Background
Founded around 1350, Ayutthaya became the second Siamese capital after Sukhothai. It was destroyed by the Burmese in the 18th century; UNESCO says its remains, characterised by the prang reliquary towers and gigantic monasteries, give an idea of its past splendour.
Wikivoyage records that by 1700 Ayutthaya had become the largest city in the world, with a million inhabitants and merchants from everywhere, until the Burmese burnt it almost to the ground in 1767. The Fine Arts Department began restoring the ruins in 1969 and the historical park was declared in 1976.
- 1351King Ramathibodi I founds Ayutthaya
- 1569The Burmese capture the city but do not pillage it
- c. 1700Ayutthaya is said to be the largest city in the world
- 1767The Burmese army destroys the capital
- 1991Inscribed as World Heritage
Find Your Way Around
The main parts of the site, in the order most visitors see them
- 1Wat MahathatThe Buddha head held in banyan roots.
- 2Wat Phra Si SanphetThe three bell-shaped chedis of the royal temple.
- 3Wat ChaiwatthanaramKhmer-style prangs on the west bank of the river.
- 4Wat RatchaburanaThe prang beside Wat Mahathat.
- 5Wat LokayasutharamA 37 m reclining Buddha in the open.
- 6Bang Pa-InThe royal summer palace nearby.
Know Before You Go
From Wikivoyage and the GoGo guides
Island Temples by Bicycle
From the GoGo Ayutthaya guide · Open the Ayutthaya Guide ›
- 08:00Wat Mahathat1 hrThe Buddha head in the roots.
- 09:15Wat Ratchaburana1 hrThe great prang.
- 10:30Wat Phra Si Sanphet1 hrThe three chedis.
- 14:00Cycling the Ruins2 hrsBetween the temples.
- 16:00Wat Chaiwatthanaram75 minPrangs by the river.
- 17:00Sunset Long-Tail Boat90 minTemples from the water at dusk.
Best Time to Visit
Best months: Nov–Dec. Very hot (highs 34°C+) in Feb–May. Rainy season May–Oct.
Typical highs
Climate: NASA POWER
Pair It With
Other World Heritage sites nearby, by distance
