Visiting the Ayutthaya Temples as a Day Trip

Ayutthaya was once Thailand’s primary hub of tourism and trade. The island capital of Siam, it prospered as one of the world’s largest and richest cities during its heyday.

From the 14th century until its conquest by the Burmese in 1767, Ayutthaya had over 1 million inhabitants—with merchants and dignitaries from all over the world calling the cosmopolitan capital home.

In recent history, however, Bangkok has emerged as Thailand’s economic and political center. Meanwhile, Ayutthaya has all but faded into the background.

But enigmatic ruins still lie scattered across the old Thai capital. These magnificent Ayutthaya temples sprawl across various parts of the modern city, reminding visitors of the ancient Siamese Kingdom’s wealth, history, and influence.

 

THE AYUTTHAYA TEMPLES: AN OVERVIEW

Visiting Ayutthaya is one of the top things to do in Thailand. A UNESCO World World Heritage Site, the temple complex is among the most impressive archeological sites in Asia.

Like the temples of Borobudur, Angkor Wat and Bagan, the ruins of Ayutthaya are incredibly well-preserved. Crumbling stupas soar above the rooflines of the surrounding city, adorned with relics of Buddha statues. Shrines and stupas can be found along nearly every street and down many alleyways.

While the world heritage site makes for a popular day trip destination due to its easy access from Bangkok, it is worth sticking around for an extra day or two if your Thailand itinerary has some flexibility.

 

BRIEF HISTORY OF AYUTTHAYA’S TEMPLES

Founded in 1350, Ayutthaya was the second Siamese capital after Sukhothai. Its strategic location on the banks of three rivers enabled trade to prosper and made it a key trading hub between East and West. The city’s waterways also acted as a protective barrier, creating a moat of sorts that shielded Ayutthaya from attack.

But despite its strategic location, Ayutthaya was not able to avoid conquest.

The city flourished until the 18th century, when the Burmese army invaded Ayutthaya and burned it to the ground. Many of the town’s buildings, library’s and artifacts were destroyed. Inhabitants of Ayutthaya fled the ancient city for Bangkok, leaving an extensive and impressive patchwork of ruins in their wake. ‘

Today, temple ruins lie strewn across the modern city of Ayutthaya—revealing glimpses of the city’s once-thriving and cosmopolitan civilization.

• WAT MAHATHAT

Wat Mahathat is the most popular temple to visit in Ayutthaya. An impressive complex, its claim to fame is a small Buddha head that has been swallowed up by surrounding tree roots over the years.

Legend has it that the Bhuddha head fell to the ground when the Burmese Army raided Ayutthaya. Over time, the sculpture succumbed to the power of the tree roots—becoming entangled in their firm embrace.

Although most tourists flock to Wat Mahathat in order to see the half-swallowed Buddha head, the entire temple complex is worth exploring.

• WAT RATCHABURANA

When King Intharacha died in 1424, he left behind three sons. The two eldest sons led armies against each other in a fight for the throne.

But they died in battle, inedvertantly leaving the throne to their younger brother, Prince Sam Phraya.

The younger brother built Wat Ratchaburana in their honor. His older brothers’ ashes are said to reside in the temple.

Wat Ratchaburana is one of the most popular Ayutthaya temples due to its photogenic main gate, where the entrance to the building frames its towering spire.

The central tower (pram) is among the best preserved in Ayutthaya.

• WAT YAI CHAIMONGKHON

Wat Yai Chaimongkhon, one of the most well-preserved ancient royal monasteries in Ayutthaya, lies just before the eastern entrance to the inner city.

The temple is famous for its large reclining Buddha and for its 62 meter pagoda (chedi) built to commemorate King Naresuan’s victory over the Burmese.

• WAT LOKAYASUTHARAM

Wat Lokayasutharam is renowned for its large reclining statue of the Buddha that stretches 37 meters long and 8 meters high. The Buddha lies on the East/West axis, with its head resting on a lotus flower.

Often draped in an orange cloth, the Buddha is one of Ayutthaya’s most iconic remaining relics.

In front of the Buddha, a series of octagonal stumps suggest that the Buddha was once housed in a prayer hall.

• WAT PHRA SI SANPHET

King Boromatrailokanat built Wat Phra Si Sanphet in 1448. At the time of its construction, it was reportedly one of the grandest temples in Thailand. Even today—with its rows of white stupas— it is among the highlights of Ayutthaya.

Wat Phra Si Sanphet served as the royal family’s private chapel and is the site at which many religious ceremonies were held.

The temple’s three stupas hold the ashes of King Boroma-Tri-Loka-Nat and his two sons, who also became kings.

• WAT CHAI WATTANARAM

Wat Chai Wattanaram lies on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, facing the inner city of Ayutthaya.

Its principal prang, constructed in the Khmer style, symbolizes the center of the universe. The temple’s surrounding chedis depict the outer universe. Each corner chedi houses two Buddhas set inside a wooden structure.

• WAT PHRA RAM

The towering prang of Wat Phra Ram lies at the center of the Ayutthaya Historical Park, near Wat Phra Si Sanphet.

One of the oldest temples in the area, it dates back to 1369 and was erected on the cremation site of Ayutthaya’s first king.

Since many travelers overlook Wat Phra Ram in favor of the larger and more renowned archeological sites, the temple can be blissfully crowd-free in comparison.

 

PLACES TO STAY NEAR THE AYUTTHAYA TEMPLES

Though I traveled to Ayutthaya as a day trip, I actually recommend spending at least one night in town. Staying overnight allows you to visit the temples with ease and gives you the opportunity to witness sunrise and sunset in the area.

There are many accommodation options in Ayutthaya that range from basic to luxurious. If you’re on a budget, Siri Guesthouse boasts private rooms at hostel prices. It has a central location and offers bike rentals.

The Kantary Hotel is a mid-range option with clean rooms and an outdoor pool. It has great reviews and includes breakfast.

And if you’re looking to splurge, the Sala Ayutthaya features a riverside location with an outdoor pool and panoramas over the archaeological site.

 

AYUTTHAYA FEES AND HOURS

There is no fee to enter the Ayutthaya Historical Park. However, some major temples charge an entrance fee of 50 Thai Baht or less. At less than $2USD per temple, it is an incredible deal.

The temples of Ayutthaya are open daily from 8am to 5pm.

 

GETTING AROUND THE TEMPLES OF AYUTTHAYA

Though you can explore Ayutthaya on foot, most travelers choose to visit the temples by bike or tuk tuk. Hiring a tuk tuk costs roughly 200 Baht per hour and is a great option for travelers with limited time or mobility.

I decided to explore the ruins by renting a bike for the day. Though it was excruciatingly hot and I frequently lost my way, I found biking to be a lovely and rewarding way of exploring the city’s temple-lined streets.

Bike rentals are ubiquitous and cheap in Ayutthaya. They run around 50-100 Baht per day. Many hostels and guesthouses will have bikes for hire. If you can’t line up a bike rental in advance, don’t fret. You’ll likely have luck finding a rental place within a few minutes of arriving in town.

 

GUIDED TOURS OF AYUTTHAYA

While Ayutthaya is an easy place to visit independently, some travelers may like the comforts of visiting the city on a guided tour. If you’re taking a day trip to Ayutthaya, tours may be particularly attractive because they take care of the logistics and leave the planning to experts.

Small group tours offer an opportunity to explore the archeological site with a guide. Since they include transport to and from Bangkok, Ayutthaya tours can be particularly enticing for people who are short on time.

If you want to skip crowded buses, private day tours are also an option.

 

GETTING TO AYUTTHAYA FROM BANGKOK

Ayutthaya lies about 85 km north of Bangkok. Depending on your budget and time, you can travel between the two cities by train, bus, or private car.

• BY SHARED MINI VAN

I chose to take a shared minivan to Ayutthaya during my day trip, since I was already staying in northern Bangkok.

Minivans leave when full from Mo Chit Bus Station. They take roughly an hour to complete the journey between Bangkok and Ayutthaya.

• BY TRAIN

Alternatively, trains depart nearly every hour from the Hualamphong Train Station in Bangkok’s city center. The train from Bangkok to Ayutthaya takes between 1.5 and 2 hours (depending on whether or not you take an express service) to complete the journey.

The train is an incredibly convenient option due to its frequency.

 

WHEN TO VISIT AYUTTHAYA

Though Thailand’s weather is generally pleasant year-round, the best time to visit Ayutthaya is during the winter months of November-February. Winter in Thailand is characterized by mild temperatures and low levels of precipitation.

Beginning in April, Thailand’s heat and humidity can become oppressive. The rainy season kicks into high gear in June and lasts through October.

 

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Southeast Asia’s most popular holiday destination, Thailand dazzles its visitors with  glittering temples, tropical beaches, and mouth-watering food.

From the idyllic swaths of sand near Krabi to remote mountain villages near Chiang Mai, the Land of Smiles is a country of many wonders. It is the type of place that attracts party-goers, beach bums, and long-term backpackers.

If you’re interested in looking past cheap beers and full moon parties, Thailand has a rich history to uncover.

And if historical relics are what you’re after, it doesn’t get much better than Ayutthaya.