Luxury Ayutthaya Tours

The former capital city of the Siam Kingdom, Ayutthaya once reigned as the largest city in the world during the 17th century.

Founded in 1351, it was a vast and booming empire built on canals and navigated by a 140km web of waterways. An important trading port, it attracted wealthy foreign traders from all over the world.

Filled with grand palaces and majestic temples for Thai royalty, Ayutthaya retained its power for just over four centuries. In 1767, the Burmese invaded and ransacked the city, taking its riches along with thousands of prisoners back to Burma (Myanmar).

The city was abandoned and a new capital was formed in Bangkok, just 80km to the south of Ayutthaya.

Today, this once glorious city is filled with crumbling ruins curled up in the roots of jujube trees and intricate brick temples standing stubbornly in the peaceful, grassy fields.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, these archaeological treasures are now well-preserved, and it remains a living city and a place of worship. You'll see Buddha statues draped in saffron robes, monks offering blessings, and temples adorned in lotus flowers.

Walk among the atmospheric ruins and begin to imagine the city in its heyday grandeur, dripping with gilded temples and golden statues.

Take a guided tour to see the most impressive ruins including Wat Mahathat and Wat Phra Sri Sanphet.

Wat Mahathat is a complex of pagodas and Buddhist statues, and is most famously known for the large Buddha head entwined in the thick roots of a jujube tree.

Wat Phra Sri Sanphet is the largest temple in Ayutthaya and part of a former royal Grand Palace. The temple features three huge chedis in a row, which are the symbol of Ayutthaya.

Visit Wat Phananchoengworawihan to see the oldest Buddha statue in Ayutthaya. This giant gilded statue stands at a massive 19 metres and is 700 years old. 

You can also see a large reclining Buddha in Wat Buddhaisawan. The temple lies on the banks of the Chao Phraya river and is still in use as a place of worship.

After a day of exploring the ancient sites, take to the night markets to sample some local food or relax by the ancient trees and temples strewn around Rama Public Park. 

One of the best ways to take in the brilliant sunset is with a tranquil cruise down the rivers of Ayutthaya.