Ayutthaya is a historic city in Thailand, located about 80 kilometers north of Bangkok. It was the capital of Thailand from the 14th to the 18th centuries and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ayutthaya is known for its ruins of ancient temples and palaces, which are scattered throughout the city.
Here is your complete 2026 Ayutthaya travel guide with real hotels, prices, contacts, restaurants, transport, and top attractions.
AYUTTHAYA TRAVEL GUIDE (2026)
📍 Location: Ayutthaya
UNESCO Site: Ayutthaya Historical Park
👉 About 80 km north of Bangkok, Ayutthaya was Thailand’s capital for over 400 years before its destruction in 1767
🏨 BEST HOTELS IN AYUTTHAYA (2026)
💰 LOW BUDGET (300–800 THB)
🏨 The Park Ayutthaya Resort and Spa
3.9•Resort hotel
- Price: ~500–800 THB/night
- Address: 23/28 Moo 3, Tha Wasukri
- Phone: +66 98 334 4418
- Room Types:
- Standard Double Room
- Fan Room
- Size: ~18–25 sqm
- 🌊 Beach distance: ❌ (Ayutthaya has no beaches, riverside only)
👉 Walking distance to temples
💰 MID RANGE (800–2,500 THB)
🏨 Krungsri River Hotel
4.1•Hotel
- Price: ~1,200–2,000 THB/night
- Address: 27/2 Rojana Rd
- Phone: +66 35 244 333
- Room Types:
- Superior Room
- Deluxe River View
- Size: ~30–40 sqm
- 📍 Near train station + river
🏨 Kantary Hotel Ayutthaya
4.4•Hotel
- Price: ~2,000–3,000 THB/night
- Address: 168 Moo 1, Rojana Rd
- Phone: +66 35 337 177
- Room Types:
- Studio Suite
- One Bedroom Suite
- Size: ~45–70 sqm
- 📍 Close to malls + hospital access
💎 HIGH END (3,000–8,000+ THB)
🏨 SALA Ayutthaya Boutique Hotel
4.3•Hotel
- Price: ~4,000–8,000 THB/night
- Address: 9/2 Moo 4, U Thong Rd
- Phone: +66 35 242 588
- Room Types:
- River View Deluxe
- Pool Suite
- Size: ~45–100 sqm
- 📍 Riverside + temple views
🏨 Centara Ayutthaya
4.5•Hotel
- Price: ~2,500–4,000 THB
- Address: Khlong Suan Phlu
- Phone: +66 35 243 555
- Room Types:
- Deluxe Room
- Family Suite
🍜 BEST RESTAURANTS (WALKABLE AREAS)
THAI FOOD
🍽️ Sukunya Somtum
4.7•Thai restaurant•
- Price: 100–300 THB
- Famous for papaya salad
🍽️ Tarn Ayutthaya
4.8•Thai restaurant•
- Price: 300–600 THB
- Great modern Thai dishes
🍽️ The Artisans Ayutthaya
4.9•Thai restaurant•
- Stylish Thai dining
- Riverside atmosphere
🍔 WESTERN / FUSION
🍽️ Civilize Ayutthaya
4.5•Restaurant•Open
- Western + Thai fusion
- Trendy cafe vibes
🍽️ Busaba Ayutthaya Cuisine
4.4•Coffee shop•Open
- Coffee + brunch + Western dishes
🚕 TRANSPORTATION (2026)
🚆 Bangkok → Ayutthaya
- Train: 15–125 THB (1–1.5 hrs)
- Minivan: 60–100 THB
- Taxi: 1,500–2,500 THB
🚲 Getting Around Ayutthaya
- Bicycle: 40–100 THB/day
- Tuk-tuk: 200–300 THB/hour
- Motorbike: 150–300 THB/day
👉 The city is compact and easy to explore
🏛️ Ayutthaya Historical Park: This park is home to the ruins of the ancient city of Ayutthaya, which was the capital of Thailand from the 14th to the 18th centuries. whc.unesco.org Ayutthaya Historical Park.
Wat Mahathat: This temple is one of the most important temples in Ayutthaya and is known for its head of Buddha embedded in a tree trunk. www.tourismthailand.org Wat Mahathat.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet: This temple was once the holiest temple in Ayutthaya and is known for its beautiful architecture. peapix.com Wat Phra Si Sanphet.
Wat Chaiwatthanaram: This temple is a beautiful example of Khmer architecture. en.wikipedia.org Wat Chaiwatthanaram.
Wat Ratchaburana: This temple is known for its beautiful murals. www.theroadtoanywhere.com Wat Ratchaburana.
Wat Lokayasutharam: This temple is known for its reclining Buddha. commons.wikimedia.org Wat Lokayasutharam.
Wat Phu Khao Thong (Golden Mount): This mountain offers stunning views of the surrounding area. www.tripadvisor.com Wat Phu Khao Thong (Golden Mount).
Ayutthaya Night Safari: This is a zoo that is open at night and allows visitors to see the animals in their natural habitat. blog.ilp.org Ayutthaya Night Safari, Thailand
Ayutthaya Ceramics: This is a great place to buy souvenirs, such as ceramics and pottery.
Places to eat:
- Aroy Dee Restaurant: This restaurant serves up delicious Thai food at affordable prices. m.yelp.com Aroy Dee Restaurant.
- Baan Ta Krua: This restaurant serves up traditional Thai food in a homely setting. mel365.com Baan Ta Krua.
- Khao Soi Pla Ra Restaurant: This restaurant serves up delicious khao soi, a noodle dish that is a specialty of Ayutthaya. www.eatingthaifood.com Khao Soi Pla Ra Restaurant.
- Kanom Jeen Jaew Restaurant: This restaurant serves up delicious kanom jeen, a rice noodle dish that is a specialty of Ayutthaya. www.eatingthaifood.com Kanom Jeen Jaew Restaurant.
- The Hungry Traveller: This restaurant serves up delicious Thai food at affordable prices. wwww.kimkim.com Hungry Traveller.
- Street Food: There are many stalls selling delicious street food in Ayutthaya. This is a great way to try local dishes at a bargain price.
Here are the top 10 places to stay in Ayutthaya, Thailand in 2023:
- SALA Ayutthaya Boutique Hotel. Luxe quarters in a chic, riverside hotel offering an art gallery, free breakfast & a restaurant/bar. www.archdaily.com SALA Ayutthaya Boutique Hotel.
- One Dhatu Ayutthaya Premium Homestay. Homestay with cozy rooms & villas in a secluded tropical resort with a day spa, a pool & free loaner bikes. www.traveloka.com One Dhatu Ayutthaya Premium Homestay.
- Baan Thai House. Cozy rooms & villas in a secluded tropical resort with a day spa, a pool & free loaner bikes. www.tripadvisor.com Baan Thai House.
- iuDia Hotel. Refined rooms, some featuring views of the Ayutthaya ruins, plus a cafe & free loaner bikes. www.tripadvisor.com iuDia Hotel.
- Classic Kameo Hotel & Serviced Apartments Ayutthaya. Spacious rooms with balconies in a hotel with a pool, a fitness center & free breakfast. www.booking.com Classic Kameo Hotel & Serviced Apartments.
- The Quay Boutique Hotel. Stylish rooms & suites in a riverside hotel with a pool, a restaurant & bar. www.booking.com Quay Boutique Hotel.
- Baan Sabai Ayutthaya Boutique Hotel. Modern rooms & suites in a hotel with a pool, a restaurant & bar. www.trivago.com Baan Sabai Ayutthaya Boutique Hotel.
- P.U. Inn Resort. Spacious rooms with balconies in a resort with a pool, a restaurant & bar. www.booking.com P.U. Inn Resort.
- Phutta Residence. Budget-friendly rooms in a hotel with a pool, a restaurant & bar. 185-surawong-residence-bangkok.booked.net Phutta Residence.
- OYO 660 Taevaraj Place. Clean rooms in a budget hotel with a pool & restaurant. www.tripadvisor.com OYO 660 Taevaraj Place.
These are just a few of the many great places to stay in Ayutthaya. The best place for you will depend on your budget, your interests, and your travel style.
I would recommend SALA Ayutthaya Boutique Hotel. It is a luxurious hotel located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. It offers stunning views of the city and the river, as well as a variety of amenities, including a spa, a pool, and a restaurant.
However, if you are on a budget, I would recommend Baan Sabai Ayutthaya Boutique Hotel. It is a more affordable option that is still located in a great location and offers a variety of amenities.
Ultimately, the best place to stay in Ayutthaya depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Tips for tourists
Get travel insurance. This will protect you in case of any medical emergencies or other unforeseen circumstances.
The best time to visit Ayutthaya is during the dry season, which runs from November to April.
The currency in Thailand is the Thai baht (THB).
The official language of Thailand is Thai. However, English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Be sure to bargain when shopping. This is a common practice in Thailand.
Tipping is not expected, but it is appreciated.
Drink bottled water. Tap water in Thailand is not safe to drink.
💰 DAILY BUDGET (2026)
| Type | Budget |
|---|---|
| Budget | 800–1,500 THB |
| Mid-range | 1,500–3,500 THB |
| Luxury | 4,000–10,000+ THB |
⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTE
👉 Ayutthaya has:
- ❌ No beaches
- ✔️ Rivers, temples, historical ruins
🔥 FINAL TAKE
Ayutthaya is:
- ✔️ One of Thailand’s best historical destinations
- ✔️ Perfect for 1–2 days or a day trip from Bangkok
- ✔️ Cheap, authentic, and less touristy than islands