Even today millions of backpackers (including me) often visit Thailand’s most popular yet energetic cities like Bangkok or Phuket. But actually there are some remote destinations in Thailand that are equally worth cities like Bangkok and I call these destinations are the “most underrated hidden gems” to backpackers.
Today I’d like to highlight one of my favourite destinations, actually located just 80 km away from Bangkok, exhibiting the country’s rich history, architecture and emperor legacies. “Ayutthaya” is Thailand’s prominent backpacking destination offers a direct and tangible window to the country’s ancient heritages. Traveling from Bangkok to Ayutthaya is simply a transformation of your modern, bustling metropolis to a historic and architectural travel journey.
History of Ayutthaya
Even today Thailand has enormous ancient landmarks, but Ayutthaya is totally different from the rest of them. What I really love about this place is its history. This UNESCO World Heritage Site once stood as the largest and most flourishing city in the world during the 17th century.
Let’s go back to its original period, Ayutthaya founded in 1350 by King U Thong and recognised as the 2nd capital of the Siamese Kingdom. But initially the city just started as part of the Siamese administration kingdom, but during the 14th century onwards the city started to become more wealthy.
Before the 14th century there’re other places like Angkor Wat/Khmer Empire that stood as superpower throughout Southeast Asia including Ayutthaya. After the 14th to 18th century, the city grew too fast and stood as the most prominent largest and most cosmopolitan urban areas in the world.
To this development progresses as visitors we need to give more appreciation to King Phra Narai. Throughout Ayutthaya history King Phra Narai was a more futuristic and development oriented king. He made great allegiance with France and other European countries for successful trade and cultural exchanges.
At the end of the 18th century Ayutthaya legacy comes to an end, Burmese started to invade and burnt out most of the city’s promising architecture and temples. But today we can see the remaining parts of the ancient ruins along with brilliant Thai literature and culture.
Why it is a Prominent Destination?
There are a number of reasons I can figure out why exactly I love Ayutthaya. But these 3 major points really made me love too much, and I like to extend to you too.
1. Architectures
If you are a true fan of architecture and looking to explore unique architectural grandeur then you have to put this place in your travel bucket list. Compared to the rest of Asian historic destinations, Ayutthaya features “Prangs”, reliquary towers, ancient ruins and massive monasteries.
2. Cultural Legacies
I think Ayutthaya is one of the rarest landmarks in the world where you have an opportunity to experience history and modernity in one place. Yes, park witnessing is uniquely combined with modern cities where you can rent a bicycle to see and travel through ruins surrounded by local life, markets and rivers.
3. Close Proximity
As we discussed earlier, Ayutthaya is often known for its locations. Since it is close to Bangkok, you have a great option to cover this interesting destination within a day trip or overnight trip.
Ayutthaya Temple
Majority of the Ayutthaya temples reflect Theravada Buddhism and stand as the both global trade center and cultural/literature point especially during between 14th to 18th centuries. Today I wish to drag a little further to know what are the best temples you can find here in Ayutthaya.
Before knowing the best temples of Ayutthaya, I would like to say a little bit about “Wat”. Wat is a unique architecture majorly you’ll see in Southeast Asian countries. Wat simply a Buddhist monastery where once Buddhist monks lived for religious practices and royal authority of emperors.
1. Wat Mahathat
Out of the total Ayutthaya temples list, Wat Mahathat is the most visited and holy temple. You can see the massive head of Buddha which is entwined in the roots of a banyan tree. Temple often called “Temple of the Great Relics” where thousands of relics of Buddha exist in every corner of the temple.
Wat Mahathat is the earliest Pagoda and recognised as the most tallest one which was primarily built as a residence for Buddhist monks. However, Mahathat is a kind of temple which is home to good numbers of viharan, ubosot and library.
But to me its entwined face really made me the most photographic attraction in the entire Ayutthaya. Buddha heads have fallen off from statues and look like they are entrapped by the banyan roots. Even though he is trapped by its roots, we can take a perfect picture of his smiling face with strong cosmic connections.
Despite being just a temple, Wat Mahthat even stands as the symbolic centre of the Kingdom and residence of the Supreme Patriarch.
2. Wat Phra Si Sanphet
Most revered temple on the site of the old royal place, available inside of the Ayutthaya historical park. The reason I added this Wat Phra Si Sanphet temple is its 3 iconic bell shaped chedis or stupas stand as the intrinsic symbol of the Ayutthaya, primarily serving as a burial site for emperors.
Temple built by the popular King U Thong. Initially the temple was reserved for the royal family’s private chapel and some swearing ceremonies, but today the site exclusively welcomes visitors to see popular attractions like 3 grand pagodas.
3. Wat Chaiwatthanaram
Beside Wat Mahathat, if you are looking for a more picturesque and photographic centric temple in Ayutthaya, then Wat Chaiwatthanaram is for you. Located on the bank of Chao Phraya River, within Ayutthaya historical Park, outskirt of Ayutthaya Island.
Compared to the rest of Wat temples of Ayutthaya, Wat Chaiwatthanaram is inspired by Cambodia’s Angkor Wat Temple. Today if you see this temple properly its reminiscent style purely reflects Angkor Wat. Additionally, the temple highlights Khmer influencing architectures which help everyone to see and appreciate epic sunset views in the province.
Majority of its constructions were finished by the Ayutthaya period, especially its complex. Primarily built for Buddhist monks to practice their religious ceremonies and do some meditations. But if you go through the main pagoda of the temple it will tell us the life story of Buddha and more brief introductions about what is wat.
Why Was Ayutthaya Destroyed
In the pages of Thai history, destruction of century-old ancient temples and architecture is one of the most significant events in Ayutthaya, and I wish to know everyone.
The primary reason for the vast demolitions of this epic beauty is Burmese army in 1767. The Konbaung dynasty has come to power in Burma and king Hsinbyushin decides to invade Siamese, capital of the region. Midst 1765 to 1767, Burmese and Siamese wars took place, but the result from this war was massive destruction of the city, especially the city’s architecture. Invaders started assassinating Siamese people and burnt out their temples, religious iconography, palaces, houses and their library. Some historians believe that they even melted down gold covered statues too.
After massive demolitions, no such great leader made a brave decision to rebuild this beautiful city, including Ayutthaya. Most of the ruins of Ayutthaya remained and shattered across its historical park. The place was unaware to outsiders and remained as a haunted place, but during 1991, Ayutthaya was recognised by the UNESCO World Heritage Site and covered at its 289 hectares of land.
After that Ayutthaya was renamed as “Siam Ayutthaya” and “Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya”.
Things to Do in Phra Nakhon Si Ayuthhaya
1. Take a Glimpse at Ayutthaya Historical Park
Since Phra Nakhon Si Ayuthhaya is all about historic ruins and temples I really love to say start your day from the iconic Ayutthaya Historical Park. Hub of city’s major temples, statues and ruins, even today Park is great place people like us to exhibits historic side of the city.
Got UNESCO World Heritage Site after its devastating history and today contains numerous architectural beauties like royal palaces, century old grand temples. Located just north of Bangkok which was once built and controlled by King Ramathibodi I and thrived from the 14th to 18th centuries.
The reason why I added this park is firstly its vast collections of ruins and temples. Like we discussed before, Temple Wat Mahthat is located at the central point of the park, especially the entwined head of Buddha. However, parks, living museums, prangs and carving styles are really more central points to watch here.
Tips: Rent a bicycle or hire a Tuk-Tuk for best navigation and see various temple complexes of Historical Park.
2. Spend Time at Ayutthaya Floating Market
If you’re looking to make a unique Ayutthaya travel journey or more tranquil experience, I highly recommend you to spend time at Ayutthaya Floating Market. Within its 70 acres of land where it allows us to experience Thai traditional cultural experience including Thai street food and help everyone how local handcraft techniques works.
Even today people from different parts come to see its unique traditional Thai wooden shophouses, and broadwalks. But for me markets unique styles of traditional costume, folk performances and everyday life of Thai people made me give high mark.
For a better experience booking your boat ride well in advance is a very good idea. It helps you to unlock markets in every section like shops, cultural event spaces and places where you can try Thai street foods like boat noodles, grilled seafoods and mango sticky rice.
3. Appreciate Beauty of Pa-In Royal Palace
If you’re looking to spend some time outside of the city center, perhaps Pa-In Royal Palace could be a great option to you. The reason is very simple, throughout the pages of Thai history even today I vividly remember this summer palace passing its legacy to showing us Thai, Chinese and European architecture within very beautifully crafted manicured gardens.
Once you reach its locations you might wonder how beautiful the surroundings are. The palace is covered by the most epic lush gardens and waterways. But for me Aisawan Thiphya Asana floating pavilion is my favourite. Its ornate style of pavilion and multi-tiered roof really made me open my camera from the bag.
If you are willing to indulge its more serene atmospheres, I strongly recommend you to swim at Chao Phraya River and dine at its nearest restaurant like Sala bang pa. Additionally, don’t miss out on walking amidst the garden to see topiary and historic lawns.
4. Appreciate Buddha Statue at Wiham Phra Monkhon Bophit
I wish you to add this active temple to your above Ayutthaya temple lists. Wiham Phra Monkhon Borphit temple’s massive bronze Buddha statue is really tempting me, including its unique spiritual ceremonies.
Even today a number of Buddhist followers come in front of this largest 13 meters tall Buddha statue praying in respect and for good fortune wishes. However, nearby ruins and viharn are even most visited places by daily worshipers and they believe that strong spiritual contrast with gods and ruins.
While entering its main part of the temple you are very fortunate to see a massive hall where a number of paintings and sculptures are depicted on the walls. Every section of these paintings and sculptures allow us to get an idea about Buddhism or the life story of Buddha. At the same time statues outer layers of gold color body will always leave you in awe inspiring situations.
5. Spend Some Time at Portuguese Village
Even though Thailand wasn’t officially colonised by European forces, today you can see some European evidence and those are really worth exploring. Out of that, Portuguese Village is more recommended and close to your Phra Nakhon Si Ayuthhaya.
Portuguese are the first European settlers to come to Thailand during the 15th century and they built separate sections for them (especially when Burmese War took place in 1760). Out of that 300 Portuguese built a separate village in the Chao Phraya region of Ayutthaya. But today the village left as a ruined site to visitors to see their century old churches, graveyards, and unique style of houses.
If you’re a curious backpacker or looking to study the unique culture of Portuguese at Ayutthaya, I suggest you visit Old San Petro Church. It allows you to go deeper through its Shadowy museum, which displays Thai-Portuguese Relations. Some believe that the church has an excavation pit with several crumbling Skeletons.
Visit this Portuguese Village and it could be a great travel experience to you, if you truly are a big fan to know 2 different cultures at one place.
6. Take a Walk Amidst of the Ayutthaya Night Market
Phra Nakhon Si Ayuthhaya is a great option in Asia for you to choose to wander during night time, and it could be easily done at Autthaya Night Market. While I’m walking its streets markets historic ambiances and yen numbers of street shops and food stalls grab my attention.
After getting too much stress due to exploring Ayutthaya temple, ruins and popular attractions, the Night Market of Ayutthaya is a great option to feel a more tranquil experience. Walking amidst its massive size of food sections where papaya salad, grilled meats of ping and yang are available to us to taste. Additionally, the night market is a fantastic place for you if you haven’t tried sweet roti, papaya salad or boat noodles before.
While I walk in the middle of its streets, beautiful souvenir shops are lined one by one and its colorful lighting which I can feel even for long distances. When I get too close to each shop it displays Thai silk, ceramics, paintings and images of Buddha and some local handmade clothes. If you are willing to buy unique handmade stuff for souvenirs or take night portraits pictures of food stalls from your camera, Night market could be a great option to you.
7. Find the Statues of Reclining Buddha
While exploring the interesting Ayutthaya city I came to know that there are actually 2 statues of the reclining Buddha available. Wat Lokaya Sutha and Wat Yai Chai Mang Khon, and both these statues represent the concept of Buddhism pariniravana, concentrating ultimate peace, love, and serenity.
Recyclining Buddha at Wat Lokaya Sutha is a massive and located open space of Pratu Chai’s resorted ruin of monastery. Compared to other major statues, this one is 42 meters long and 8 metres high. As a visitor your duty is not just to appreciate its massiveness, along with it is a good idea to make small tour at its monastery floors, walls and pillars to see Buddha’s life and how this statue is constructed.
I feel Wat Yai Chai Mang Khon is the most underrated one, even today the majority of us are unaware about this place. But this recycling statue has the same value and importance’s as the Mat Lokaya Sutha has. Located within Ayutthaya city limits, where believers come to rub coins on his feet for good luck and fortune. I personally recommend you to explore this statue while they celebrate festivals to choose to know better Thai cultures and sacred beliefs.
8. Discover Beauty of Historic City of Ayutthaya
Perhaps skipping to visit the historic city of Ayutthaya is the most unwise decision for you and it has happened me too. Even today travelers like us believe that Ayutthaya and the historic city of Ayutthaya are the same, but it is not. When we talk about Ayutthaya where we can feel both historic and modern touch, the historic city is primarily concentrating on the ancient and cultural side of the city.
This historic city is recognised by the UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to the city’s century old history and cultural legacies. Exploring historic cities is everything to us, a place which allows us to get an idea about legacies of flourishing kingdoms, vast collections of ruins/temples, Buddhist monuments, and trade and political strategies of different emperors.
Visiting the Historic City of Ayutthaya was a great experience. It clearly displayed how rich and prosperous Ayutthaya was before Burmese army invaded and destroyed it. Try to cover temples like Wat Mahathat, Ratchaburana, Phra Sri Sanphet and Thammikarat along with finding ancient Buddhist libraries and stupas.
9. Book Your Boat Ride
Since we’re optimistic backpackers and always looking to cover destinations or attractions even while we are traveling to certain destinations like Ayutthaya. Traveling to Ayutthaya from Bangkok is always a close connection, but coming by cruise or boat on the Chao Phraya River is a more beneficial experience to you.
Totally different travel experience to me and it helps you to cover up places like Koh Kret Island and Riverside Temple like Wat Bot. Take a day trip at any of the elite boat companies like Small Teak and feel a more tranquil experience until you reach the city.
10. Climb the Wat Ratchaburana Temple Tower
Close to Wat Mahthat Temple, Wat Ratchaburana Temple is the most recommended temple to include during your Ayutthaya Trip. The reason is very simple, it’s epic Central Prang (Temple Tower).
An interesting fact here is you can climb its top where it allows you to see the surrounding ruins and nearby Wat Temples grounds. Pay $ 3 to enter inside the tower (even to climb its top) and reach a small crypt chamber to see relics and royal treasures of emperors. Out of these relics and treasures, some of the artefacts are displayed at Chao Sam Phraya National Museum.
How to Get to Ayutthaya/ Phra Nakhon Si Ayuthhaya
Getting to Ayutthaya is not a very tedious task to you, actually it is a straightforward one. One of the easiest and most recommended getting options is traveling from Bangkok, just 1.5 to 2 hours of journey to reach.
1. By Train
Since we’re budget conscious backpackers train is my favourite getting option, and I wish to do at Ayutthaya. Currently trains depart everyday from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal and Hua Lamphong Station to directly Ayutthaya Railway Station. Ayutthaya Historic Park is available just 4.4 km away from railway station.
I love to take a train journey along with experiencing a relaxing vibe and see different sides of Thailand villages at an affordable cost. Maybe a train could be a better option for you.
2. By Private Taxi/Car
Ideal option if you’re looking for the most flexible and convenient way to get to Ayutthaya. I can see those who’re traveling in a group or reaching within a limited time from Bangkok, most of them book rental cars and taxis at respected websites.
3. By Bus
Buses are another faster and frequent alternative option to train journeys. Buses depart everyday from Mo Chit Bus Terminal to Ayutthaya. But traveling in Buses visitors have to keep in mind that some buses have limited luggage spaces and need prior bookings. So, check departure schedules at the terminal or even booking platforms.
How to Go Around Ayutthaya
My personal recommendation to you is to rent 2 wheeler bicycles which are available opposite Ayutthaya Railway Station at the cost of THB 200-300 per day. Bicycles are even available at different sections of the city, shopping centres, hotels and historic parks.
Other Popular Asian Ancient Sites lik Ayutthaya.
1. Sieam Reap, Cambodia- Gateway to Angkor Wat
2. What are the Best Things to Do in Chiang Rai
Additional Articles about Ayutthaya;
1. Best Neighbourhood to Stay in Ayutthaya
2. How to Make Your First Ayutthaya Day Trip from Bangkok?
