How many days do you need to tour Ayutthaya's temples?

One day is enough to cover three or four main temples on the old town island. But if you want to see both the island and the outlying temples, plus catch Wat Chaiwatthanaram lit up at night, an overnight stay of 2 days and 1 night fits best — no need to rush.

Is Wat Chaiwatthanaram lit up every night?

Not every night. The evening lighting display only runs on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and major festivals, roughly 18:00–22:00 (ticket sales until around 21:00). Check the schedule on the Ayutthaya Historical Park's page before you go.

Can you tour the temples on the island on foot, or do you need a vehicle?

The central temple cluster — Wat Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Phra Si Sanphet — is close together and easy to reach on foot or by bike. The outlying temples like Wat Chaiwatthanaram, Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, and Wat Phanan Choeng are on the other side of the river, so you'll want a car or motorbike for those.

Are Ayutthaya's temple entry fees expensive?

Not at all. The main temples in the park charge Thai visitors around THB 10 and foreigners THB 50 per temple, and a combined ticket is available. If you're visiting several temples, the combined ticket works out cheaper. Some temples, like Wat Lokayasutharam, are free to enter.

What should you wear to visit Ayutthaya's temples?

At temples with an active Buddha image and resident monks, such as Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon and Wat Phanan Choeng, dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered. The ruined temples are more relaxed for photos, but stay respectful — and come prepared for the strong sun.

Ayutthaya Temples Itinerary: 2 Days, All the Big Ones

🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026

Ayutthaya's temples split easily into two groups. The first is on the old town island, inside the historical park (Wat Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit) — close enough to reach on foot or by bike. The second is out in the surrounding districts, which means crossing the river by car (Wat Chaiwatthanaram, Wat Phutthaisawan, Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, Wat Phanan Choeng). This plan spends day one on the island, finishing with Wat Chaiwatthanaram in the evening, then covers the east side and south of the river on day two.

Before you set off

Getting there — about 1.5 hours' drive from Bangkok, or take the train to Ayutthaya station and rent a car or motorbike from there. On the island you can rent a bicycle for THB 50–60 a day, or a motorbike for around THB 200–250.
What to wear — at temples with an active Buddha image or resident monks (Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, Wat Phanan Choeng), dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered. The ruined temples are more relaxed for photos, but stay respectful.
Timing — the Ayutthaya sun is brutal from late morning through the afternoon. Starting early, around 8 am, is the most comfortable. Bring a hat, sunglasses, water, and sunscreen.
Entry fees — the main temples in the park charge Thai visitors around THB 10 and foreigners THB 50 per temple. A combined ticket is sold at the ticket booth, and if you plan to visit several temples it works out cheaper than buying them separately.

Day 1