Hi everyone!
During my trip to Thailand, I decided to spend two days in Ayutthaya in November, the former royal capital located about 1.5 hours from Bangkok. It was a fascinating experience, filled with visits to ancient temples, peaceful boat rides along the rivers, traditional costume try-ons, and tastings of local specialties. In November, the weather is perfect for exploring historical sites and strolling through the ruins bathed in golden light. In this article, I share my favorite things to do in Ayutthaya, must-see places in Ayutthaya, my best accommodation tips, and a few practical suggestions to make the most of your visit.
Things to do in Ayutthaya in November
1. Why choose Ayutthaya in November?
November is one of the best months to explore Thailand, especially this old royal city north of Bangkok, surrounded by temple ruins and waterways steeped in history. I loved this month for its mild weather and smaller crowds, which made the adventure more intimate. With its relics of the Ayutthaya Empire, imposing pagodas, and colossal Buddha statues, the city exudes mystery and serenity. Away from Thailand’s main tourist hubs, Ayutthaya in November invites you to slow down and immerse yourself in Thai heritage, famous for its elegant architecture, mural paintings, and ancestral customs. It’s the ideal cultural getaway from Bangkok — you escape the city’s chaos and return enriched with history and emotion.
2. Is November a good month to visit Thailand ?
Yes. In November, the Thailand weather — especially in Ayutthaya — is perfect for sightseeing. The climate is dry and pleasant, with cooler temperatures around 28–30°C. It marks the end of the rainy season, bringing sunny days and little chance of showers. It’s the ideal time to explore the temples and enjoy Ayutthaya’s scenic historical landscapes.
3. Best way to get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok
By train:
The train from Bangkok to Ayutthaya is an affordable and authentic option. The 80 km journey takes about 1.5 hours from Hua Lamphong Station — perfect for travelers who enjoy slow travel and scenic countryside views.
By bus or minivan:
Buses and minivans leave from Mo Chit Station every 30 minutes. The ride takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Personally, I prefer the bus — it’s fast, comfortable, and ideal for a day trip.
By tour:
How to get to Ayutthaya ? You can also book a guided day trip to Ayutthaya with transport and a local guide included. It’s a convenient option if you want everything organized without worrying about schedules.
4. Where to stay in Ayutthaya ?
For this short getaway, I chose Baan Pomphet (a 4-star hotel in Ayutthaya), a charming riverside spot with a pool and temple views, around €80 per night. Its relaxing atmosphere and comfort make it perfect for recharging. If you prefer authenticity, plenty of local guesthouses in the historical area offer friendly service and homemade Thai breakfasts. For more luxury, there are also high-end resorts nearby — ideal for a peaceful stay among ancient ruins.
5. What to see in Ayutthaya ?
What is Ayutthaya famous for ? Ayutthaya is renowned for its magnificent historical temples and UNESCO-listed ruins that reflect the grandeur of the former Siamese kingdom. In November, the city reveals its full charm under clear skies and golden light. Iconic landmarks like Wat Phra Si Sanphet with its glittering chedis and Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon with its towering Buddha showcase royal splendor.
I was captivated by Wat Chaiwatthanaram, especially at twilight when the temple glows beautifully. The famous Buddha head entwined in tree roots at Wat Mahathat is a must-see, while Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Lokayasutharam, and Wat Phutthaisawan with its remarkable murals offer a deeper glimpse into Ayutthaya’s timeless spiritual and artistic legacy.
6. What to do in Ayutthaya ?
Activities in Ayutthaya in November revolve around heritage, culture, and relaxation — and I fully enjoyed them! A must-do is renting a bicycle to explore the paths between temples — a peaceful and refreshing ride under the gentle November sun.
I also joined a guided tour that allowed me to meet friendly locals and experience their daily life. In front of the stunning Wat Chaiwatthanaram, I tried on a traditional Thai costume for a memorable royal-style photo. In the evening, I enjoyed a typical Thai dinner — boat noodles, grilled meat, and fresh vegetables — before admiring the sunset over the river, a truly magical moment in Ayutthaya.
7. My detailed 2-day itinerary in Ayutthaya
Here’s how I spent my 2 days in Ayutthaya, a balanced itinerary to enjoy the city without rushing.
a. Day 1: From Bangkok to Ayutthaya
I left Bangkok early to admire Wat Phra Si Sanphet at sunrise. After a coffee at Coffee Old City, I continued to Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, then to the ancient Buddha statue at Wat Phanan Choeng. At noon, I had lunch at Mae Pranee Boat Noodle or Walk in Café, perfect to cool off under the pleasant Ayutthaya weather in November, sunny and mild after the rainy season.
After a short nap, I headed to Wat Chaiwatthanaram around 3:30 p.m. I rented a traditional costume for fun photos and stayed until closing time at 6:30 p.m. In the evening, I admired the illuminated temples from the riverside wall before dining in a charming local restaurant.
b. Day 2: Ayutthaya and return to Bangkok
What to do in Ayutthaya in 2 days ? At 6:30 a.m., I began the day at Wat Lokayasutharam to see the giant Reclining Buddha, despite some renovation work. Then I detoured to Wat Worachettharam, where the sunrise over the main Buddha was peaceful and beautiful. Around 8 a.m., I visited Wat Mahathat, famous for the Buddha head in tree roots, before crossing to Wat Ratchaburana.
After a quick lunch, I wandered through the Ancient Historical Park, stopping by Wat Phra Ram when it was open. I had lunch at Walk in Café, then took a short rest to avoid the afternoon heat. Later, I admired the murals at Wat Phutthaisawan, and ended the day at River Bar Ayutthaya with dinner and drinks before returning to Bangkok.
These 2 days in Ayutthaya were a total immersion into Thai essence. Used to city life, I found here a haven of history and serenity. Between costume try-ons, river meals, and sunrise temple views, every moment felt authentic. For about €120 per person, this trip organized by Autour Asia – travel agency in Asia was smooth and enriching. If you dream of a cultural trip to Thailand, Ayutthaya in November offers the perfect balance between relaxation, discovery, and emotion.
Is one day enough in Ayutthaya ?
Yes, one day is often enough to explore Ayutthaya in November, when the weather is pleasant and perfect for sightseeing. You can visit the main historical sites of this UNESCO-listed city — including Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Mahathat, and Wat Chaiwatthanaram — in about 6–7 hours by bike or tuk-tuk. For a deeper experience with evening illuminations and local encounters, plan to stay two days for a more immersive cultural journey.
What is Ayutthaya famous for ?
A must-visit destination in any Thailand itinerary 2 weeks, Ayutthaya is an iconic stop located just an hour from Bangkok. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this former royal capital reflects the power of the Siamese Kingdom between the 14th and 18th centuries. Visitors can explore the majestic remains of prangs (reliquary towers), Buddhist temples, and monumental monasteries that showcase the city’s past splendor. Today, Ayutthaya captivates travelers with its peaceful atmosphere, grand architecture, and the traces of a glorious era where spirituality and international trade coexisted in perfect harmony.
