Ayutthaya

Coming to the land which used to be a golden capital of Thailand, visitors will have a chance to walk through the majestic and peaceful temples.

Built in the fourteenth century, Ayutthaya became one of the largest cities in the world at that time, and with its beauty and prosperity, it was also called the Eastern Venice.

In the XVIII century, Ayutthaya was completely destroyed in the Siamese-Burmese war. Today, we can only see a few remnants, but they still cannot hide its golden beauty.

Move from Bangkok to Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is about 85 km north of Bangkok. So depending on the budget, you can choose to travel here by taxi, train, bus, or rent a private car.

Taxi

If you don't like to spend a lot of time transferring and want absolute convenience, a taxi is the best means of transportation, at a cost of about baht 1,000 (USD 32). You can also negotiate with the driver to take you everywhere and then return to Bangkok for about baht 2,500-3,000 (USD 79-95).

Train

Traveling to Ayutthaya by train

The train leaves Hualamphong station in the city center, taking about 2-2.5 hours to move, with rates ranging from baht 25 - 300 (USD 1-9.5) depending on the ticket class. It is the vehicle with the longest travel time, but if you like sightseeing and experience Thai trains, this will be a great choice.

When traveling by train to Ayutthaya, you will have to take a ferry to get to the central area with a fare of about baht 4/ferry.

Bus

You can also take a bus from Mo Chit station to Ayutthaya. The distance is about 30 minutes, with a travel time of 90 minutes. Bus fare is baht 50-100/ticket (USD 2-3.5).

Private car

If you travel in a group, have specific schedules for sightseeing, and want privacy and convenience, you should use the private car rental service for the whole day. Normally, these services will include drivers, petrol fees, and tolls, etc.

Attractions in Ayutthaya

Wat Phra Si Sanphet

Wat Phra Si Sanphet

This is the largest temple of Ayutthaya built in the 14th century that you should not miss. The attraction is located in a huge complex of three chedis (towers) and also the characteristic symbol that you will see pretty much in Ayutthaya. These chedis are big, and especially, quite "photogenic!"

Wat Phra Si Sanphet was once a place where a giant Buddha statue was inlaid with 0.3 tons of fine gold, before being destroyed by war and invasions.

Wat Yai Chai Mongkol

Wat Yai Chai Mongkol is not as old as other temples, only over 100 years old. The steps up to the top of the tower are very steep, nearly 90 degrees, and it is very difficult to climb to the tower.

Despite being not "old", there are many parts of this architecture that are ruined, revealing bricks inside. But it is because of that dilemma that Wat Yai Chai Mongkol is very attractive.

Wat Phra Mahathat

The famous Buddha statue in Wat Phra Mahathat

Wat Phra Mahathat is famous for the impressive image of the Buddha in the root system of a banyan tree, appealing many visitors. However, the remnants here are also worth a visit, which is a must-see if you like to save a beautiful memory.

Wat Chaiwatthanaram

Wat Chaiwatthanaram is built in traditional Khmer style, similar to Angkor Wat temple in Krong Siem Riep, Cambodia. It is one of the most beautiful temples in Ayutthaya, with a central tower, surrounded by small temples. You can climb to the top to see the city, especially to admire the sunset.

Wat Ratchaburana

Wat Ratchaburana can be considered the best-preserved ruin in the Ayutthaya Historical Park area. King Borommarachathirat II decided to build the temple in 1424 on the cremation area of ​​his two brothers who died in their battle for the throne.

Compared to the scale of the project, Wat Ratchaburana is just a small temple, but it is one of the famous ones in Ayutthaya with a combination of decoration style of the typical Hindu temples and the temple form of Buddha worship, which was being prevalent in the ancient capital at that time.

Wat Ratchaburana

Giant reclining Buddha statue at Wat Lokayasutharam

Wat Lokayasutharam is a famous pilgrimage site of Thai Buddhists and visitors. The giant reclining Buddha, symbolizing Buddha when entering nirvana, is a familiar symbol of Buddhism.