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Where to stay in Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya's historic centre sits on an island ringed by three rivers, with the temple ruins of the Historical Park in its western half and the modern town to the east. Most guesthouses and hotels are on the island or on the riverbanks facing it, so you can cycle to the temples, while a few larger resorts sit along the river further out.
Historical Park and the island
Staying on the island puts Wat Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana and Wat Phra Si Sanphet within a short bike ride. Guesthouses here are small and simple, often with bikes for rent, and you can see the lit-up ruins in the evening. It is the most convenient base for sightseeing.
Naresuan Road and the backpacker lane
Around Naresuan Road and the small soi near Chao Phrom Market there are guesthouses, cafes and travel agents. The night market and boat-noodle shops are close. It is practical and sociable, and the ruins are a few minutes away by bicycle.
Riverside hotels
Hotels and boutique resorts along the Chao Phraya and Pa Sak rivers have terraces looking across the water, some facing the prang of Wat Chaiwatthanaram. You may need a tuk-tuk or the cross-river ferry to reach the main ruins, but evenings by the water are peaceful.
One thing to think about
If you arrive by train, remember the station is on the eastern bank, across the river from the island; a short ferry crossing or tuk-tuk takes you over. Avoid planning to walk between temples in the midday heat; rent a bicycle or hire a tuk-tuk for a few hours.
Once you have a bed
The things that sell out first in Ayutthaya are the small-group tours and the skip-the-line tickets.
Common questions
Should I stay overnight or visit Ayutthaya as a day trip?
A day trip from Bangkok is possible, but staying one night lets you see the ruins in the soft light of early morning and late afternoon, when it is cooler and quieter. You also get the illuminated temples and the night markets, which day-trippers miss.
How do I get around Ayutthaya?
Bicycles are the most popular way to reach the temples on the island, and many guesthouses rent them cheaply. Tuk-tuks can be hired by the hour for a temple circuit, and boat tours go around the island in the late afternoon, stopping at riverside temples.
How far is Ayutthaya from Bangkok?
Ayutthaya is about 80 kilometres north of Bangkok. Trains from Bangkok take around one and a half to two hours, and minivans and taxis are also available. The train is cheap and scenic, and the station is a short ferry or tuk-tuk ride from the island.
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