Explore the metropolis of Bangkok in three days
January 29, 2020
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As soon as you set foot in Ayutthaya, you literally step back in time. This former capital of Thailand, once called Siam, is an impressive open-air museum filled with centuries-old temple ruins and stories. Massive Buddha statues alternate with mysterious stone faces, tree roots, and temples—everything you see here reflects a glorious past. Ayutthaya is easy to explore as a day trip from Bangkok. In this article, I’ll guide you through the most beautiful temples, share practical tips, and explain why Ayutthaya should not be missed during your trip to Thailand!
A visit to Ayutthaya in Thailand
“Ayutthaya was founded in 1350 as the capital of what was then Siam and grew into one of the most powerful cities in Southeast Asia. This continued until 1767, when the city was completely destroyed by the Burmese army. What remains today are impressive ruins of temples, palaces, and Buddha statues, which are now part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking among the weathered stones and serene Buddha images, you can feel the history of this remarkable place at every turn. For lovers of culture, architecture, and photography, Ayutthaya is truly an interesting destination to visit.
Visiting Ayutthaya: a day trip or an overnight stay?
Many travelers choose to stay overnight in Ayutthaya, but we did it differently: we visited Ayutthaya as a day trip from Bangkok. And that turned out to be a great choice for us. In just one day, you can see and experience a lot, especially if you leave Bangkok early!
If you have more time, staying overnight in Ayutthaya is also enjoyable. You can have a nice dinner in the evening, explore the temples in a quieter atmosphere, and take your time discovering the city. A personal tip: rent a bicycle to get around the city more freely.
Best places to stay in Ayutthaya
If you want to take more time to explore Ayutthaya, staying overnight in this historic city is definitely recommended. There are plenty of nice accommodations, ranging from simple guesthouses to charming boutique hotels. A top recommendation is Phuttal Residence, a small and charming property on the riverbank. You stay in a traditional Thai wooden house, surrounded by a tropical garden, and are warmly welcomed by the friendly owner.
Another popular choice among travelers is Baan Thai House. This charming boutique hotel is located in a quiet area, yet within easy reach of the main attractions. Guests stay in a detached cottage set in a lush garden with a small lotus pond.
Temples you must visit in Ayutthaya
We visited five different temple complexes in Ayutthaya ourselves, and the great thing is that no two temples are the same. These are our favorites:
Wat Phra Mahathat: the highlight of Ayutthaya, famous for its Buddha head entwined in the roots of a Bodhi tree;
Wat Yai Chai Mongkol: this temple is known for its giant reclining Buddha and impressive chedi (stupa). You can also climb up for a nice view;
Viharn Phra Mongkol Bopit: a beautiful hall housing one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in Thailand. Definitely worth stepping inside;
Wat Phra Si Sanphet: this temple was once part of the royal palace and is considered one of the most important and impressive temples in Ayutthaya;
Wat Lokayasutharam: at this temple, you’ll find one of Ayutthaya’s most impressive statues, a giant reclining Buddha measuring 37 meters long.
Practical tips for your visit
Planning to visit Ayutthaya? Here are some useful tips for your trip:
Be prepared for heat: there is little shade, so bring a hat or cap, sunscreen, and plenty of water;
Dress respectfully: you are visiting sacred sites, so cover your shoulders and knees;
Be aware of animal welfare: unfortunately, tourists can still be seen riding elephants here. Do not do this! It is extremely harmful to the animals. Instead, support animal welfare organizations that care for elephants responsibly;
Bring your camera: Ayutthaya is a photographer’s dream!
How to get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok?
Ayutthaya is easily accessible from Bangkok in several ways. A popular and affordable option is the train. From Hua Lamphong station, you can catch a direct train that takes about an hour and a half to reach Ayutthaya. This is also how we visited Ayutthaya from Bangkok. Once there, we rented bicycles to explore the temples.
The city is also easily reachable by minivan or bus, for example from the Mo Chit bus station. You can, of course, also choose a taxi or private driver if you prefer to travel in more comfort.
Finally, there are also organized day tours available that include transportation and a local guide. This is a well-organized tour to Ayutthaya from Bangkok that we can recommend.
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More tips for the Bangkok region and traveling through Thailand
After visiting Ayutthaya and getting a taste of Thailand, it’s definitely worth exploring more of the Bangkok region. This area is full of culture, nature, and surprisingly fun day trips!
Other destinations can also be easily combined with the capital Bangkok. For example, Kanchanaburi, known for the Bridge on the River Kwai and beautiful national parks, or the charming Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. This city is famous for its relaxed atmosphere, colorful temples, and creative neighborhoods, a great place to escape the bustle of Bangkok!
Prefer to travel a bit further? Then southern Thailand is a wonderful next step. Discover tropical islands such as Koh Samui and Koh Tao, where you can swap temples for pearl-white beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Annemiek Zimmerman
Exploring the world is one of the things I love the most. From a gap year in New York where I studied English to a 6-month exchange in Malaysia, my studies took me to crazy destinations. Not to mention the road trip I took through Australia. I really enjoy traveling, both inside and outside of Europe and love to share my stories and tips with you on Travander!
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