Ayutthaya is the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam, which ruled the kingdom for over four centuries. It is a site of historical importance in Thailand and a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Located just 80 km north of Bangkok, the ancient city is easily accessible for a day trip.
An opportunity to delve into Thailand's little-known history and marvel at the many temple ruins to explore.
Here I will summarize its history, why visit Ayutthaya and, above all, tell you the temples not to be missed if you visit the historical park for a single day. So, are you ready to take a leap?
Ayutthaya: some historical landmarks
- End of the 10th century : a first settlement already existed on the banks of the Pasak River, well before the official founding of the capital.
- 1351 Ayutthaya was established as the capital by King U-Thong. The city became the political center of a new kingdom, contemporary with and rival to Sukhothai.
- 14th – 18th century Ayutthaya gradually established itself as the capital of a larger kingdom, soon to be known as Siam. Thanks to its strategic location, the city became a major center of trade in Southeast Asia, with links to China, India and the Malay world.
- 1511 The Portuguese established a trading post in Ayutthaya, marking the beginning of trade relations with Europe.
- Seventeenth century Emissaries of Louis XIV travel to Ayutthaya; the French trade with the city. Travelers' accounts describe a prosperous and impressive city.
- Apogee (17th century) Known by its full name Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, the city is estimated to have nearly one million inhabitants and more than 1,500 temples, making it one of the largest urban areas in the world.
- 1569 - 1590 The city was severely damaged during a Burmese invasion. The kingdom briefly became a vassal of Burma before regaining its independence under the reign of King Naresuan.
- 1767 : after several decades of tensions, the Burmese army besieged and destroyed Ayutthaya, ending more than four centuries of domination.
- After 1767 : the kingdom of Siam moved its capital further south, first to Thonburi, then a few years later to Bangkok, with the advent of a new dynasty.
Even today , the remains of the looting and fires that ravaged the old capital are clearly visible, notably the Buddha statues, deliberately decapitated to mark Burmese domination and prevent any reconstruction.
As a side note, even today in Burma, a Thai person is referred to as a "Yodhiya," a name whose pronunciation is very similar to Ayutthaya. This is a way of referring to the inhabitants of their former rival, a direct reference to the time when the city dominated the region, a period to which the Burmese have remained attached in their use of the term.
This name itself is derived from the city of Ayodhya, located in northern India. The latter is known as the capital of the hero Rama, central character of the Hindu mythological epic Ramayana, from which the Thai Ramakien draws heavily.
Furthermore, this word, of Sanskrit origin, means "that which cannot be conquered" ... History will remember that a name alone is not enough...
Ayutthaya Historical Park Tour with 6 Temples
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991 , the modern city was rebuilt around the historic park. This left an area of nearly 300 hectares for walking, dotted with numerous ruins, the most famous of which are located on the "island" forming the heart of the historic park.
Why these 6 temples? That's the question I'll answer for you now. Knowing that there are a significant number of ruins, the idea is to discover a variety that is interesting enough and, above all, different, because ultimately, too many temples can quickly lead to an "overdose" effect.
Better still, if you had to make an even more limited choice, the three truly unmissable temples are Wat Mahathat (the famous Buddha encased in roots), Wat Phra Si Sanphet (ancient royal temple) and the iconic Wat Chai Watthanaram , on the riverbank.
1- Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon
Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon is an imposing temple located outside the main part of the historical park, on the other side of the river. It was built in the late 16th century to celebrate King Narusuan's victory in single combat against a Burmese prince, a major event in the history of the war between Burma and Thailand at the time. Its name, meaning "the great monastery of victory ," reflects this historical significance.
The temple features a cloister surrounded by 135 Buddha statues, providing a more spiritual atmosphere compared to other temples, whose statues are often destroyed or incomplete. One reason is that this temple is still active, with monks still present within it.
The most notable feature is the imposing 62-metre-high chedi, which offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area from its summit. Inside, it houses a well, made visible following excavations carried out in the pagoda, where visitors can drop coins by aiming at the central stone square at the very bottom.
Doing so is supposed to bring good fortune. Outside, you have a beautiful garden, the remains of a Viharn behind and in front, the Ubosot, part of the original walls of which are still visible. If you are curious, head to the building to the right of the main entrance, you will see a discreet reclining Buddha, hidden by its 4 walls still surrounding it.
2- Wat Mahathat
This temple is among the first buildings constructed in the new capital of Ayutthaya. Its name is found in several temples in the country because it is a fairly generic term meaning: " Monastery of the Great Relic ".
Wat Mahathat remains an important temple, it was a royal monastery and the seat of the supreme patriarch (“religious leader of the monks” of the country) until the end of the Ayutthaya period.
This is probably the most famous of the historical park, because it is here that you can admire the famous head of a Buddha statue, literally embedded in the old roots of a tree. This image has become a true symbol of Ayutthaya.
However, this is obviously not the only reason to visit this temple. The imposing complex remains an important vestige of this glorious era. The central prang, still standing at the beginning of the 20th century, unfortunately collapsed, because the temple was once entirely surrounded by water, weakening the soil.
But it still contains many standing chedis, including a rarer one with octagonal architecture. The cloister and its remains of Buddha statues bear witness to the ravages of time and the vicissitudes of history.
3- Wat Phra Si Sanphet
The largest of the sites, and for good reason, this monastery was the most important temple in Ayutthaya and was located within the grounds of the Grand Palace, including the royal residence and homes for the king's relatives and consorts. While virtually nothing remains of this area, the temple, which also served as a model for the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok, still has some beautiful remains.
Many of the visible structures are the work of King Ramathibodi II, who had two of the three central chedis built in 3, to place the ashes of his father and his elder brother. The third pagoda was added by his successor.
The temple is also famous for having housed the Phra Si Sanphet (from which it takes its name). This imposing 16-meter-high bronze Buddha statue is also a creation of Ramathibodi II. Covered in gold and highly venerated, the statue is now kept out of public view at Wat Pho in Bangkok.
The site is pleasant to visit, in addition to being very photogenic. In addition to the chedis that we notice immediately, we can see a royal audience hall, the walls of which are still standing today. The other notable building is a chapel in the shape of a cross, where, in addition to the remains of a statue of Buddha, we note the surprising presence of windows with a more oriental design.
If you are also attentive, as this is a royal site, you can see that the ancient complex was surrounded by a wall of which there are still some remains with battlements attesting to the importance of the place.
Bonus: Wiharn Phra Mongkol Bophit
You can't miss it, it's right next to Wat Phra Si Sanphet. The imposing Wiharn Phra Mongkol Bophit is the only Ayutthaya-era temple still in use in the historical park. The temple gets its name from the 12m (not including the pedestal) Buddha statue it houses.
When the Burmese army invaded the city, the temple was damaged and burned. The roof collapsed onto the statue, which was partially damaged but remained relatively intact inside. For over 200 years, the statue remained exposed to the elements.
In 1957, a series of renovations were undertaken to preserve all this heritage, which had been somewhat neglected until then. These renovations allowed the temple to be restored to its former splendor and this historic statue, dating from 1538, to be preserved.
4- Wat Lokaya Sutha
Sometimes referred to as Wat Lokaya Sutharam, which can be translated as " Monastery of the Celestial World ", this temple is mostly in ruins since practically only the red brick floors remain, with the exception of its central prang, which is still standing.
The main attraction of Wat Lokaya Sutha is its large reclining Buddha statue, called Phra Buddha Sai Yat , whose head rests on a lotus flower. Measuring 37 meters long and 8 meters high, the statue, which stands in front of the ruined ubosot, was once embedded in a viharn, but this too has collapsed, leaving only its foundations visible.
The place remains sacred after all these years. Thais regularly come to make offerings and pray. For a long time, I saw this statue covered with a long orange cloth, symbolizing the monks' robes. Just to clarify, the current version of the reclining Buddha is the result of a series of renovations begun in the 50s.
Recently, she underwent a final facelift which I find alters her appearance a little too much and removes the old-fashioned character that gave her charm… I'll let you judge for yourselves below with a before/after comparison.
Before
AfterApart from the ruins of the ubosot and its prang, one can see on the side of the road, just south of the large statue, an ancient tower where the bell of the call to prayer was located. Discreet on a side away, to the north of the statue, this time, is a curiosity with a small chedi in a Lanna style, in a conical shape.
If you are in the area, you can also take a look at the nearby temple, Wat Worachettharam, which dates back to 1605. In addition to a large chedi (which is suspected to contain the ashes of the famous King Naresuan), you will see a building without a roof, but with all its walls intact, with spots of ornamental ceramics still visible in the stucco of the gable.
5- Wat Phu Khao Thong
This temple is a bit out of the way, just over 2km north of Ayutthaya. Built during the reign of King Ramesuan in 1395, it did not originally feature the imposing chedi that remains its main attraction today.
The large chedi is built on a square base, in a Mon-Burmese style since the construction is the work of the Burmese king Bayinnaung, wanting to mark his victory following the capture of the city in 1569. The final design would have resembled the Shwezigon pagoda, visible in Bagan.
After the construction of the base, the Burmese king returned to his capital, leaving his vassal, King Maha Thammaracha, to complete the monument. However, the latter was not enthusiastic about continuing the construction of the symbol of his neighbors' victory and so the chedi remained unfinished.
Shortly after, Maha Thammaracha's son, who became King Naresuan, returned the Ayutthaya Kingdom to independence. To commemorate this event, he decided to complete the chedi, thus thumbing his nose at the vanquished. In 1587, the top of the chedi was added in Thai style, with a bell shape set on an octagonal base.
However, due to its isolated location (once accessible only by a canal connecting it to the Chao Phraya River), the summit would eventually fall into disrepair and was finally renovated in its current design in 1744.
While there is now a road to access it, visitors can still climb the Mon-Burmese style base to the foot of the chedi, from where one can see the surrounding rice fields still present, and the city of Ayutthaya with several pagodas jutting out in the distance.
It is also possible to access the heart of the chedi via a small tunnel, where the sacred relics of this work are still visible. In addition to the 50 m chedi, you can see the ruins of a small viharn and especially an ubosot, whose recent work has restored the site to its former appearance. Around it are a few additional small chedis and the whole is surrounded by a surrounding wall and moats.
Note that this temple is still active, with monks living on site, which gives it a special aura.
Bonus info : literally, the name means "golden mountain," but the temple has nothing to do with the one in Bangkok that bears the same nickname (Wat Saket). Upon arriving at the site from the main entrance, you will pass an equestrian statue of King Naresuan, surrounded by numerous rooster statues of all sizes.
6- Wat Chai Watthanaram
Located to the west of the main island forming the heart of the Ayutthaya Historical Park, Wat Chai Watthanaram is a large quincunx structure, typical of Khmer architecture, like the temple of Angkor Wat for example, namely, towers forming a square plus a central one, whose shape takes after the ancient prangs, conical in shape, as opposed to the usual Thai style, in the shape of a bell.
King Prasat Thong built this royal monastery on the bank of the Chao Phraya River in 1630, to pay homage to his adoptive mother, the temple being built on the site of her residence.
It is one of the best preserved temples. You can still see sections of walls with the loophole windows. On these exterior facades; traces of stucco frescoes are also still visible.
Around the cloister, the statues, although having lost their heads, seem imperturbable. Under the intermediate towers, one can see other statues, with a headdress on their heads instead of the traditional hair in curlers. Each one is in a variable state of preservation, with sometimes remains of the wooden structure that decorated everything behind.
It was a monastery dedicated to the late mother of King Prasat Thong in the 17th century. Its riverside location and orientation make it an excellent temple to visit for sunset viewing.
The essential temples in Ayutthaya on a map
A gift for you! (I know, how generous) A map showing the location of each temple , the bonuses and the route if you do the visits in order.
Bonus: some optional temples
Assuming you are keen on old stones and Thai history, here is a selection of other temples to add to your "to see" list.
– Wat Ratcha Burana (entrance 80 baht), a 15th-century temple dedicated to two brothers who fought to the death for the throne (the third, having taken the title, had the temple built on the cremation site).
– Wat Thammikkarat (free entry), an often overlooked complex with an imposing and well-preserved royal viharn.
– Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan (entrance 20 baht), an important complex dating from the 14th century. Located outside to the south of the historical park, it is known for its imposing 19-meter seated Buddha statue and includes a Chinese shrine in its courtyard.
– Portuguese Catholic Church (free entry), although the interior is generally inaccessible, it offers a welcome change from Buddhist temples. Dating from the 17th century, it is still in use, as it is located within the grounds of a Catholic school, a little further along the river past Wat Chai Watthanaram.
And if you happen to have some time, I've written an article about two days in Ayutthaya, featuring other temples besides those mentioned above.
Practical information
How to get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok
Ayutthaya is only less than 80 km from the capital. It is therefore quick and easy to access. The choice is yours, bus, mini van, taxi, train or even boat, there is something for everyone and especially all types of budget.
Bangkok – Ayutthaya by regular bus
To do this, go to the Mo Chit bus terminal. Easily reachable from the BTS station of the same name (via motorbike taxi, it's a bit far on foot).
Allow about 1h30 for the journey. There are buses that leave every 15 minutes between 04:30 and 19:30. Typically, a 2nd Class air-conditioned bus (46 seats) costs 50 baht.
Bangkok – Ayutthaya by minivan
An alternative for those who want to go a little faster, the minibus. These famous 14-seater minivans widely used in Thailand are, in fact, a little faster to reach Ayutthaya in about an hour.
There are departures every 20-30 minutes from the bases, but as soon as they are full, they leave. The journey is only slightly more expensive than the regular bus, between 60 and 70 baht, but allows you to avoid the hassle of the big terminal which is a bit chaotic.
To get there, go to Mo Chit Van Terminal station, close to the BTS Skytrain of the same name (note that a taxi will be necessary to cover the last few kilometers).
Bangkok – Ayutthaya by train
For those in a less hurry, this is a way to get to the historic park that has its charm. You can either leave from the new main Bang Sue station (reachable from the metro, MRT Bang Sue) or, to avoid the crowds, from the small Samsen station, which is the stop between Bang Sue and the old Hua Lamphong station.
Depending on the class, in order 3rd, 2nd and 1st class, the fares are respectively a very small 15 baht, 35 and 66 Baht ( Prices on the official website , so if you are offered more, I often hear of fares of 250 baht for 1st class for example, it's nonsense).
The journey takes almost 2 hours if it is an “ordinary” train and 1 hour 15 minutes if you take the express version (but less choice in terms of timetables).
Bangkok – Ayutthaya by boat
Currently, there are no public boats that travel to Ayutthaya (although there used to be...). The only option is either to charter a boat from the Chao Phraya Express company or take a private tour including a mini-cruise between Bangkok and Ayutthaya, which usually takes 2 or 3 days (see example below; it's not cheap, I'll give you other options later):
Among some companies offering this service between Bangkok and Ayutthaya by boat, you have these:
– The River Sun Cruise costs 2200 ฿ (€63) per person. It departs from the River City Shopping Complex daily at 8:00 AM and returns around 5:00 PM. Note that the outbound journey is normally by bus and the return journey by boat.
– the Pearl of Siam , 2350 ฿ (€67) for a daily departure at 7:30 am and return at 16:30 pm, also from the River City
– The Oriental Queen & Ayutthaya Princess : I couldn't find an up-to-date price, but by deduction, I'd say it must be around 2500 ฿. Departure from the Oriental Hotel every day at 8:00 AM and return around 5:00 PM. For this one, you can choose to travel there by bus and back by boat, or vice versa.
Finally, a truly luxurious option for those who desire it: a 2-day, 29-night cruise on the Mekhala , starting from 000 ฿… ouch
Note that it is also possible to take a boat tour around Ayutthaya ; this usually takes place around 16 pm and costs 800 Baht per boat . To do this, you need to go to the northeast of the old city.
To summarize, here on a map all the possible transport options from Bangkok to get to the Ayutthaya historical park.
Getting to Kanchanaburi from Ayutthaya
If people are not going back up north (usually via train), the "classic" option is to reach Kanchanaburi from Ayutthaya Historical Park.
To do this, there are 2 steps. The first is to reach the city of Suphanburi , about 1 hour from Ayutthaya (60 km), then from there, take a bus to Kanchanaburi , for a journey of about 2 hours (a little less than 100 km).
The journey from Ayutthaya to Kanchanaburi takes between 4 and 5 hours in total .
Bus timetable from Kanchanaburi to Suphanburi and Suphanburi to Kanchanaburi (via bus no. 653):
– Departure every 20 minutes between 4:50 a.m. and 18:10 p.m. by the company “Transport Co LTD” for 50 ฿
Bus schedule from Suphanburi to Ayutthaya and from Ayutthaya to Suphanburi (via bus no. 703):
– Every 30 minutes between 6am and 17pm for ฿40
There are also direct minibuses (vans) to Kanchanaburi, offered by guesthouses or tour operators for 400 ฿.
How to visit Ayutthaya once you are there
Depending on the time you have available, you can visit the city:
– By bicycle , daily rentals start at 50 baht, and some guesthouses even offer it for free (assuming you're staying overnight). For those with more time, this is the preferred way to explore the park, given that most of the temples are concentrated in a relatively small area. However, it's not the ideal way to see my entire selection, as several temples are located outside the central area. It's still doable, but you'll need to maintain a brisk pace to see everything.
– By scooter , usually 200 baht (plus petrol), it is the best way to discover the temples in my opinion, in addition to saving time to be able to discover more, it allows you to keep your independence.
– By tuk-tuk , not necessarily the cheapest option, but if you don't have much time and can't drive a scooter… it's still a fairly easy and pleasant way to get around. Provided you negotiate well… you normally won't pay less than 800 baht per day (knowing that they usually charge up to 200 baht per hour…). However, I can give you a recommendation for a reliable driver who also speaks some French: Tony Tuk Tuk Ayutthaya
Where to sleep in Ayutthaya
The article seemed incomplete to me without mentioning accommodation. Staying overnight in Ayutthaya is mainly for travelers who want to visit the site in two days , and/or enjoy the city in peace and quiet in the evening, or as a stopover before heading north.
If you are only planning a day trip, it will often be simpler to return to Bangkok to sleep.
In this case, the choice of neighborhood can be important, especially to facilitate departure in the morning and return at the end of the day: I have detailed the most practical options in my guide to knowing which neighborhood to stay in in Bangkok.
Here are my hotel suggestions in Ayutthaya:
– Tamarind Guesthouse : Not easy to find because it's set back from the main road (in front of Wat Mahathat, you should mention if the location is good), it's in a typical house with wooden floors, good welcome, nice terrace.
– Loymanee House , a family-run guesthouse on the riverbank (off the island). It's not easy to find, as you have to take a narrow alleyway that's accessible by entering the courtyard of a temple. But the breakfast is personalized, the room is comfortable, and you feel right at home.
– Bann Baimai Boutique Room: If you're looking for a bit more comfort and a spacious room with air conditioning, the Bann Baimai Boutique Room should suit you. Recently built, its warm welcome (if the owner is there) is highly praised by guests. They also have bicycles available for rent, it's a shame they aren't provided free of charge…
Finally, to conclude, a special family option : if you are travelling with your children, I recommend Baan Are Gong Riverside Homestay , which has large rooms, able to accommodate up to 5 adults, so also suitable if you are a group of friends (from €24).
Explore other historical sites in Thailand
While Ayutthaya is quite well-known to travelers, Thailand is brimming with archaeological sites, from ancient Thai kingdoms to Khmer heritage. Here's an overview of the most important ones.
Historic parks listed by UNESCO
S
Cradle of the first Thai kingdom.
And Satchanalai
Strategic outpost 1 hour from Sukhothai, also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kamphaeng Phet
Ancient fortified city, defensive role of the Sukhothai kingdom.
If Thep
The ancient capital of the Dvaravati kingdom.
Other archaeological sites
Chiang Saen
Cradle of Lanna, ancient city with ruined ramparts and temples.
Wiang Kum Kam Free MpXNUMX Download
Former capital before Chiang Mai.
Lopburi
Ancient Khmer city then secondary capital in the 17th century, today famous for its monkeys.
