Where to stay in Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya was the capital of the Kingdom of Siam for more than four centuries, until it was sacked in 1767. Its ruined temples, brick chedis and Buddha statues are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, spread across an island ringed by three rivers, about 80 km north of Bangkok.

Many people visit on a day trip, but staying a night or two lets you see the ruins in the soft morning light, cycle between temples before the heat builds and catch the floodlit ruins after dark. The places we list are mostly small guesthouses on the eastern side of the island, within walking or cycling distance of Wat Mahathat.

From Bangkok
About 1.5 to 2 hours by train, or around 1.5 hours by road
Nearest airport
Don Mueang, roughly 50 km south
Getting around
Bicycle, tuk-tuk or boat; the island is flat
Main sights
Ayutthaya Historical Park, Wat Mahathat, Wat Yai Chaimongkol

Places to stay in Ayutthaya

8 hotels

"Our order" puts hotels we have fully written up first. Commission doesn't affect the order.

Ayutthaya, area by area

The historic centre sits on an island formed by the Chao Phraya, Pa Sak and Lopburi rivers. Most guesthouses cluster on its eastern side, with a few more across the river on the east bank near the railway station.

The historic island

Best for temples and cycling

Staying on the island puts the main ruins within cycling distance. Wat Mahathat, with its famous Buddha head in the tree roots, and Wat Ratchaburana are close to the eastern guesthouse streets, while Wat Phra Si Sanphet and the Historical Park lie a little further west.

The eastern edge of the island, around Naresuan Road and the streets near Chao Phrom market, has most of the guesthouses, cafes and bike-hire shops. It's lively in a low-key way, with evening food stalls and easy tuk-tuk rides to the station.

The east bank

Best for the station and Wat Yai Chaimongkol

Across the Pa Sak River, the east bank is home to the railway station and the giant reclining Buddha and chedi of Wat Yai Chaimongkol. It's quieter and more residential, a good choice if you're arriving by train or prefer a peaceful garden setting. A short ferry crossing near the station links it to the island.

Further out, Wat Phanan Choeng, with its huge seated Buddha, sits by the river to the south-east, and the ruins of Wat Chaiwatthanaram, one of the most photographed in Ayutthaya, lie on the west bank opposite the island. Both are easiest to reach by tuk-tuk or as part of a boat tour.

Questions about staying in Ayutthaya

How many days do you need in Ayutthaya?

One full day covers the main temples, but an overnight stay lets you visit in the cooler early morning and see the ruins lit up in the evening.

How do I get from Bangkok to Ayutthaya?

Trains run regularly from Bangkok and take around 1.5 to 2 hours. Minivans and taxis are also available, and some visitors arrive by river cruise.

Is Ayutthaya easy to explore by bicycle?

Yes. The island is flat, and most guesthouses rent or lend bikes. It gets very hot by midday, so start early and carry water.

Do I need to buy tickets for the temples?

Many of the main temple ruins charge a small entry fee, and combined passes are sometimes sold. Some smaller sites are free.

Is it worth staying overnight rather than on a day trip?

For many visitors, yes. Tour groups from Bangkok arrive mid-morning and leave in the afternoon, so early mornings and evenings are quieter, and several ruins are floodlit after dark.

When is the best time to visit Ayutthaya?

November to February is the coolest and driest period. March to May is very hot, and the rainy season can bring flooding to low-lying areas.

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