Ayutthaya, a historical city in Thailand, is not only famous for its ancient ruins and temples but also boasts rich wildlife and unique photography spots. From serene riverside views to lush green parks, Ayutthaya offers nature lovers and photographers a blend of history and wildlife.
Whether you are capturing vibrant bird species, exploring ancient ruins surrounded by greenery, or photographing the sunset over the Chao Phraya River, Ayutthaya is a perfect destination for a memorable photography experience.
Here’s a list of the top wildlife and photography spots in Ayutthaya to explore:
Ayutthaya Historical Park
Address: 196 หมู่ที่ 4 Khlong Tho Rd, Pratu Chai Sub-district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
| Type | Historical and Nature Photography |
| Time to Spend | 2 to 3 hours |
Ayutthaya Historical Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site offering an incredible mix of ancient ruins and lush landscapes. The towering temples and expansive ruins surrounded by greenery provide endless opportunities for both landscape and wildlife photography.
Capture the grandeur of historical structures set against the serene backdrop of nature. Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for soft lighting, offering the perfect photoshoot opportunities.
Chao Sam Phraya National Museum
Address: 108 โรจนะ ถนน เทศบาลเมืองอโยธยา Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
| Type | Historical and Wildlife Photography |
| Time to Spend | 1 to 2 hours |
The Chao Sam Phraya National Museum features an impressive collection of ancient Thai artifacts, but its surrounding grounds also offer great wildlife photography opportunities.
The lush gardens and tranquil atmosphere make it an ideal spot to capture the beauty of both nature and history. Capture the striking contrast between the museum’s historical architecture and the vibrant natural environment that envelops it.
Bang Pa-In Royal Palace
Address: Bang Pa-In Royal Palace, Ban Len, Bang Pa-in District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13160, Thailand
| Type | Royal Gardens and Wildlife Photography |
| Time to Spend | 2 to 3 hours |
The Bang Pa-In Royal Palace is known for its beautifully manicured gardens and wildlife. The vast grounds feature flowers, trees, and various species of birds. Photographers can take stunning shots of exotic plants and animals, with the palace buildings providing a unique backdrop.
Take your time wandering through the gardens to capture the peaceful yet majestic atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for wildlife and architectural photography.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet
Address: 9H45+963, Tambon Pratuchai, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
| Type | Temple and Landscape Photography |
| Time to Spend | 1 to 2 hours |
Wat Phra Si Sanphet, one of Ayutthaya’s most iconic temples, offers a magnificent photography experience. The temple’s grand chedis and surrounding open fields filled with greenery provide an ideal setting for capturing both architectural and wildlife shots.
As this temple is situated in a historical park, there are plenty of opportunities to photograph local wildlife like birds and monkeys alongside the ancient structures, especially during sunrise or sunset for the best light.
Wat Chaiwatthanaram
Address: 31 1 ตำบล บ้านป้อม Ban Pom, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
| Type | Temple and Riverside Photography |
| Time to Spend | 1 to 2 hours |
Wat Chaiwatthanaram is a stunning riverside temple that offers breathtaking views, especially during sunset. The temple’s intricate design, combined with the surrounding green fields and the river, offers a picturesque setting perfect for capturing both history and nature in one frame.
The river adds a tranquil element, and you can spot birds and other wildlife. Spend some time here during the golden hours for the best photography results, highlighting both the temple’s grandeur and the wildlife.
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
Address: 4XH3+CFX, Khao Daeng, Kui Buri District, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand
| Type | Wildlife and Nature Photography |
| Time to Spend | 4 to 5 hours |
Though located a bit farther from Ayutthaya, Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park is a prime destination for wildlife and nature photographers. Known for its wetlands and limestone hills, the park is a haven for birdwatchers.
You’ll find plenty of species to photograph, from vibrant birds to wild monkeys and unique plants. The park’s beautiful natural landscapes make it an excellent spot for landscape photography, while the variety of wildlife offers plenty of subjects for wildlife photography.
Elephant Kraal Village
Address: Ayutthaya, Thailand
| Type | Wildlife Photography |
| Time to Spend | 1 to 2 hours |
Elephant Kraal Village is a great spot for capturing elephants in their natural environment. The village serves as a sanctuary for rescued elephants, and photographers can take close-up shots of these majestic creatures.
The large open spaces around the village also provide opportunities to capture elephants interacting with their environment. The time spent here allows you to connect with nature and wildlife, making it an enriching photography experience.
Ayutthaya Floating Market
Address: 65/19 Phai Ling, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
| Type | Street and Wildlife Photography |
| Time to Spend | 1 to 2 hours |
Ayutthaya’s Floating Market is a vibrant and colorful place, offering a wealth of opportunities for street and wildlife photography. The lively market scene, with local vendors selling fresh produce and handicrafts from boats, provides rich photo opportunities.
Wildlife enthusiasts can capture local fauna along the water, such as birds and fish. The reflections in the water create stunning compositions, especially during the early morning or late afternoon, when the light is just right.
Chao Phraya River
Address: Ayutthaya, Thailand
| Type | Landscape and River Photography |
| Time to Spend | 2 to 3 hours |
A boat ride along the Chao Phraya River offers an excellent opportunity to capture Ayutthaya’s historic temples from a unique perspective. The river views, with boats passing by and temples rising in the distance, create dynamic shots.
You may also spot various types of birds, making it a great spot for wildlife photography as well. Early mornings are best for capturing the peaceful atmosphere, with soft light and fewer crowds, perfect for serene photographs.
Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Park
Address: Ayutthaya, Thailand
| Type | Historical and Nature Photography |
| Time to Spend | 1 to 2 hours |
Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Park is a quiet, picturesque location featuring ancient ruins surrounded by thick greenery. The park’s atmosphere provides a perfect setting for nature and historical photography.
The ancient temples set amidst lush trees and vibrant plants make for beautiful photo compositions. Early mornings or late evenings offer the best lighting for capturing the unique blend of historical architecture and vibrant wildlife in this peaceful park.
Wat Phu Khao Thong
Address: 9G9Q+JWG หมู่ที่ 2 153 Phu Khao Thong, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
| Type | Temple and Landscape Photography |
| Time to Spend | 1 to 1.5 hours |
Wat Phu Khao Thong is a hilltop temple that offers panoramic views of Ayutthaya’s surrounding landscapes. From this vantage point, you can capture wide-angle shots of the city, temples, and the surrounding greenery.
The site provides the opportunity to photograph wildlife like birds and monkeys, and the golden hour light creates stunning contrasts with the temple. The climb to the top is worth it for the breathtaking views and unique photography perspectives it offers.
Ayutthaya Riverwalk
Address: Ayutthaya, Thailand
| Type | Riverside and Wildlife Photography |
| Time to Spend | 1 to 1.5 hours |
The Ayutthaya Riverwalk is a peaceful, scenic route that stretches along the river. It’s an ideal place to capture river landscapes, old temples, and the occasional wildlife along the water’s edge.
Photographers can catch local birds, fish, and even the occasional monkey that may wander by. Whether you’re taking a leisurely stroll or snapping photos, the walk offers plenty of picturesque moments, especially at sunset when the light reflects off the water, enhancing the scenery.
Siam Rat Wildlife Sanctuary
Address: Ayutthaya, Thailand
| Type | Wildlife Photography |
| Time to Spend | 3 to 4 hours |
Located just outside Ayutthaya, the Siam Rat Wildlife Sanctuary is a vast area dedicated to preserving local wildlife. Here, you can capture native animals like deer, birds, and reptiles in their natural habitat.
The sanctuary’s diverse ecosystems, from grasslands to woodlands, offer varied photo opportunities. You can also photograph the scenic surroundings, making it a perfect destination for nature and wildlife photography. A few hours will give you plenty of time to explore and capture great shots.
Banyan Tree at Wat Mahathat
Address: Ayutthaya, Thailand
| Type | Historical and Nature Photography |
| Time to Spend | 1 to 2 hour |
The Banyan tree at Wat Mahathat is one of Ayutthaya’s most photographed spots. The tree’s roots have overtaken the temple’s stone, creating a unique, ethereal look that’s perfect for photography.
The intertwining roots and stone walls offer a striking contrast, and the wildlife surrounding the area, such as birds and squirrels, adds an extra element to your shots. A quick visit is all you need to capture this iconic image, especially during the early hours when the temple is quiet.
Ayutthaya Elephant Conservation Center
Address: 9H25+WF3 ประตูชัย Pa Thon Rd, Tambon Pratuchai, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
| Type | Wildlife Photography |
| Time to Spend | 2 to 3 hours |
The Ayutthaya Elephant Conservation Center is dedicated to preserving elephants, and it offers an excellent opportunity for wildlife photographers. The center provides close-up shots of elephants interacting with their environment, as well as their caretakers.
The serene surroundings also make it a great place to photograph the elephants in their natural habitat. The center offers informative sessions, giving photographers a deeper understanding of the elephants’ lives, making it a fulfilling spot for wildlife photography and conservation awareness.