Ayutthaya1) Wat Suwan Dararam Ratchaworawihan

2) Wat Na Phramen

3) Wat Phra Si Sanphet

4) Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit

5) Ancient Palace

6) Wat Thammikarat

7) Wat Ratchaburana (Ayutthaya)

8) Wat Phra Mahathat

9) Phra Chedi Sisuriyothai

10) Wat Phu Khao Thong

11) Wat Yai Chaimongkon

12) Wat Chaiwatthanaram

13) Wat Phananchoeng

Related

1) Chandrakasem Palace

2) Bang Pa-In Palace

3) Chap Sam Praya National Museum

4) Yai Chai Mongkhon Temple

5) Tha Sutthawat Temple

6) Wat Pramahatad Woramahaviharn

7) Wat Sa Tue, Ayudhya

8) Nah Phra Men Temple

9) Elephant Kraal Pavilion

10) Chao Ram Cave

11) Thai Boat Museum

12) Wat Saenasanaramrajvoraviharn

13) Wat Tammikarat

14) Wat Panomyong, Ayudhya

15) Wat Puttaisawan

16) The Support Arts and Crafts International Centre of Thailand (SACICT)

Boat: Pasak River Queen 6.30pm (2hrs)

Ban Phaktop Chawa (Souvenir Shop)

The cheapest and most scenic way of reaching Ayutthaya is by train. It regularly departs from Bangkok's Hualamphong Train Station and stops in Ayutthaya. The trip takes about 1h20min - 2.5 hrs depending on the type of service. Second-class seats (A/C) cost 245-345 baht, third-class is just 15-20 baht (!) (no reservations and seats are not guaranteed). Although in the past railway employees preferred not to sell 3rd-class tickets to foreigners, as of 2011 the employees were explicitly offering 3rd-class seats to western tourists as a standard option. Also note that some train stations (for instance Bang Khen) do not appear on the sites map, and that tickets may even be cheaper. If you have local friends, they may have some good advice.

The railway station is not on the island but across the river a short ferry ride away. Walk across the main road and down the small street straight ahead. Ferry boats run every few minutes and cost 5 baht. Alternatively, tuktuks are waiting in front of the station to take you into town for around 60 baht.

When taking the train, it's best to get on/off in Bang Sue. The track inside Bangkok is at-grade, and the train often got stopped because of traffic signal. Delay is expected especially during rush hour. You can get around town by tuk-tuk (motorized 3-wheeler). Ayutthaya's tuk-tuks are larger than the Bangkok variety and you can easily squeeze six people in on facing benches. Only "official" tuk-tuk drivers or tourist "helpers" can pick up passengers from the train station. You can verify their status by looking for their photos/name on a "Tourist Officials" board displayed at the southern end of the platform. These people are required to charge/work for fixed charges, usually quoting 300 baht/hour, but this can usually be bargained to a slightly lower price (e.g., 1,000 baht for 4 hrs).

You can also flag down tuk-tuks from the street and try to hire them, most drivers carry with them a stack of postcards featuring the famous sites of the city to ease communication, they also are used to the standard temple hopping circuit. If you have a map you can point out any of the destinations that you wish to see and they'll often quote a trip price and will wait for you at each stop. 200 baht per hour seems to be the starting point for tourist tuk-tuks picking up backpackers away from the station, although it can be possible to negotiate a lower price.

If you are really determined on your route, you can negotiate a single fare with the driver. Trips from inside the island goes around 100 Baht, and from outside the island around 150 Baht. There are usually tuk-tuk outside various wats waiting to pick up passengers, so no need to worry of being stuck. They can also be easily flagged down from the street within the island.

Ayutthaya is 76 kilometres north of Bangkok and boasts numerous magnificent ruins. The ruins indicate that Ayutthaya was one of Southeast Asia's (and probably the world's) most prosperous cities in the 17th Century and beyond. Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park, a vast stretch of historical site in the heart of Ayutthaya city, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since December 13, 1991.

There were three palaces in Ayutthaya: Grand Palace, Chantharakasem Palace (the Front Palace) and Wang Lang (the Rear Palace). In addition, there were many other palaces and buildings for royal visits located outside Ayutthaya, such as the palace at Bang Pa-In and Nakhon Luang Building at Nakhon Luang.

It seems there is a scam, but not against tourists. Against the government. Ladies selling tickets take the money from you and allow you to enter, but will not give you a paper ticket (and probably take the money to their own pocket). If you want your money to go for temple renovation and conservation instead of going into private pockets, insist a paper ticket.

On the islandThe temples with entry charges are usually in ruins, so there is no dress code, although visitors are still requested to refrain from blatant stupidity like clambering up the Buddha statues. Working temples tend to charge no fees and there are often no officials to check that a dress is appropriate (though it is advised to follow these customs to show respect for sacred places).

Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Sri Sanphet Rd. 08:00-18:00, daily. The largest temple in Ayutthaya, known for its distinctive row of restored chedis (Thai-style stupas) found on many images of the city. Housed within the grounds of the former royal palace, the temple was used only for royal religious ceremonies. It once housed a 16 m high Buddha covered with 340 kg of gold, but the Burmese set fire to the statue to melt the gold and destroyed the temple in the process. The royal palace can also be accessed from the same entrance at Wat Phra Si Sanphet, but it only has a few free standing buildings remaining. 50 baht. Viharn Phra Mongkol Bopit, Sri Sanphet Rd (Next to Wat Phra Si Sanphet). An impressive building that houses a large bronze cast Buddha image. It was originally enshrined outside the Grand Palace to the east, but it was later transferred to the current location and covered with a Mondop. During the second fall of Ayutthaya, the building and the image were badly destroyed by fire. The building currently seen was renovated but does not have as beautiful craftsmanship as the previous ones. The open area east of the sanctuary (wihan) was formerly Sanam Luang, where the royal cremation ceremony took place. Free. Wat Phra Mahathat, Naresuan Rd (Across the road from Wat Ratburana). A large temple that was quite thoroughly ransacked by the Burmese. Several leaning prangs of Ayutthaya are still feebly defying gravity though, and the rows of headless Buddhas are atmospheric. This is also where you can spot the famous tree that has grown around a Buddha head. When taking pictures of you and the Buddha head, make sure you kneel to show respect, as it is considered holy by Thais. 50 baht. Wat Ratchaburana, Naresuan Rd. This temple stands out for having a large prang recently restored to its original condition, clearly visible if you come in from the east. A major find of golden statues and other paraphernalia was made here in 1958, although much was subsequently stolen by robbers the remnants are now in the Chao Sam Phraya Museum. You can climb inside the prang for nice views and a little exhibit. The mysterious staircase down, leads to two unrestored rooms with original paintings still visible on the walls. 50 baht. Wat Thammikarat (), U-Thong Rd. A working wat, but also contains the ruins of a large chedi and a huge roofless viharn which has tall brick columns leaning at alarming angles and a large tree growing picturesquely out of the side of one wall. It was already constructed before the establishment of Ayutthaya. The Wihan Luang once enshrined an enormous bronze head of the Buddha of the U Thong period, now exhibited at the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum. The temple also houses a Reclining Buddha hall called Wihan Phra Phutthasaiyat, built by his queen consort following her wish made for her daughter's recovery from an ailment. The wihan is located to the north of Phra Chedi with a base of 52 surrounding singha or lions, and houses a north-facing reclining Buddha image measuring 12 m in length, with both feet gilded and inlaid with glass mosaic. Free. Wat Suwan Dararam, (southeast island). This modern wat with no ruins can be accessed by side streets off U-thong Rd. The wat contains a few small spires, and some nicely decorated modern buildings. Phet Fortress, (southeast island). This fortress was the city's most important defensive structure in the 15th century. Originally built of wood in 1350 by King Mahachakraphat, the fortress was later rebuilt with bricks. A few walls still remain and the grounds have a nice view of the river. The fortress is close to Wat Suwan Dararam, and is right beside a ferry that can take you to Wat Phanan Choeng. Wat Phra Ram, Sri Sanphet Road. 08:00-18:00, daily. This temple consists of one huge prang and some smaller chedi and outbuildings, all in disrepair though the top of the prang is complete. Staircases to the side of the prang give views of Ayutthaya. This monastery was located outside the grand palace compound to the east. King Ramesuan commanded it built on ground where the royal cremation ceremony for his father, King U-Thong, took place. A big lagoon is in front of this monastery. Its original name was "Nong Sano". It was changed to "Bueng Phraram" and currently is Phraram Public Park. 50 baht. Phra Chedi Suriyothai (), U-Thong Rd. A white and gold coloured chedi built as a memorial to a previous queen. Set in small, well-kept gardens, it is the memorial for the first heroine in Siamese history. It's of some interest as a proof of the honour that ancient Siamese society gave to women. It was renovated in 1990, and during the renovations some antique objects were found such as a white rock crystal Buddha image in the posture of subduing Mara, a chedi replica, and a golden reliquary. These ancient objects were brought to be under the care of the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum. Free. Wat Borom Phuttharam (), (inside Rajabhat University). Built some time during 16881703 during the reign of King Phetracha on the grounds of his former residence near the main gate of the southern city wall. Its location and area plan was confined to a north-south orientation by ancient communication routes. Unlike other temples, the king had all buildings roofed with yellow glazed tiles and the temple became known as "Wat Krabueang Khlueap" or the "glazed tile temple". The construction took 2 years and the temple underwent a major renovation in the reign of King Borommakot, who had 3 pairs of door panels decorated with fine mother-of-pearl inlays. One pair of them is currently at Ho Phra Monthian Tham inside the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the second is at Wat Benchamabophit (The Marble Temple), and the third was turned into cabinets and is now exhibited at the Bangkok National Museum. Museums Ayutthaya Historical Study Centre, Rojana Rd (Rotchana Rd), +66 35 245 124, +66 35 245 123. Interesting museum about the history of Ayutthaya. It's best to visit this museum before heading out elsewhere, as it places the remains into a historical perspective. A big part of the museum is dedicated to Siam's relations with other peoples, but village life, art and culture are also dealt with. foreigners: adults 100 baht, children 50 baht. Baan Hollanda, Soi Kan Rua, 035 235 200, [3]. 09.00-17.00. This Information center was donated to King Bhumibol and the Thai people by former Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands. It is situated on the east bank of the Chao Phaya River, at the site of the Dutch Lodge which was first built there in the 1608. It aims at telling about the Dutch settlement, how the Dutch worked, lived, and interacted with Siamese society and court. The museum provides informal learning by combining education with pleasure. 50thb. Chantharakasem National Museum, Uthong Rd, +66 35 251 586, +66 35 252 795. W- Su 09:00-16:00. Former residence of King Naresuan the Great, built in 1577. 100 baht (foreigners). Chao Sam Phraya National Museum. Most treasures of Ayutthaya were stolen, burnt and melted by armies or treasure hunters. Some pieces survived though and are exhibited at this museum. Most of the riches are golden statues found at Wat Ratchaburana and Wat Phra Mahathat. 150 baht (foreigners). Off the islandMuch of Ayutthaya's history revolves around trade with other nations, but these nations were not allowed to set up camp inside the city walls. Thus, surrounding Ayutthaya's waters are plenty of remains from the countries that once set sail here, such as the settlements of Japan, the Netherlands and Portugal, as well as the interesting Thai-Chinese temple of Wat Phanan Choeng.

Wat Chaiwatthanaram, Southwest off the island on Rt 3413 (take Rt 3263 off the island and turn left onto Rt 3413.). 08:30-17:00 daily. The temple that graces the official tourist pamphlet for Ayutthaya, this wat is a must see. Many intact pagodas surround a central chedi that you can climb from all sides. A nice view of the city can be had from the top. Very photogenic. 50 baht. Wat Na Phra Mane. This Wat offers a mix of old and modern buildings. It is unique because it survived the destruction of the city in the 18th century. Of interest are the vaulted ceilings and a Buddha made of black stone Wat Cherng Tha, (Just to the west of Wat Na Phra Mane, you can find it by going down a side street that links Wat Na Phra Mane to the main highway. You will pass a small ruined chedi on the way, it is about 2 minutes by bike.). A working monastery with a well-preserved ordination hall and a prominent central prang in the Khmer style with a lotus flower on top. It's worth stopping by as it is an interesting mix of older-style ruins and relatively modern. Particularly interesting is the Viharn with mural paintings and a teak altar. * Wat Phanan Choeng ()), Bang Pa-in Rd (About 2 km southeast of town, turn south at the road 309 roundabout). 8:30-17:00, daily. A working monastery located south of Ayutthaya, no one knows how old it is, but it existed before Ayutthaya was founded as the capital. It contains the oldest large cast bronze Buddha image in Ayutthaya, called "Phrachao Phananchoeng", built in A.D. 1325; it is made of stucco in the attitude of subduing evil. A small room to the right of the main hall contains a nice collection of Buddha images and the room is painted with many individual unique pictures, in bright colours offset with gold. 20 baht obligatory donation if entering from river side. 20 baht obligatory donation if entering from river side. Wat Phu Khao Thong, (About 3 km north of town, west off the Ang Thong Rd). Impressive and huge white, and slightly wonky, chedi set in a big field. You can climb to the top for extensive views over the countryside surrounding Ayutthaya, although the modern town and power lines obscure much of the historic city on the horizon. The actual nearby temple is still working and has small grounds with a smiling fat buddha image set in the ruins of a small viharn. You will see the 'Monument of King Naresuan the Great' on the way. Free.

Wat Yai Chaimongkon ( ), Bang Pa-in Rd (1 km east of Wat Phananchoeng). 8:00-18:00, daily. The large pagoda from far away, and some it's ruins appear on well known photos of temples in Thailand. Constructed in the reign of King U-Thong, the temple features a large reclining Buddha in saffron robes in its own ruined wiharn, and, most spectacularly, a huge chedi swathed in golden cloth set in a courtyard which is lined by Buddha images all wearing saffron robes. Very photogenic 20 baht. Foreign Settlements Dutch Settlement, Soi Kan Rua, [4]. The Dutch East India Company (VOC) founded in 1602 was the largest and most impressive of the early modern trading companies operating in Asia. The Dutch established their first trading post in Ayutthaya in 1608. By the 1630s the Dutch received land and permission to build a lodge on the east bank of the Chaophraya River. The two-storey brick building was known to the Dutch as de logie and the settlement developed into a separate village. This building was destroyed by the invading Burmese armies in 1767. After being archaeologically excavated, the brick foundation of the building was found and during the celebrations of 400 years of Thai-Dutch relations, H.M. Queen Beatrix donated a royal gift to establish an information centre near the site of the Dutch lodge. The Thai Fine Arts Department excavated the site and found many artifacts, such as Chinese porcelain, Dutch pipes and a coin. The construction of the museum began in 2010 and was finished in april 2011, but got flooded during the floods in 2011. 'Baan Hollanda Museum' is opened as of the 3rd of April 2013. For more information, see museums section. Japanese Settlement. There's nothing left of the Japanese Settlement, so instead, the Japanese government decided to create a Japanese-style park at the location of where the Japanese Settlement probably must have been. The Ayutthaya Historical Study Centre started a branch here, a museum about Ayutthaya's foreign relations with Japan and other countries. It starts with an interesting film lasting about 15 minutes and then you can explore the museum on your own: very interesting and definitely gives a good background of the city's history. Portuguese Settlement, (south of the island, access via route 3413 after turning south from the bridge connecting the island, past Wat Chaiwatthanaram and Phutthai Sawan), [5]. A scattering of ruins, highlighted by the Dominican church. Inside the church are the excavated remains of members of the settlement. It is kind of an eerie sight, but interesting. The skeletons of those inside the church apparently belong to those who were of higher status within the settlement, like priests. It was said to be the largest community of Westerners after it was settled in the early 1500s. The settlement was destroyed in 1767 after the fall of Ayutthaya. Free, donation suggested. Chao Phrom Market. Located next to the Pasak River on U-Thong Rd., this market offers food, clothing, and day to day necessities at a variety of shops and stalls. More for locals, the market lacks the usually touristy trinkets; however, the food is fantastic, good clothing deals can be found, and the visit may be of interest for those who wish to experience a more authentic Thai marketplace. There are several night markets with many street hawkers selling a range of food and some stalls with clothing, phones and more.

Elephantstay, 74/1 Moo 3 Tumbol Suanpik, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Ayutthaya 13000, [6]. Is a not for profit program located at the Royal Elephant Kraal and village. Live, work and play with Elephants! Elephantstay is a fantastic way for you to get hands on experience & make a real difference to the lives of our old elephants. Stay in the most exciting, innovative, working elephant village in Asia, dedicated to conserving elephants, just 1 hour from Bangkok. EXPERIENCE | SPIRIT | CONSERVATION Boat noodle, (In front of telephone authority building and (2nd location) opposite Sri Nakharin Park along U-Thong Road.). Original boat noodle was cooked on a boat. It's noodles and soup with meat and vegetables. They are served in a little bowl and most people would eat more than one to relieve their hunger. 10 baht per bowl. edit

Malakor, Chee Kun Rd (opposite Wat Ratchaburana). Reasonably priced restaurant with great views of Wat Ratchaburana and very good food. Meat in most dishes can be substituted with tofu. Eat indoors or on the balcony. Also sells some of Ayutthaya's best coffee. Most mains 45-60 baht. edit

Roti Saimai, U-Thong Road and Si Sanphet Road junction (Opposite Phra Nakorn Si Ayutthaya Hospital). Roti Saimai is a Thai-style candy floss wrapped in a roti - a very popular local dessert. edit

Siam Restaurant, Chee Kun Rd. Serves unremarkable Thai and Vietnamese food, but makes up for it with an excellent location with views of Wat Mahathat as you eat, air conditioning, and possibly the best toilets in the city. Most mains 50-100 baht. edit

Vegetarian Restaurant, Khlong Makham Rieng Rd (50 m south of the junction with Naresuan Rd). early-14:00, daily. One of the usual Thai rahn a-hahn jair. With 8 different meals available and side orders of gluten and gluten. 15-25 baht. edit

Night Market. There are 2 main night markets in every night. The first one is located in front of of Telephone authority building and another one is located opposite to Chandrakasem Palace (). Usually,the vendors set up their stalls and start selling around 4.30 pm then continue selling until 9.30.If you want to save your budget or try various foods,these markets are the right places for you. Many kinds of food are sold at reasonable price and,exactly,most of them are Thai foods,for instance,noodle,papaya salad or Somtam (),Pad Thai (),Thai dessert and so on. However,the biggest problem that you will face is,as always,the language,so it's suggested for asking some advice from your guesthouses,guides or hotel receptions about the foods and how to order. edit

Earl Restaurant, (Take the street of Chao Prom in a west ward direction until you spot the green curved over hang.), +66035243051. Look for the green overhang to get delicious food in a 1950's themed diner. Vintage Thai Pepsi, Coke, and Fanta soda bottles and preserved decor give you something to talk about and admire. Thai Food is served her as well as local beer, fresh coffee ( hot & iced coffee) and ice cream. Prices 30 - 60 Baht. Located towards the end of Naresuan Rd. The owner, Earl, speaks English. 30 - 60 Baht.

Most visitors get out the way they came from Bangkok. But there are a number of other interesting next stops in the area:

Bang Pa-In famous for its eccentric palace and only 20 km to the south

Kanchanaburi the famous Bridge over the River Kwai and numerous World War II museums

Khao Yai National Park first and largest national park of the country

Lopburi the next destination if you take the train north, with monkeys and ancient ruins

Nakhon Ratchasima gateway to the Isaan region

Sukhothai another former capital of Siam with impressive ancient ruins