Much of Ayutthaya’s charm lies in its ruins and historical significance. A sightseeing tour around the city will take you to a number of famous ruins such as temples and chedis as well as a number of working temples and also an impressive palace. For some peace and quiet, take a trip to one of the city’s parks where you can relax and indulge in some people watching.

Ancient Palace
This historical palace is largely in ruins which are located in large grounds. They are a stunning sight to see, with some free-standing buildings remaining.

Ayutthaya Historical Study Centre
This modern museum attempts to portray life in Ayutthaya with model images. It is a great place to take the kids and will fascinate anyone who is interested in the history of Thailand.

Bang Pa-In Palace
This palace is located 18kms south of Ayuthaya and is a stunning palace rich in history and importance. It was originally built by King Prasat Thong in 1632, but was ransacked in the Burmese occupation. The palace was semi-restored by King Mongkut (Rama IV) in the 1850s, and was completed by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V. It was last restored in 2001 and has been maintained ever since. Phone: +66 224 3273

Chedi at Wat Phu Khao Thong
This is an enormous chedi which is famed for being crooked and is located in grounds which house a smiling fat Buddha. You will also find the monument of King Naresuan the Great close by

Khun Phaen Residence
Khun Phaen Residence is a reconstructed traditional teak house which can be found in beautiful parklands with water features and a number of places to sit and enjoy the serenity. Many elephants taking tourists round the sights stop here for photos as Wat Phra Ram can be seen in the background.

Phra Chedi Sisuriyothai
This white and gold chedi was built as a memorial to a former queen. It can be found amid small well-maintained gardens and is a great place to escape to for a bit of peace and quiet.

Phra Ram Park
Phra Ram Park is in fact stunning woodlands dissected by nature trails and picturesque bridges over walkways which lead you past a variety of Buddha images and buildings.

Wat Nah Phra Meru
This impressive temple boasts a large viharn which houses the biggest bronze Buddha image in the city. Elsewhere in the grounds, you will find a small carp pond and three chedi ruins.

Wat Phanancherng
This is a working temple which boasts the oldest large cast bronze Buddha image in Ayutthaya. There is a small room which contains an impressive collection of Buddha images.

Wat Yai Chaimonkorn
This large working temple features many ruins which appear on many photographs of Thailand. You will find a large reclining Buddha in saffron robes and a large chedi which is wrapped in golden cloth and lined by Buddha images.

Wiharn at Wat Thammikarat
This is an actual working temple but also houses the remains of a large chedi and a wiharn, which has a large tree growing out of the side of one of its walls.

Enjoy a river cruise and see the city from a different perspective. There are many cruises available along the Chao Praya River which will allow you to encounter a variety of different things. Lunch or dinner is provided on most cruises. It is a great way to spend a day with the kids or a romantic evening.

Have a ride on an elephant. Elephants are Thailand’s national symbol and Ayutthaya is home to many elephants that you can ride around the city’s sights. Mahouts (elephant keepers) will always be in tow so you won’t be expected to direct the animals around yourself. If an elephant ride leaves you wanting more, visit one of the city’s elephant camps where you can get up close and personal with these inspiring animals.

Go Shopping. Ayutthaya boasts a number of markets which are great fun to look around. You will find a variety of local products such as clothing, household goods and an assortment of food. The night market is a great place to pick up some souvenirs while the local market offers a unique glimpse into local Thai life.

Sample some traditional Thai cuisine. Thai food is famous throughout the world, but nothing beats enjoying some of the favourites in a local restaurant. Mingle with the locals as you order your favourite rice dish or try one of the famous curries, although beware of the chillies!

Tour the temples. While you are in Ayutthaya it will be impossible to miss the numerous temples and ruins. Why not make a day of it and tour round some of the most impressive. You will be sure to get some excellent photos as well as learning about Thailand’s colourful past in the process.