Overview
Take a trip to Ayutthaya on your Thailand vacation.
Founded around 1350, Ayutthaya was the second capital of Thailand, known then as Siam after Sukhothai. By 1700, Ayutthaya was the largest city in the world with 1 million inhabitants complete with golden palaces and temples and was a major trading centre. In 1767, the Burmese invaded Ayutthaya and almost completely burnt down the city. Now only ruins remain from this period. However, on a visit to this city on a Thailand vacation, 76 kilometres/46 miles north of Bangkok, it is easy to imagine how the temples etc. looked in their heyday. Those that remain are the ones that were made of stone. Today, Ayutthaya is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The important temples include Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the largest temple in Ayutthaya, housed in a former royal palace and once used for religious ceremonies, Wat Phra Mahathat, a large temple with its row of headless Buddhas, Wat Ratchaburana where a major find of golden statues was made in 1958 and Wat Thammikarat, a working temple that contains the ruins of a large chedi with 52 surrounding lions. There were three palaces in Ayutthaya, the Grand Palace, Chantharakasem Palace (the Front Palace) and Wang Lang (the Rear Palace).
The Chao Sam Phraya National Museum is Ayutthaya’s largest museum and contains artifacts excavated from the crypts of temples which include gold, jewellery, hand-carved friezes and numerous Buddha statues, some dating back to the 7th Century. The Thai Boat Museum is a private museum which contains 100-year-old wooden boats.
Other attractions in Ayutthaya on Thailand tours include the Chao Phrom Market which offers clothes, food and souvenirs, the not-for-profit Royal Elephant Village where you can see elephants at work and play while having a 20-minute ride in one and enjoy a show and the Floating Market with over 200 shops consisting of merchandise and food. The market puts on a performance of Thai dance and songs depicting the history of Thailand.
Other attractions in Ayutthaya on Thailand tours include the Chao Phrom Market which offers clothes, food and souvenirs, the not-for-profit Royal Elephant Village where you can see elephants at work and play while having a 20-minute ride in one and enjoy a show and the Floating Market with over 200 shops consisting of merchandise and food. The market puts on a performance of Thai dance and songs depicting the history of Thailand.
At a Glance
Languages
ThaiCurrency
Thai Baht (THB)What do the experts say?
Thailand is a friendly destination with fun & warm people, great food, and impressive cultural and beach experiences. Simply wandering neighbourhoods, visiting temples, shops & viewpoints, and eating at local restaurants are what I enjoy most when visiting Thailand. The south of Thailand is a special location with beautiful scenery and a seemingly laid back lifestyle, so visiting this area is always a special and memorable experience.
The experience of travelling from island to island on longtail boats in the south of Thailand is something that still resonates with me after many years.
For families, visiting a sustainable community in Koh Yao Yai can bring the trip to life with local interaction. For honeymooners, personalizing memorable experiences with special menus, in-room dining and more can really elevate the experience for Goway guests.
All the people that I met at the hotel, restaurants, and parks were always smiling at me. I can feel that they are grateful to all international tourists. A Thai smile inspires me most and makes me want to revisit.
Wat Chaiwatthanaram
Wat Mahathat
Wat Chaiwatthanaram
Bang Pa-in Palace
Buddha Statues, Wat Yai Chaimongkol
Most Popular Time to Travel
Know when to go.
Place
Conditions
Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall
AyutthayaOccasional Showers
36°C / 97°F
69mm / 2.7"
Weather data is based on monthly averages.Popularity rating
-
Travel Stories
Get Inspired About Thailand
Unlock more by subscribing to our newsletter.
With our newsletter, you’ll get access to regular communications that inspire you and help you explore the world your way.Exclusive Savings
Insider Benefits
Trending Stories
ExcellentBased on 5,244 ReviewsIsabella Luu made the arrangements for our trip to Scotland and all aspects of the trip and stay were excellent. Our assistance at the airports were very good as all were alerted to our needs. Our ride services were excellent. Isabella was always available to answer any questions that we had in a knowledgable and prompt manner, which is always very important to me.Audrey HenryHad an excellent tour of Australia, thanks to our travel specialist Katie Stephenson. She was patient as we kept modifying our plans. Got support from Goway and Katie when there was a need to rebook a tour midway through, all handled easily by Goway.Ron PrestonWe went on a highly customized comprehensive (though quick tour) of England and a bit of Scotland through Goway. Ingrid Aird did an amazing job of planning and arranging every detail with her deep experience, insight, thoughtfulness and creativity, tuning into the needs of each traveler; and she did so even though our decision to travel was rather spontaneous and last minute! Our family had the best time! We look forward to working with Ingrid and Goway again!Vilja BreilingWe used Goway to put together an itinerary for East Africa , and Zanzibar . Everything was great and went smoothly DawnI can't tell you enough how much I love to work with Callie. She is a life saver and I love how attentive she is. Every time I give her an itinerary for a client- she really knocks it out of the park with the proposal. If there are any issues- she is on it right away. Her work ethic is outstanding.Michelle LabarcaI had the pleasure of working with Amelia on a booking for a family of 4 to Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. She executed everything perfectly, was attentive to needs and the family was over the top happy with their vacation. She was quick to answer questions and provide helpful feedback. Highly recommended!Jessie WilliamsWe were trying to navigate Swiss Travel Center to book a 10 day train trip through Switzerland. It was exactly what we wanted but navigating their site was extremely difficult for us. Goway Travel picked up on our plight and put us in contact with Jacqueline Fagooli, one of their agents. From there on everything was so smooth. Their efficiency, communication, and thoroughness were beyond our expectations. The trip was fabulous and kudos to Jacqueline and Goway for their help in making it so.Carolyn McCormackThe destination specialist I've worked with (Kim Rawlings) has provided exceptional service. She is very knowledgeable of her region and everything they have to offer. She is very prompt in her communication and follow-up. She listens and is very attentive to my client's needs and wants. Kim's personality makes one feel like they've known each other for years.
If GoWay had a customer service model, Kim is it.T. Jackson, Tribe Trek TravelWe had a wonderful and amazing two weeks in North-West Scotland. Shoutout to Jacqueline at Goway Toronto and the driver/guides with Rabbie's minibus tours (Stefan and Willie). Well-chosen hotels and no worries with dietary requirements; every detail was taken care of. Thank you!
Ben DaubeKatie was professional, extremely responsive, and very welcoming to work with! We appreciate the recommendations, thoughtful edits, and the expertise. Would definitely recommend Goway travel and working with their team.Parking.com Customer
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified