Experience Travel Group
1-888-577-8452 020 7924 7133
Call

Why Visit Ayutthaya?

Explore Further

Download Guide Get in Touch
  • Destinations
    • South Asia
      • Sri Lanka
      • The Maldives
      • India
      • Bhutan
    • South East Asia
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
      • Cambodia
      • Laos
      • Myanmar
      • Indonesia
      • Malaysia
      • Borneo
      • Indochina
    • Middle East
      • Oman
  • About us
    • Our Story
    • Our Team
    • Our Reviews
    • Our Press
    • Our brochure
    • Our Blog
  • How it works
    • Why choose us?
    • Booking with confidence
    • How much does it cost?
    • Trip planning process
    • Financial protection
    • What happens if something goes wrong on my holiday?
    • Working with in-country partners
    • My Booking
    • Contact Us
  • Holiday Types
    • The Revitalise Collection
    • Immersive Escapes
    • Honeymoons
    • Family Travel
  • Inspiration
    • Inspire me
    • Travel Soon
    • Plan Ahead
    • Month by month weather guide
    • Free Country Guides
  • Sustainability
    • Travel Better
    • Our Counter-Carbon Pledge
    • One bottle at a time
    • Building a Sustainable Future
    • Giving Back
  • Search
Why Visit Ayutthaya?
ABTA
ATOL
  • Holidays in Thailand
    • Hidden Thailand Holidays
    • Family Thailand Holidays
    • Ultimate Holidays
    • Multi-Country Holidays
  • Guide to Thailand
    • Why choose Thailand
    • Weather & When to go
    • Hotel inspiration
    • Experiences inspiration
    • Free Country Guide Download
  • Regions of Thailand
    • Northern Thailand
        Overview
      • Chiang Mai
      • Chiang Rai & The Golden Triangle
      • Mae Hong Son
      • Pai
    • Isan
        Overview
      • Loei
      • Nakhon Phanom
      • Udon Thani
      • Phanom Rung
    • Central Thailand
        Overview
      • Ayutthaya
      • Bangkok
      • Kanchanaburi
      • Erawan National Park
      • Khao Yai National Park
      • Lopburi
      • Phitsanulok
      • Sukhothai
    • Central Beaches & Islands
        Overview
      • Hua Hin & Cha-Am
      • Koh Chang
      • Koh Kood
      • Koh Samet
    • Southern Thailand
        Overview
      • Ao Phang Nga National Park
      • Khao Sok National Park
      • Trang
    • Western Beaches & Islands
        Overview
      • Phuket
      • Koh Lanta
      • Koh Lipe
      • Koh Phi Phi
      • Koh Yao
      • Khao Lak
      • Koh Jum
      • Koh Ngai
      • Krabi
    • Eastern Beaches & Islands
        Overview
      • Khanom
      • Koh Samui
      • Koh Pha-Ngan
      • Koh Tao
Experience Travel Group

A rich history and developing modern culture make Ayutthaya a fascinating place to visit. Only 85 km north of Bangkok, this special place possesses both the ruins of an ancient city and the feel of a modern one. With its unique history, Ayutthaya is a worthy cultural destination to include on your holiday in Thailand.

  • Discover more
    • Overview
    • Ayutthaya
    • Bangkok
    • Kanchanaburi
    • Erawan National Park
    • Khao Yai National Park
    • Lopburi
    • Phitsanulok
    • Sukhothai

Founded in 1350, and surrounded by three great rivers, the island city of Ayutthaya flourished, growing to a population of one million citizens by the 18th century. The waters and the ever-increasing community created a thriving trade hub, drawing merchants from many countries to the area. Ayutthaya’s openness was also its downfall; the Burmese destroyed it in 1767, burning most of the city to the ground, ransacking the buildings and enslaving any remaining citizens. The spirit of Ayutthaya lives on in modern Thailand.

Ayutthaya Historical Park features the ruins of the original city. You can explore stone statues, temples, and palaces and the majority of the ruins are open to the public for a small fee. The island is full of temples; some remain functional, but most are in ruins. While some of the ruins have been renovated or conserved, there aren’t enough monks now to facilitate the upkeep.

If your time is limited, don’t miss Wat Phra Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana, and Wat Thammikarat. Wat Phra Mahathat is a must-see, with rows of majestic headless Buddha statues and a very famous tree, the roots twisting and weaving around a Buddha's head. Wat Ratchaburana is next door, featuring a fully-restored prang that you can climb (an intricately carved spire resembling a tower), and original temple paintings. Wat Thammikarat is the ruins of a magnificent temple, featuring a 12 metre tall Buddha, inlaid with spectacular glass mosaics. An Experience Travel Group guide will bring the complex to life: it's easy to miss just how magnificent this city once was.

As well as the temple ruins, the museums at Ayutthaya are very popular with visitors. If you can only see one museum, choose the Ayutthaya Historical Study Centre, dedicated to the history of the island and its culture. This fascinating museum gives an idea of what the area was like before the devastation by the Burmese. The Ayutthaya Historical Study Centre contributes historical depth and cultural significance of the ruins to the Siamese, helping to enhance your understanding of the area. The Chao Sam Phraya National Museum holds relics from the original city, mainly intricate golden statues.  The Baan Hollanda Museum illuminates the little known Dutch settlers, their lives, cultures, and relationships with the Siamese.

Filled with majestic stone temple ruins, and bursting with stories and precious relics from a bygone era, Ayutthaya is well worth your time in Thailand, if you're looking for a historical adventure. Talk to our experts about including Ayutthaya in your next tailor-made Thailand holiday.

Hidden Thailand Holidays:

Natural Beauty and Local Life

Natural Beauty and Local Life

Immerse yourself in Thailand's natural beauty, rich culture and unique traditions before relaxing on a quiet beach.

Slow Paced Thailand

Slow Paced Thailand

Take in great scenery and authentic Thai life at a slow pace then relax at a little-known paradise island in the south.

Classic ETG Thailand

Classic ETG Thailand

A gentle way to take-in the more well-known sights. Charming and relaxing accommodation combined with unique insider experiences.

Start your journey

Each journey with ETG is different. Let us know your needs, hopes and fears, and our friendly travel team will help you discover your ideal holiday.

Get in Touch

Call us 020 7924 7133

The ETG Newsletter

Your fantastic fortnightly round-up of everything new and newsworthy in travel. Expect the latest experiences, hotels and advice from our travel experts - not to mention exclusive special offers

Sign up Here

Thailand Travel Blog

Get in Touch
How it works
  • Why choose us?
  • Booking with confidence
  • How much does it cost?
  • Trip planning process
  • Financial protection
  • What happens if something goes wrong on my holiday?
  • Working with in-country partners
  • My Booking
  • Contact Us
About Us
  • Our Story
  • Our Team
  • Our Reviews
  • Our Promise
  • Our Press
  • Contact
  • Jobs
Useful
  • Your Protection
  • Travel Insurance
  • Our Rating System
  • Exclusive Signature Experiences
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Website T&C's of Use
  • Cookie Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Package Travel Regulations
  • Belgrade Office
  • Foreign and Commonwealth (FCO) Travel Advice
  • Site Search
  • Covid-19
Get Social

facebook.com/experiencetravel twitter.com/ExpTrav instagram.com/experiencetravelgroup

  • Visit us on Facebook
  • View @ExpTrav Twitter Feed
  • Visit our Travel Blog
  • Follow our Instagram page
  • Newsletter
  • Book Club

© Experience Travel
Registered in England, Company No. 5071391 | ABTA Member | 9324 ATOL Protected
Site by Livingstone Creative

Experience Travel Group

020 7924 7133 Get in touch

Call
  • Destinations
    • South Asia
      • Sri Lanka
      • The Maldives
      • India
      • Bhutan
    • South East Asia
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
      • Cambodia
      • Laos
      • Myanmar
      • Indonesia
      • Malaysia
      • Borneo
      • Indochina
    • Middle East
      • Oman
  • Holidays in Thailand
    • Hidden Thailand Holidays
    • Family Thailand Holidays
    • Ultimate Holidays
    • Multi-Country Holidays
  • Guide to Thailand
    • Why choose Thailand
    • Weather & When to go
    • Hotel inspiration
    • Experiences inspiration
    • Free Country Guide Download
  • Info on Thailand
    • Northern Thailand
      • Overview
      • Chiang Mai
      • Chiang Rai & The Golden Triangle
      • Mae Hong Son
      • Pai
    • Isan
      • Overview
      • Loei
      • Nakhon Phanom
      • Udon Thani
      • Phanom Rung
    • Central Thailand
      • Overview
      • Ayutthaya
      • Bangkok
      • Kanchanaburi
      • Erawan National Park
      • Khao Yai National Park
      • Lopburi
      • Phitsanulok
      • Sukhothai
    • Central Beaches & Islands
      • Overview
      • Hua Hin & Cha-Am
      • Koh Chang
      • Koh Kood
      • Koh Samet
    • Southern Thailand
      • Overview
      • Ao Phang Nga National Park
      • Khao Sok National Park
      • Trang
    • Western Beaches & Islands
      • Overview
      • Phuket
      • Koh Lanta
      • Koh Lipe
      • Koh Phi Phi
      • Koh Yao
      • Khao Lak
      • Koh Jum
      • Koh Ngai
      • Krabi
    • Eastern Beaches & Islands
      • Overview
      • Khanom
      • Koh Samui
      • Koh Pha-Ngan
      • Koh Tao
  • About us
    • Our Story
    • Our Team
    • Our Reviews
    • Our Press
    • Our brochure
    • Our Blog
  • How it works
    • Why choose us?
    • Booking with confidence
    • How much does it cost?
    • Trip planning process
    • Financial protection
    • What happens if something goes wrong on my holiday?
    • Working with in-country partners
    • My Booking
    • Contact Us
  • Holiday Types
    • The Revitalise Collection
    • Immersive Escapes
    • Honeymoons
    • Family Travel
  • Inspiration
    • Inspire me
    • Travel Soon
    • Plan Ahead
    • Month by month weather guide
    • Free Country Guides
  • Sustainability
    • Travel Better
    • Our Counter-Carbon Pledge
    • One bottle at a time
    • Building a Sustainable Future
    • Giving Back
  • Search
  • Contact Us
  • My Booking
  • Brochure
  • Blog