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Steeped in history and adorned with captivating ruins, Ayutthaya stands as a testament to the grandeur of ancient Thailand. Nestled along the Chao Phraya River, this UNESCO World Heritage Site invites travelers to embark on a mesmerizing journey back in time.
In this article, we will delve into the enchanting world of Ayutthaya, providing you with a comprehensive guide to plan an immersive and rewarding trip.
What is Ayutthaya?
Generally speaking, it’s arguably Thailand’s most impressive set of temples and their answer to Cambodia’s famous Angkor Wat, and it’s home to the famous ‘Buddha head in the tree’!
Ayutthaya was actually formerly Thailand’s Capital, and in 1,700 was the largest city in the world! It’s now a UNESCO world heritage site and the fact so many people go through Bangkok without spending a day here is almost criminal, it’s an absolute must-see.
Where is Ayutthaya?
The beautiful thing about Ayutthaya, Thailand’s former capital, is that it’s less than 100km from Bangkok so getting there as a day trip from Bangkok is no problem at all.
Depending on your budget, taxis, trains, buses and tour groups are all possible options.
The Temples
While Angkor Wat in Cambodia gets all the Instagram love and column inches, Ayutthaya’s understated beauty is a perfect alternative. Get yourself in a tuk-tuk or explore for yourself.
Once you’re on the mini-island with Ayutthaya where all the temples are dotted around, you come in and out of each individual temple complex, at some of the larger temples, you ‘donate’ 20-50 THB (roughly $1) for each one, so factor in another $5-$10 for temple entries as a maximum, well worth it when you see how impressive they are.
- Wat Phanan Choeng: a large temple that houses a 19-meter-high golden Buddha statue, which is one of the most revered statues in Thailand.
- Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon: a temple that was built in the 14th century and is known for its giant reclining Buddha statue, which is over 40 meters long.
- Wat Phra Ram: a temple that was built in the 14th century and is known for its well-preserved stucco reliefs and intricate carvings.
Historical parks and ruins
the Ayutthaya Historical Park, which contains numerous ancient temples, palaces, and other historical sites. Some of the most popular ruins include Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Mahathat, and Wat Chaiwatthanaram.
- Wat Phra Si Sanphet: a royal temple that was once the holiest temple in Ayutthaya. It features three impressive chedis (stupas) that contain the ashes of three Ayutthaya kings.
- Wat Mahathat: one of the oldest and most important temples in Ayutthaya. It is known for its iconic Buddha head entwined in tree roots, which is one of the most photographed sites in Ayutthaya.
- Wat Chaiwatthanaram: a beautiful temple located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. It was built in the Khmer style and is known for its striking architecture and impressive views of the river.
Museums and cultural centers
Ayutthaya has several museums and cultural centers that showcase the city’s history and culture. Some of the most popular museums and cultural centers
- Chao Sam Phraya National Museum: a museum that houses a large collection of artifacts and exhibits related to Ayutthaya’s history and culture.
- Ayutthaya Elephant Palace and Royal Kraal: a cultural center that is dedicated to preserving the Thai elephant and its role in Thai culture.
Far fewer tourists and a fun day trip with the local train. You can even be back in Bangkok ready to party or move on to the islands, or Chiang Mai the same evening.
Get yourself in a tuk-tuk or explore for yourself, either way, you’ll love it I promise. Ayutthaya should be on the list of everyone who travels through Bangkok.
AIRPORTELs Nationwide Luggage Delivery
AIRPORTELs offers a Nationwide luggage delivery service to various provinces throughout Thailand, starting at just 349 baht per bag. For those planning to travel to Ayutthaya and want to enjoy a Hands-Free trip, simply make a reservation on our website, and our staff will pick up your luggage from your home and deliver it to your hotel in Ayutthaya. You can start your journey right away without having to leave your luggage at the hotel first.
