Ayutthaya with children
Everything you need to know
During our 16-day round trip through Thailand, we traveled with our children aged 4 and 6 through a mix of cities, nature, and culture. After the vibrant Bangkok and the green landscapes of Kanchanaburi, we made a short stop in Ayutthaya, the former capital of the Siamese kingdom. A destination known for its impressive temples and ruins, but one that can also be quite intense with young children.
Ayutthaya is especially suitable for families with young school-aged children who enjoy culture and history but prefer to keep the pace slow. Because many of the sights are similar and the heat plays a major role, we deliberately chose a short stop of one night. In hindsight, that turned out to be just right: enough time to see the highlights without it becoming too much for the kids. Ayutthaya is therefore not a place to stay for days on end, but it is an impressive and educational stop during a family trip through Thailand.
This blog was written by Kimberly from @with.kiimm.
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The best activities in Ayutthaya with children
Exploring temples and ruins by tuk-tuk
After arriving in Ayutthaya, we went in search of a tuk-tuk to explore the city. Because it was very hot and a standard four-hour tour would have been far too long for the kids, we decided to make our own selection: Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Lokayasutharam, and Wiharn Phra Mongkhon Bophit. This worked surprisingly well. The driver had no problem following our own pace and taking breaks along the way for an ice cream or some rest.
All the sights are relatively close to each other, making Ayutthaya perfectly suited for a tuk-tuk route. Especially with young children, this is a pleasant way to discover the city without having to walk long distances.
Wat Mahathat
Wat Mahathat left a strong impression on all of us. After a while, the ruins themselves start to look similar, but the famous Buddha head entwined in the roots of a tree makes this temple unique. For the children as well, this was a special moment and one of the places that truly stayed with them.
Wiharn Phra Mongkhon Bophit
During our visit, this temple was being renovated, but even through the scaffolding we could admire the enormous bronze Buddha. A lovely addition to the route and something just a little different from the outdoor ruins.
Wat Lokayasutharam
The large reclining Buddha of Wat Lokayasutharam had recently been restored, making it impressive to see. Although the new layer of gold has taken away some of its old character, it is still a remarkable sight and a short stop that combines well with other temples.
Ending the day with relaxation
After a hot and intensive day, we decided to finish with a foot massage for the whole family. To our surprise, the children loved it. A perfect moment of rest after all the impressions and truly recommended when traveling with children.
Family-friendly hotels in Ayutthaya
We stayed at Baan Suan Krung Kao, a small-scale and authentic B&B just outside the busiest part of Ayutthaya. The room consisted of a double bed and an extra double mattress on the floor, which worked perfectly with young children. There was enough space to sleep comfortably without it feeling cramped. What really made this accommodation special was the large enclosed garden. After a day full of temples and impressions, the children could still play freely here. The owner was incredibly welcoming and helpful, which made the stay even more enjoyable.
Phuttal Residence is also a lovely small-scale hotel, located by the river and very child-friendly. Looking for something a bit more upscale? Then S3 Ayutthaya Hotel is a nice affordable option (of course with a swimming pool).
Family-friendly restaurants in Ayutthaya
Eating in Ayutthaya is surprisingly fun with children, especially if you choose a spot by the river. Tarn Ayutthaya is a beautiful Thai restaurant right on the water, with views over the river. The setting is atmospheric, but because of its open riverside layout, it is less suitable for very young children who like to run around. If you’re looking for a bit more calm and enclosure, The Artisans Ayutthaya is a great option. Also located by the river, but more manageable and serving delicious Thai food.
For an easy, low-key break with kids, Cafe Kantary is ideal. Pancakes and crêpes are always a hit here, especially after a morning of temple hopping. Craving something sweet? Then The Jim’s Café is a great choice for good coffee and truly delicious cakes. Finally, The Summer House is a nice place to end the day. This restaurant is also located by the river, offers an extensive international menu, and regularly features live music.
Practical tips for families in Ayutthaya
Best travel time
Ayutthaya can be visited year-round, but when traveling with children it’s wise to take the heat into account. The most pleasant period is roughly between November and February, when temperatures are slightly milder and humidity is lower. During the summer months, it can become extremely hot, making visits to temples and ruins quite intense, especially for young children. We were there ourselves in summer and definitely noticed that good planning and plenty of rest moments are truly essential.
How do you get to Ayutthaya?
Ayutthaya is easily accessible from various places in Thailand, making it simple to include in a family round trip. From Bangkok, Ayutthaya is an ideal first stop. You can choose to travel by train, which is a fun and relaxed experience with older children, or opt for a taxi if you prefer comfort and speed. The train takes about one and a half to two hours, depending on the type of train, and drops you right in the city center. By taxi, you’ll be a bit faster and avoid the hassle of luggage, which is often more convenient when traveling with young children.
We traveled to Ayutthaya ourselves from Kanchanaburi, which takes about three hours by taxi. This route is very manageable and makes Ayutthaya a logical next stop after the River Kwai and its surroundings. Many travelers also use Ayutthaya as a stopover on their way south through Thailand. From Ayutthaya, the night train departs, making it a practical place to break up your journey before continuing on to destinations such as Koh Samui.
How long should you stay in Ayutthaya?
With young children, one night in Ayutthaya is more than enough in our opinion. The city revolves almost entirely around temples and ruins, and while these are impressive, they offer little variety for kids. By keeping it to a short stop, you avoid overstimulation and ensure the visit remains enjoyable and manageable.
Local transportation
Ayutthaya is compact, and the main sights are located relatively close to each other. The easiest and most enjoyable way to get around with children is by tuk-tuk. You’re out of the sun, don’t have to navigate yourself, and can easily stop for a break or an ice cream. We found it helpful to discuss in advance with the driver which temples we wanted to visit and to adjust the pace to suit the children.
Is Ayutthaya stroller-friendly?
Ayutthaya is only partly stroller-friendly. The temple complexes often consist of uneven paths, steps, and ruins, which makes a stroller not always practical. In addition, the heat plays a major role. A baby carrier is often more convenient, especially with younger children. With older children who can walk well on their own, visiting becomes much easier.
Good to know when visiting with children
Take the heat into account and plan your visits preferably in the morning or later in the afternoon. Schedule regular breaks and accept that you don’t have to see everything. Ayutthaya is about taking in impressions, not ticking off sights. We noticed that a rest moment—such as a short massage or spending some time indoors with air conditioning—made the difference between an exhausting day and a pleasant experience for the whole family.
Ayutthaya in your Thailand itinerary
Ayutthaya fits perfectly into a family trip through Thailand as a short cultural stop between more varied destinations. In our itinerary, we combined the city with Bangkok and Kanchanaburi, after which we boarded the night train from Ayutthaya heading south. Precisely because Ayutthaya is compact and easy to reach, it serves as a pleasant link between the bustle of the city and the nature or beaches that follow. By not staying too long, the balance of the trip remains enjoyable for both children and adults.
Wil je je rondreis naar Thailand meteen gaan plannen?
Bij het plannen van je reis naar Thailand zijn er verschillende manieren om je verblijf en activiteiten te boeken. Als je graag zelf alles regelt, kun je via Booking.com eenvoudig accommodaties vinden die passen bij jouw wensen. Voor unieke excursies en tours is GetYourGuide een uitstekende keuze. Wil je liever alles in één keer geregeld hebben? Dan biedt TUI complete pakketten aan voor een zorgeloze vakantie. Ben je op zoek naar meer flexibiliteit en wil je je reis op maat samenstellen? Kijk dan eens bij Riksja, waar je met bouwstenen je eigen ideale reis kunt samenstellen.
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