Top Things to do in Ayutthaya
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Things to do in Ayutthaya, Ayutthaya Province: The Best Historic Sites
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.
Restaurants in Ayutthaya
1. Historic City of Ayutthaya
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,269 reviews
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ayutthaya Historical Park incorporates over a dozen ancient temple sites.
Reviewed By 19752011
Ancient capital of Thailand, an hour and half north of Bangkok,five- six centuries old monuments and temples spread across a three square km Historic City, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site..one would feel he/she boarded a time machine and stepped into a bygone era..it is beautiful, it is aesthetic, it is history and it is a story of sweat and, often, blood !!
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 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 !
4. Wat Maheyong
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By melkeet - Ipoh, Malaysia
Wat Maheyong is located about 5 Km from Wat MahaThat. There is an entrance ticket here, but you can use your combi 220 Baht ticket, if you have bought it earlier. There are sign boards, illustrating on its history and significance. The Wat was not crowded as it is off the main tourist circuit. There is a long walkway leading to the exhibits. The exhibits here are the Chedi, and the ordination hall. The Chedi's platform is supported by 80 sculpted elephants. There is ample greenery around. There is a monastery and retreat centre here and discreet dressing is needed. The place bounds to be hot, therefore carry a hat, sun lotion and water. We spend about 1 hour here. You will need, to have your own transport, otherwise you’ll be stranded here. For us, the trip was worth the effort
5. Wat Borom Puttharam
6. 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.
7. 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!
8. Wat Thammikarat
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 118 reviews
Reviewed By melkeet - Ipoh, Malaysia
Wat Thammikarat This Wat lies sandwiched between 2 road, the Uthong road and the Naresuan road. Naresuan road runs, between Wat Ratchaburana and Wat Mahathat. We walked on the Naresuan road, and after passing the Ayutthaya Technical College, turned right at a red coloured gate, with the signage of Wat Thammikarat. This is probably a short cut. Walking further up on Naresuan road will lead you to Wat Phra Si Sanphet and Wat Phra Ram. What is noticeable here is the many statues of rooster statues. There is an entrance of 20 Baht here, and the place was not crowded. This is still an active temple, and the interior, with a large Buddha Statue was beautiful. Among the ruins is a chedi, surrounded by lion statues. Then there are also columns, of what, looks like the remnant of a hall, still standing. We spend about 30 minits here, visiting and photographing this site. Worth a visit, if you are not short of time. We left the site by the main gate on Uthong road to walk to Wat Yannasen
9. Japanese Settlement
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 124 reviews
Reviewed By HawaiianBlues - Bangkok, Thailand
We really admired the effort and upkeep of this "Japanese Settlement", a credit to Japan and its sponsors. If you're interested in having a better grasp visually of the timeline of all the different settlers and their backgrounds, the first exhibit hall does an excellent job at that. The second exhibit hall has a short video and provides recognition to two early Japanese settlerswho contributed to Thailand's (Siam's) leadership and food culture. The exhibition buildings are air conditioned. But it was the well-maintained park-like grounds (including the tribute to Rama IX) and the well-designed river side that were very appealing. One could visualize being in Japan. There is also an Oishi-run cafe adjacent to the second exhibition hall. We're so glad we came. Our compliments. At time of our visit (July 2020), the entrance fee was 50 baht pp (same for locals and foreigners). Note: Exhibition Hall 1 has Japanese apparel that you can elect to wear for photo opportunities on the grounds.
10. 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.
