Ayutthaya sits just north of Bangkok and feels like stepping into another era of Thailand’s history. Once one of the most powerful cities in Southeast Asia, today Ayutthaya is known for its atmospheric temple ruins, crumbling stone prangs and quiet riverside landscapes. Wandering through the historic park, it is easy to imagine the scale and significance this ancient capital once held.
What Makes Ayutthaya So Special?
What makes Ayutthaya truly special is the way history is woven into the landscape. Unlike museums or enclosed ruins, Ayutthaya’s temples are spread across the city, sitting beside roads, rivers and neighbourhoods, creating a sense that the past is still very much present.
The iconic image of a Buddha head entwined in tree roots at Wat Mahathat, the towering prangs of Wat Ratchaburana and the expansive grounds of Wat Phra Si Sanphet all tell stories of a city that once rivalled the great capitals of the world. Ayutthaya is not just about sightseeing — it is about slowing down and absorbing centuries of history at your own pace.
A Brief History of Ayutthaya
Founded in 1350, Ayutthaya became the capital of the Kingdom of Siam and grew into one of the world’s largest and most influential cities during its peak. Strategically located along major rivers, it thrived as a centre of trade, diplomacy and culture, attracting merchants from across Asia and Europe.
In 1767, the city was destroyed during a Burmese invasion, marking the end of Ayutthaya’s reign as capital. Much of the city was left in ruins, which remain today as a powerful reminder of its rise and fall. Now protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ayutthaya stands as one of Thailand’s most important historical and cultural landmarks.
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👣 Our Experience Visiting Ayutthaya
A Food-Led Reason to Visit
One of the main reasons we travelled to Ayutthaya was for the food scene. Everywhere we looked online, people were talking about the famous giant river prawns, so naturally we had to see what all the hype was about. We were very glad we did.
The food more than lived up to expectations, but what surprised us was how much else Ayutthaya had to offer beyond the plates.
Temples, Markets & Local Life
The temple ruins scattered throughout the town, many right in the centre, were atmospheric and impressive. Wandering between them felt effortless, with ancient structures sitting alongside everyday life.
Local markets provided plenty of snacks and small treats, while cafés felt authentic and unpolished, adding to Ayutthaya’s laid-back charm rather than taking away from it.
Exploring by Motorbike
We hired a motorbike for the day, which made a huge difference. Ayutthaya is spread out, and having our own transport allowed us to explore freely without rushing. One of our food missions took us on a 30 km ride from our homestay to a well-known prawn restaurant, turning the journey into part of the adventure.
Along the way, we visited five Michelin-listed cafés, and what stood out was just how reasonable the prices were — something we’ll go into more in the food section.
Overall, Ayutthaya felt like the perfect two-day destination. Rich in history, rewarding for food lovers and easy to explore at a relaxed pace.
⭐ Best Things to Do in Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya is best experienced at a relaxed pace, mixing ancient history, local food and easy exploration. The city is spread out, but that is part of its charm.
Explore the Temple Ruins
- Ayutthaya’s historic temples are scattered throughout the city, many sitting quietly alongside roads, parks and neighbourhoods. Wandering between the ruins gives a strong sense of how vast and powerful the former capital once was.
- A special mention goes to Wat Mahathat, home to the famous Buddha head entwined in tree roots. It is one of Thailand’s most iconic images and a powerful reminder of how nature has reclaimed the city over time. Other temple complexes are equally atmospheric and well worth allowing time to explore slowly.
Try Ayutthaya’s Authentic Dishes
- Food is a huge part of Ayutthaya’s appeal. The city is famous for its giant river prawns, usually grilled and served simply to let the flavour shine. They are a must-try and one of the main reasons many travellers make the trip.
- You will also find excellent boat noodles, rich and deeply flavoured, along with local sweets like Roti Sai Mai, Ayutthaya’s colourful spun-sugar roti that is as fun to watch being made as it is to eat.
Visit Local Markets
- Ayutthaya’s markets are great places to sample local snacks, browse small stalls and experience everyday life. They offer a more relaxed atmosphere than big city markets and are perfect for grazing between temple visits.
Hire a Bike or Motorcycle and Explore
- One of the best ways to get around Ayutthaya is by bicycle or motorcycle. The city is spread out, and having your own transport makes it easy to move between temples, markets and food spots without feeling rushed.
- Exploring this way allows you to discover quieter corners and makes the journey between sights part of the experience.
🍜 Flavours of Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya’s food scene is deeply tied to tradition, family and place. While the city is famous for a handful of iconic dishes, what makes eating here special is often the experience surrounding the meal, not just what is on the plate.
Giant River Prawns & Tom Yum in Sena
- One of the most talked-about food experiences in Ayutthaya is the giant river prawns, and for us, the journey led us to Joong Borikan in Sena. The prawns were delicious, and the Tom Yum prawns were rich and comforting, but if we are being completely honest, it was the experience that made this meal unforgettable.
- The ride out to Sena became part of the adventure and once we arrived, we were welcomed by a warm, multi-generational family. The grandfather, a true master of the kitchen, personally visited each table, checking in with pride and warmth. As we left, we were farewelled by the entire family, smiles all around.
- For us, prawns themselves do not carry a strong flavour. It is the sauces, the care and the atmosphere that elevate the dish and here, all of that came together beautifully. The food genuinely tasted better because of the people behind it.
Pork Satay with a Michelin Legacy
- Another standout was Here Kae Pork Satay, a takeaway satay shop run by a family whose matriarch has earned Michelin recognition year after year. The satays were perfectly cooked, but it was the satay sauce that truly stood out — rich, balanced and next level.
- Although her daughter now runs the day-to-day service, the original owner kindly came out for a photo with us, which made the experience feel incredibly special.
- What made this even better was how we discovered it. The restaurant next door, where we had pork congee for breakfast both mornings, recommended the satay to us. We ordered next door and the satays were delivered straight to our breakfast table.
- Both places deserve a mention, not just for the food, but for the genuine hospitality. The breakfast spot name translate from thai is “Six O’Clock in the Morning” and both places only operate until early afternoon, so arriving early is essential.
Pa Lek Boat Noodles
- No visit to Ayutthaya is complete without trying boat noodles, and Pa Lek Boat Noodles is one of the most well-known spots. They offer a variety of different noodle bowls to choose from; each served in small or large portions.
- We ordered six different small dishes and each had its own unique flavour profile. Many leaned towards the sweet side, which surprised us, but sampling them all made it easy to understand why this place is so popular and at 20 baht a bowl, you can’t go wrong.
Roti Sai Mai & Market Treats
- Ayutthaya’s most famous sweet treat is Roti Sai Mai and this was an instant favourite. Think of a delicate crepe wrapped around soft, sugary strands of spun candy. Light, fluffy and not overly sweet, they are easy to fall in love with.
- Beyond this, the markets are full of fresh fruit, snacks and local treats, perfect for grazing between temple visits. Wandering through the markets and trying small bites is one of the simplest and most enjoyable ways to experience Ayutthaya’s food culture. And in the hot weather a coconut ice cream or a whole coconut is a good treat.
A Food City with Heart
Ayutthaya’s food is not about fine dining or trends. It is about family, tradition and pride. The flavours are memorable, but it is the people, the stories and the warmth behind the food that truly make it special.
💡 Travel Tips for Visiting Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya is an easy and rewarding trip from Bangkok, especially if you plan transport and timing well.
Getting to Ayutthaya from Bangkok
- We travelled to Ayutthaya by van, booking through 12GoAsia, and found it simple and stress-free. It was easy to book online, easy to get a Grab from our accommodation to Mo Chit Van Terminal, and the journey took around 1 hour 30 minutes, costing roughly $8 NZD.
- One thing we learnt quickly is that van departure times are flexible. Even though your booking shows a specific time, if you arrive early and there is a van leaving sooner with spare seats, they will often put you on that one instead. This worked perfectly for us on both the trip to Ayutthaya and the return to Bangkok.
- If you prefer, you can also travel by train or bus, both of which are popular options. We found the van to be the quickest and most convenient choice for a short visit.
- 👉 You can check routes, prices and book vans, buses or trains through 12GoAsia Here:
Getting Around Ayutthaya
- Ayutthaya is spread out, and many temples and food spots are not within walking distance of each other. Hiring a bicycle or motorbike makes a huge difference and allows you to explore at your own pace.
- For us, a motorbike gave the most flexibility, especially for reaching markets and food destinations outside the central area. If riding is not your thing, tuk-tuks and taxis are also available, though costs add up quickly compared to hiring your own wheels.
Timing Your Visit
- Ayutthaya works well as a one or two-day destination. Arriving early in the day helps you avoid heat and crowds, especially at popular temple sites.
- Many well-known food spots and cafés close by early afternoon, so it pays to plan meals earlier in the day rather than leaving them too late.
Heat, Sun & Comfort
- Ayutthaya felt noticeably hotter than Bangkok, especially once the morning progressed. By around 10.30am, the heat became intense and stayed that way until roughly 4pm, when it finally began to ease.
- We found the best approach was to visit temples as soon as they opened at 8am, well before the tour buses arrived and while the temperature was still manageable. Early mornings were far more pleasant for walking around the open ruins, which offer very little shade.
- Carrying water, wearing sunscreen and taking breaks during the hottest hours made a big difference. Midday is best reserved for food, cafés or resting rather than trying to push through temple visits in the heat.
💡 Tohu Tip
Ayutthaya rewards travellers who slow down and plan lightly. Focus on a handful of temples, eat well and allow time to wander rather than trying to see everything in one rush.
⭐ 5 Interesting Facts About Ayutthaya
- Ayutthaya was once one of the world’s largest cities.
- At its peak in the seventeenth century, Ayutthaya was one of the most important and prosperous cities in the world, attracting traders from Europe, China and across Southeast Asia.
- The city was built around rivers.
- Ayutthaya sits at the confluence of three rivers, creating a natural island that helped protect it from invasion and made it a powerful trading hub.
- It was the capital of Siam for over 400 years.
- From 1350 until 1767, Ayutthaya served as the capital of the Kingdom of Siam before its destruction during a Burmese invasion.
- Many temple ruins were never rebuilt.
- After the fall of the city, large parts of Ayutthaya were abandoned, leaving behind the atmospheric ruins that define the city today.
- Ayutthaya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Recognised for its historical and cultural significance, Ayutthaya was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.
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🌍 Travel Planning Resources
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“History is not always loud. Sometimes it whispers through ruins.”