Ayutthaya travel guide: planning your stay

Getting there and choosing your base

Ayutthaya railway station: Trains run through the day from Bangkok's Krung Thep Aphiwat and Hua Lamphong stations, calling at Don Mueang Airport. The station is off the island: a small ferry crosses the river just opposite, and there is a bridge with a walkway to the south.
Minibuses and buses from Bangkok: Minibuses leave from opposite Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal and stop near Naresuan Road, and the main bus station is beside the Chao Phrom Market. Both are within walking distance of the guesthouse streets in the north-east of the island.
River cruises from Bangkok: There is no scheduled boat service, only tour cruises booked in advance, some with an overnight stay on board. Check whether a cruise package already includes a night in Ayutthaya.

Areas to consider

Naresuan Road and Soi 2

Suits backpackers and cyclists, with guesthouses, bike hire and bars in a few short streets. Rooms here vary from fan-only to air-conditioned within the same guesthouse, so confirm the room type you are paying for.

Riverside

Suits travellers who want the island's limited upper-range stock and river views. Check whether the hotel is on the island or on the far bank, and how you will cross to the ruins.

Near Wat Mahathat and Wat Ratchaburana

Suits early risers who want to reach the ruins before day-trip groups arrive from Bangkok. Ask whether the hotel lends or rents bicycles, as cycling is the easiest way between temples.

East bank by the railway station

Suits rail travellers continuing north or catching an early train back to Bangkok. You will cross the river to reach most sights, so check the walk to the ferry landing or the bridge.

When to go

Most visitors come on a day trip from Bangkok, so evenings are quieter than daytime. The cool, dry months from November to February are the best for cycling the ruins; March and April are very hot, and the rains run from about May to October. The World Heritage festival in late December and Songkran on 13 April draw large crowds.

Before choosing a room

Most stock is small guesthouses with few facilities. If you want a pool or restaurant, check the hotel's facility list rather than its star rating.
Riverside hotels often sell river-view and standard rooms at different rates; confirm which category the quoted price covers.
Many visitors cycle between ruins. Check whether bicycles are included, their condition, and whether a lock is provided.

Sources and planning resources

Facts checked on 29 October 2026. Transport services, taxes and hotel offers can change. Confirm the details for your trip before booking.