by a local restaurant.

Khun Phaen’s House

Khun Phaen’s House or “Khum Khun Phaen” is a classic Thai style house on stilts, made entirely out of teak wood. The house is named after Khun Phaen, one of the leading characters from a Thai folklore legend and classic poem. Khun Phaen’s House was constructed towards the end of the 19^th century, build on the site where the prison used to be where the poem tells Khun Phaen was locked up. Khun Phaen’s Residence is located on Si Sanphet road, on the historical island in the center of Ayutthaya town. The house opens daily from 8 am until 5 pm.

Thai Boat Museum

The Thai Boat Museum is located in a traditional Thai style wooden building, the residence of the museum’s founder Mister Khaomala, a former boat builder and university professor, who build boats for the King of Thailand. A number of boats have been preserved in and around the house. Exhibited inside the museum are over a hundred wooden models, handmade by Mister Khaomala himself of all kinds of boats ranging from traditional Thai boats, Chinese junks to Western ocean liners and war ships, including several models of the Royal Barges. The museum also displays old photographs and maps, and provides information about the role of boats in Thai history.

The Thai Boat Museum is found on Bang Lan road, a few hundred meters East of the Wat Mahathat on the historical island in the center of town. Opening hours are daily from 8 am until 5 pm. Entrance is free, donations for the upkeep of the museum are appreciated.

Getting to Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is located about 85 kilometers North of Bangkok and can be reached by train, bus or private taxi.

Buy tickets online
Tickets for bus, train or taxi from Bangkok or another city can be bought online at the 12Go website.

Train
The city of Ayutthaya is very well connected to Bangkok by rail. About once per hour a train departs from Bangkok Hua Lamphong station to Ayutthaya. The trip takes between 1 hour and 20 minutes and 2 hours. Fares start at 15 Baht for a one way trip. For more information, check the State Railway of Thailand website.

Check details and how to get tickets at Travel Thailand by train.

Bus, van or taxi
Air conditioned buses or vans to Ayutthaya Town leave from several Bangkok locations including Mochit new van terminal and the Khao San area. A private taxi can pick you up from any location in Bangkok. By van the trip takes about 2 hours, fares start at about 200 Baht per person. A private taxi will cost about 2,700 Baht.

Attractions in Ayutthaya

• Ayutthaya Historical Park
• Bang Pa-In Summer Palace
• Ayutthaya river boat trip
• St. Joseph’s Church
• Bang Sai Arts & Crafts Centre
• Chandra Kasem National Museum
• Chao Sam Phraya National Museum