Thailand Guides - Ayutthaya

Other attractions in and around Ayutthaya include the Chao Phraya National Museum, Chan Kasem Palace Museum and the Ayutthaya Historical Study Center.

The Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, 20 kilometres south of the town, is worth visiting for the examples of attractive and varied collection of palace buildings.

The Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Craft Centre covers 115 hectares and acts as a training centre and outlet for craftsmen and women. The centre is supported by Queen Sirikit’s foundation, SUPPORT. It is open daily and craft making demonstrations are also held. The Loi Krathong festival is also takes place in the grounds of Bang Sai each November.

Just north of the city is a restored elephant kraal, a large wooden stockade where wild elephants were held after the annual roundup. The last one took place in 1903.

Activities and events

Ayutthaya holds one of the largest Loi Krathong festivals in the country. It takes place on the night of the full moon in November. The celebrations take place at several locations across the city with the main event happening at Beung Phra Ram, a large lake in the centre of Ayutthaya. Thousands of people flock to the city from Bangkok to witness the spectacular event.

Several Bangkok based companies offer return river trips to nearby Bang Pa-In on converted rice barges. The journey starts at Bangkok and ends in Bang Pa-In with a connecting bus trip to Ayutthaya.

Time to visit

Ayutthaya is a year-round destination but the Loy Kratong festival in November is particularly noteworthy.