Just a 2 hour ride away from Bangkok lies Ayutthaya, the historic capital of Siam and a current UNESCO World Heritage Site. Whether you're a history, architecture or food-lover, there's something for you in this ancient city. Here are 5 attractions not to be missed -
1. Ayutthaya Historical Park
Comprising 67 temples and ruins, the Ayutthaya Historical Park provides a glimpse into the city's flourishing past. Ayutthaya prospered during the 14-17th century as Siam's centre of power and commerce, and the richness of the historic Kingdom is well evident as you take in the majestic temples dotted across the park.
Cycling is a great way to explore - there are bicycle parking stands at most major monuments and drivers are generally friendly towards cyclists. We rented our bikes from our hotel and spent a day cycling from temple to temple.
2. Wat Phu Khao Thong
Located just out of the historic park is Wat Phu Khao Thong, also known as the Golden Mount. Painted entirely in white and gold, this 50 metre chedi is a stunning sight to behold. Climb to the top of the tower for amazing views of the surrounding village - we heard it's amazing at sunrise and sunset too! This temple can be reached with a 10 minute tuk-tuk ride.
3. Bang Pa-in Royal Palace
Fast forward to the 19th century at the Bang Pa-in Royal Palace - this stunning complex was largely built by King Chulalongkorn in the the late 1800s for use as a summer home for the Siamese royalty. It took us about 30 minutes on a tuk-tuk to get from Ayutthaya to the Palace, but the ride was definitely worth it! The grounds are beautifully landscaped, which were not only photogenic but also provided welcome visual contrast from the ruins of Ayutthaya.
4. Wat Niwet Thammaprawat
Across the river from Bang Pa-in is a cluster of monasteries and temples, all built in a unique gothic revival style. Stroll around the neighbourhood and you'd be excused if you thought you were in Europe!
To get here, look for the cable cars located next to the Bang Pa-in main carpark. These are free to ride but you are welcome to leave donations. The highlight of this neighbourhood is definitely the Buddhist temple, housed in a chapel-like building complete with stained glass features and an ornate decorative ceiling.
5. Boat Noodles
Don't leave Ayutthaya without trying the Ayutthaya boat noodles, named as such because vendors used to peddle them while rowing down the city's canals. Sit by a local stall and knock back a few bowls of these noodles tossed in a fragrant dark soy and pig/cow blood broth (trust me it tastes way better than it sounds). You can usually choose between beef or pork, and specify your preferred type of noodle.
We had our fill at Pa Lek Boat Noodle, which was located just beside the historical park. There was a dessert stall next door as well serving sweetened shaved ice with a variety of local toppings - I had mine with grass jelly and chestnut balls (so good!!!)
We spent 2 days in Ayutthaya, which was sufficient for us to see most of the major sites and get a feel of the town, but we'd recommend at least 3 days for a more comfortable itinerary. Hope this article helped - leave a comment if you have any questions or you can DM me on Instagram at @shuutravels :) Bon voyage!
1. Ayutthaya Historical Park
Comprising 67 temples and ruins, the Ayutthaya Historical Park provides a glimpse into the city's flourishing past. Ayutthaya prospered during the 14-17th century as Siam's centre of power and commerce, and the richness of the historic Kingdom is well evident as you take in the majestic temples dotted across the park.
Cycling is a great way to explore - there are bicycle parking stands at most major monuments and drivers are generally friendly towards cyclists. We rented our bikes from our hotel and spent a day cycling from temple to temple.
Wat Phra Mahathat
One of the most photographed spots in this temple is the head of a stone Buddha that has over the years become entwined in the roots of a colossal tree.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet
Built on the site of the ancient Royal Palace, this was the holiest and most majestic temple in Ayutthaya before its destruction in the Burmese wars. The temple comprises three chedis, or chapels, that have since been restored to reveal their architectural beauty.
Wat Chaiwatthanaram
Wat Chaiwatthanaram literally means the 'Temple of Long Reign and Glorious Era'. Located across the Chao Phraya River, the sprawling grounds of this temple features eight chedis linked together with passageways.
2. Wat Phu Khao Thong
Located just out of the historic park is Wat Phu Khao Thong, also known as the Golden Mount. Painted entirely in white and gold, this 50 metre chedi is a stunning sight to behold. Climb to the top of the tower for amazing views of the surrounding village - we heard it's amazing at sunrise and sunset too! This temple can be reached with a 10 minute tuk-tuk ride.
3. Bang Pa-in Royal Palace
Fast forward to the 19th century at the Bang Pa-in Royal Palace - this stunning complex was largely built by King Chulalongkorn in the the late 1800s for use as a summer home for the Siamese royalty. It took us about 30 minutes on a tuk-tuk to get from Ayutthaya to the Palace, but the ride was definitely worth it! The grounds are beautifully landscaped, which were not only photogenic but also provided welcome visual contrast from the ruins of Ayutthaya.
4. Wat Niwet Thammaprawat
Across the river from Bang Pa-in is a cluster of monasteries and temples, all built in a unique gothic revival style. Stroll around the neighbourhood and you'd be excused if you thought you were in Europe!
To get here, look for the cable cars located next to the Bang Pa-in main carpark. These are free to ride but you are welcome to leave donations. The highlight of this neighbourhood is definitely the Buddhist temple, housed in a chapel-like building complete with stained glass features and an ornate decorative ceiling.
5. Boat Noodles
Don't leave Ayutthaya without trying the Ayutthaya boat noodles, named as such because vendors used to peddle them while rowing down the city's canals. Sit by a local stall and knock back a few bowls of these noodles tossed in a fragrant dark soy and pig/cow blood broth (trust me it tastes way better than it sounds). You can usually choose between beef or pork, and specify your preferred type of noodle.
We had our fill at Pa Lek Boat Noodle, which was located just beside the historical park. There was a dessert stall next door as well serving sweetened shaved ice with a variety of local toppings - I had mine with grass jelly and chestnut balls (so good!!!)
We spent 2 days in Ayutthaya, which was sufficient for us to see most of the major sites and get a feel of the town, but we'd recommend at least 3 days for a more comfortable itinerary. Hope this article helped - leave a comment if you have any questions or you can DM me on Instagram at @shuutravels :) Bon voyage!
