Top Things to do in Ayutthaya
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8 Ancient Ruins in Ayutthaya That You Shouldn't Miss
Built just to the east of the spectacular ruins of the capital of the Ayutthaya kingdom, a Siamese power destroyed by Burmese invasion in the 18th century, Ayutthaya is a modern Thai city studded with archeological wonders. Headless Buddhas and crumbling but still-beautiful reliquary towers and wats give evidence of the majesty of the civilization that was once centered here.
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1. Wat Phra Sri Sanphet
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,110 reviews
First built in 1448 A.D. during the reign of King Boromtrilokanath, this is the largest temple ruin in Ayutthaya.
Reviewed By melkeet - Ipoh, Malaysia
This ruins is a part of the ancient Royal palace of Ayutthaya. The place was crowded, as it is one of the main, attractions of Ayutthaya. There are sign boards, illustrating its history and significance. The temple complex is huge and well maintained. The main exhibits here are three chedis, which contain the ashes of three Ayutthaya kings. There is also an ordination hall, and a hall were monks studied the teachings of the Buddha. The complex is surrounded by an outer wall. Lining the walls is a great number of subsidiary chedis and viharns. The place bounds to be hot, therefore carry a hat, sun lotion and lots of water. We spend about 90 minits here. This is a photographer’s paradise. Transport is available to go back. If visiting Ayutthaya, then a visit to this place is a must.
2. Wat Mahathat
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,247 reviews
Reviewed By PerryB137 - Hong Kong, China
This was a particularly interesting Wat at which to take photos and pore through one's guidebooks in order to reconstruct the fascinating history of both the ruins and the extant structures.
3. Wat Chaiwatthanaram
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,199 reviews
Considered one of the most imposing ancient Buddhist monasteries, this religious site was established by King Prasatthong in 1630 A.D. in homage to his mother.
Reviewed By hooman1020 - Tehran, Iran
Wat Chaiwatthanaram is a stunning Buddhist temple in the city of Ayutthaya, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, south west of the old city of Ayutthaya. The temple was constructed in 1630 (By Prasat Thong). The temple's name means "the Temple of long reign and glorious era". The royal temple was used for performing religious ceremonies. The wonderfully designed temple has architectural influences from both Hinduism & Buddhism, featuring detailed edifices, towers and extensive carvings. It has a central 35m high prang in Khmer style with four smaller prangs. The whole construction stands on a vast rectangular platform. Along the outside wall, there were many one-sized sitting Buddha statues in a row. Although Wat Chaiwatthanaram is located outside Ayutthaya Island and it is not a part of the "UNESCO World Heritage Site", but it is one of Ayutthaya's best known temples. It is a large compound part of Ayutthaya which can be reached by road or by boat. This temple was opened to public in 1992. I recommend you to go there and visit one of the most amazing temples of Ayutthaya. Some temples in the city center are crowded and noisy but this one is not so, Instead it has a calm & quiet atmosphere. Besides a pleasant feeling exists here that comes from visiting tall towers that have survived during the centuries!
4. Wat Yai Chai Mang Khon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,393 reviews
Reviewed By hooman1020 - Tehran, Iran
In my opinion, Wat Yai Chai Mongkon (Mongkhol) is the most thriving and loveliest spot in Ayutthaya. I call this spot “Heart of Ayutthaya”. Wat yai chai mongkhon was constructed in 1357 A.D by U-Thong , to accommodate the monks. This monastery was named "Wat Pakaew". After King Naresuan victory over Burmese in 1592 and constructing a new large chedi (pagoda) by him, the temple became known as Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon "Great Monastery of Auspicious Victory". Ordination hall was constructed in the reign of King Naresuan for religious adoration and royal meditation. The temple and monastery have their rear sections extended through the gallery. Many Buddha images are lined up outside the gallery. There’s a staircase in the main building that allows you to go up and watch the panoramic landscape from above. The original reclining Buddha statue was constructed by King Naresuan. The statue seen today is a replica that was made in the 1960s. Today most of the Buddha images that can be seen in the temple are relatively modern. This temple unlike many of the other ancient sites in Ayutthaya, is still an active temple where monks reside. Thai people visit this Wat to pay respects to Buddha & King Naresuan. The statues of roosters & fighting cocks which have been left in King Naresuan’s honor represent the king’s own fighting spirit and bravery. Besides many wonderful Buddhist religious art works and an incredible sense of serenity and calm, there's a nice Thai market which provides eatables and fresh drinks and souvenirs in a reasonable price. Also there's a parking lot that allows you to park your car easily. If you want to visit only one temple in Ayutthaya, I suggest you Wat Yai Chai Mang Khon !
5. Ayutthaya Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By 434pennyf - Auckland, New Zealand
I always feel privileged to step back in time and walk the landscape of a historical site. Founded in 1351, these UNESCO protected historical city ruins were a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. In my opinion these ruins rival the Roman Forum in terms of historical significance and preservation, and are well worth a visit. The ruins at Ayutthaya are spread all around the modern settlement - you can be driving down the main road to the mall and pass ancient tombs. We paid to visit the Auytthaya Historical Park, which is an ancient walled temple and tomb area, as this was much better than trying to peer over the wall. Yes, it costs more if you are a foreigner, but as a guest in another country I’m happy to pay for the privilege. We had a car, but there are also bikes for rent and tuk tuk guides for hire. The Historical Park is adjacent to another park area where there are elephants available to ride. It’s sad to see other tourists still doing this. While it does provide some employment, I’m not convinced it’s actually good for the elephants. Go to Koh Chang and take them for a swim instead.
6. Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Lokayasutharam)
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 812 reviews
Reviewed By CKF
We approached this reclining Buddha on foot, from behind, and wow! We could not believe how huge it was, and that there was almost no one there! It's a bit of a farther walk from Wat Mahathat, but so worth it! It is worth the effort, as you may have Buddha all to yourself. There are several snack and souvenir stands nearby. Enjoy!
7. Portuguese Settlement
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By Travelling_SE_Asia - St. Albans, United Kingdom
Although there is not much of the settlement left, it is interesting to walk round the church which has placards with all the information on them. The Westerners who settled in Ayutthaya were invited to do so by the then King. Ayutthaya was the richest city in the whole of Asia due to the King’s welcoming of Free Trade and allowing various nations such as Japan, Portugal, Holland, England and even the French to build settlements so they could establish trading hubs. The Church has a section of the floor which is open and one can see the graves of buried Portuguese with the skeletons being preserved. Recommended for families and history buffs.
