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Discover the Ancient Capital of Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is definitely worth visiting, especially if you love old temples and ruins and want to uncover the mysteries of Thailand’s former capital. I visited the historic city again on our last trip, and after spending 2 days exploring, it firmly sits on my list of top places to visit in Thailand. Ayutthaya is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its majestic ruins and timeless atmosphere. Some of the most iconic sites include: You can explore the ruins by bicycle, tuk-tuk, or even by boat along the rivers that surround the island city.

Wat Mahathat, famous for the Buddha head entwined in tree roots
Wat Phra Si Sanphet, once the royal temple of the Ayutthaya kings
Wat Chaiwatthanaram, a photogenic riverside temple complex reminiscent of Angkor Wat

Hotels in Ayutthaya

SALA Ayutthaya

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  • Ideal if you want style + comfort + location.
  • A boutique 5-star riverside retreat sitting on the Pasak River, with direct views of Ayutthaya’s historic temples.
  • Highlights: modern minimalist design, rooftop lounge, excellent staff reviews.

Niwas Ayutthaya

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  • A strong budget-friendly boutique option in the historic centre of Ayutthaya.
  • It’s clean, well located (close to the main ruins), and praised for great value.
  • Perfect if you’ll be out exploring the temples most of the day and only need a comfortable base.

Centara Ayutthaya

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  • A well-established mid-to-upper range hotel in Ayutthaya with good reviews (rating ~8.9/10 for this hotel in the area).
  • Features: outdoor pool, decent amenities for a comfortable stay.
  • Good pick if you want dependable comfort without going ultra-luxury.

Attractions & Tours

1 day tour from Bangkok to Ayutthay

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Private Longtail Tour of 4 Hours

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