Things you may not know about Ayutthaya, Thailand

Escape the current capital of Thailand to visit the old one: Ayutthaya. The historical city is about 70 kilometers from Bangkok, and it is filled with delicious food, a laid-back city vibe, and the ancient ruins found throughout. Here, a brief history of these intriguing remains found in Ayutthaya.

History

Sukhothai was the first Siamese capital of Thailand and was founded in 1238. Ayutthaya was later founded in 1350, but it did not become a thriving city until about 1378. It remained the flourishing capital for about 400 years (until 1767). Sukhothai took a back seat to the thriving new capital and was, for the most part, forgotten. It was put back on the map by Rama I, when he used ancient Sukhothai artifacts to enrich and decorate his temples in Bangkok during the Chakri dynasty.

Power

Ayutthaya remained the capital for so long for a number of reasons. For one, it was home to an extensive trading port that welcomed international merchants, many of whom were from Europe. The city was a memorable one to these travelers because of the many temples and palaces found here. In addition to trading, the waterways that surrounded the city were useful in terms of protecting it, creating a watery fortress of sorts.

Name

The city was named by the same man who made Ayutthaya the capital: King Ramathibodi. Ayutthaya was named after a magical kingdom from Thailand’s national epic, the Ramakien.

The city’s demise

The old capital of Thailand came to a brutal end when it was attacked by the Burmese. Much of the city was devastated by fire, and those who were not killed were taken by the Burmese and forced into slavery. The city fell in 1767. Most of the city was destroyed, and what is left of these relics and temples are still found in Ayutthaya today, of which there are about 50.

The ruins

All of the ruins found in Ayutthaya today took about 150 years to complete in total. Many of the palaces were made of wood which did not withstand the fires that destroyed the capital – which is why mainly stone temples remain. The temples have their own Siamese style, but many of the temples’ construction drew upon inspiration from other influences, including Sri Lanka. There are also instances of Khmer architecture, as the capital started out as a Khmer military and trading outpost. These ruins were discovered in 1991, and they were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since then, the ancient city has been squeezed into busy Thailand travel itineraries and makes a great day trip for those who have a few days in Bangkok.

See more: Top activities in Patong, Thailand

A quick guide for Ayutthaya trip, Thailand

Visiting Ayutthaya is one of amazing things to do in Bangkok. Although the city of Ayutthaya was largely destroyed by the Burmese in the 18th century, it is still bursting with stories to tell. Wandering around a site of more than 700 years of age under the guidance of an experienced local guide will leave you awestruck with the splendor of ancient architecture and with a new perspective on the Thai spiritual life.

How to get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok

• Public bus

There is a half-hourly bus that leaves from Mo Chit Station. It takes about 90 minutes to get to Ayutthaya. First, take an MRT or BTS skytrain to Mo Chit Station. After that, take a taxi or motorbike taxi or jump on bus number 26, 77, 96, 104, 136, 145, or 509 to get to the right bus section to Ayutthaya. The bus ticket price is 60 baht per person.

• Minivan

Minivan is the fastest option, only taking about 75 minutes. Go to Victory Monument, take Exit 2 and turn at the bottom of the stairway. The van loading station is on your right between the mall and a 7-Eleven convenience store. At the station, prepare 100 baht and get on a van directly to Ayutthaya.

Things to do

• Inspect the ruins of Wat Phra Mahathat

The Buddha head entwined within the roots of a banyan tree is one of the most recognizable symbols of Thailand and it can be found here in Wat Phra Mahatthat. Like the other temples in the area, this one was so severely destroyed that you will see a line of headless statues. And it is its ramshackle appearance that attracts thousands of visitors to go there every week.

• Visit the Largest Temple in Ayutthaya

Wat Phra Si Sanphet is the largest temple in Ayutthaya and definitely one of the most famous. It once held a 52-foot-tall Buddha cast in 1500 that was entirely covered with hundreds of kilograms of gold. You can guess where the looting Burmese invaders went first in 1767.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet was once used for royal ceremonies and contained the ashes of royal family members. Entrance is 50 baht.

• Learn about the history of Wat Chaiwatthanaram

Commissioned by King Prasat Thong in 1630, Wat Chaiwatthanaram was built in traditional Khmer style, similar to Angkor Wat in Krong Siem Riep, Cambodia. The whole structure stands on a rectangular platform with a central 35-meter high prang, a tower-like spire, surrounded by four smaller prangs. Although ruined, Wat Chaiwatthanaram is still a compelling sight to visit.

• Eat Boat Noodles

Ayutthaya was once a thriving capital city, so culinary influences from around the world passed through. Chinese, Indian, Persian, Japanese and European traders came and ate in droves. For this reason, the food in Ayutthaya is more diverse than other Thai cities that are larger in size.

The aptly named “boat noodles” (kuay tiow ruea) are indeed cooked on boats — the authentic ones, anyway — and are arguably Ayutthaya’s signature dish. Just look for long, slender sampans with steaming cooking pots on board. Expanding your noodle repertoire beyond only pad Thai feels good.

• Skip the Floating Market

If you did not get your fix in Bangkok, Ayutthaya has its own floating market. Although clearly a tourist trap, the market can serve as a last-resort diversion for travelers who are burned out on visiting temples. Food, noodle boats, souvenir shops, and daily cultural performances are found inside.

Read more: Explore the amazing places outside of Bangkok, Thailand

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Best destinations to visit in Thailand

From beaches and mountains to wildlife-rich national parks, energetic cities, and cute towns, Thailand offers something for everyone. Here are some of the best places around the Land of Smiles to add to your Thailand bucket list.

Bangkok

The frenetic Thai capital is a must-see destination, with a dazzling array of things to see and do to suit almost any taste. There are cultural and historic sights aplenty, combined with soaring skyscrapers and modern architecture, fabulous art galleries, and fascinating museums. The shopping scene offers bustling markets, unusual floating markets, and mega malls, and the dining scene is equally diverse with everything from fancy gourmet restaurants to abundant street food. Nighttimes offer just as much fun as the day, with pulsating nightclubs, live music, swanky cocktail bars, incredible rooftop bars, exciting shows, and thrilling Muay Thai fights. Getting around the city is easy, thanks to the BTS sky train, MRT subway, numerous buses, taxis, and tuk tuks, and there is accommodation to suit any preference and budget.

Chiang Mai

Often referred to as the northern capital, Chiang Mai offers an intoxicating blend of culture and nature. With over 500 temples to choose from, it’s impossible for culture vultures to feel bored! Chiang Mai Night Zoo enchants children and adults alike, and activities range from hiking in lush jungles to rafting along raging rivers. Head to Thailand’s highest point at Doi Inthanon, meet ethnic hill tribes, tour numerous stunning waterfalls, and interact with magnificent elephants at an ethical sanctuary. Nightlife is low key, especially when compared with Bangkok, but that certainly doesn’t mean you need to stay indoors as soon as it goes dark. There are plenty of bars to unwind in, and the night bazaar is a top place for shopaholics to browse and buy an array of traditional Thai wares.

Phuket

Thailand’s largest island and one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, Phuket has many faces. Many first-timers head to the thronging sands of Patong, an area known for its hedonistic nightlife and many water sports, but there are beaches to suit everyone. Catch a boat to the scenic Freedom Beach, chill on Karon Beach, enjoy the views from Kathu Beach, and more. Promthep Cape provides amazing sunset vistas. Entertainment-wise, Phuket promises world-class shows, exhilarating Muay Thai fights, global cuisine in a range of eateries, and bars and clubs of every type. Hiking, go karting, ethical elephant interactions, fishing, snorkelling, and jet skiing are just a few activities to try, and Wat Chalong and the Big Buddha are two of the island’s most popular cultural sites. Don’t bypass Phuket Town — the old buildings are beautiful. For fun and giggles, Baan Teelanka (the Upside Down House) and Phuket Trickeye Museum are tough to beat.

Ayutthaya

One of Thailand’s ancient cities, the UNESCO-listed Ayutthaya is a must for fans of history. Easy to reach from Bangkok, the evocative ruins take you on a journey back in time to Siam’s golden age. Wat Yai Chai Mongkorn is particularly photogenic, with tall stupas that you can climb, surrounded by rows of saffron-clad Buddha statues. Other highlights include Wat Mahatat, with the famous stone head encased in a tree, Wat Ratchaburana, and Wat Si Samphet. The old Dutch and Portuguese areas are well worth a visit and the floating market is a great place to pick up souvenirs. Renting a bicycle or, if you’re an experienced rider, a scooter is the ideal way to appreciate Ayutthaya, though there are also plentiful tuk tuks around each corner.

Krabi

One of Southern Thailand’s most popular provinces, Krabi offers a wealth of terrific experiences both on the mainland and on its islands. Koh Phi Phi is often said to be one of Thailand’s most picturesque islands; check out Maya Bay and Phi Phi Viewpoint to see why. Koh Lanta is a more laid-back island, with long, sandy beaches, chilled-out beach bars, mangroves, and a Moken (sea gypsy) community. Animal lovers can spend time volunteering at Lanta Animal Welfare for a feel-good factor and to help make a difference. Koh Jum and Koh Rok are just a couple of the province’s smaller and lesser-visited island gems. On the mainland, Railay is a rock climber’s paradise, Ao Nang is a bustling beach resort, and Krabi Town has a local vibe.

Koh Phangan

Known for its wild parties and hedonistic nightlife, especially around the time of the full moon, many visitors are surprised to find that Koh Phangan is also a nature lover’s dream. For fun and partying, Haad Rin is the place to be. Escape the crowds and discover relatively calm beaches, pristine waterfalls, and lush forests, and you’ll see that there’s much more to the infamous party island than just cocktail buckets and neon body paint. The night market is a great place to fill up on tasty Thai food for cheap and there are many cooking schools where you can learn how to replicate your favourite dishes. Uncover Koh Phangan’s spiritual heart and you’ll find meditation and yoga centres, new-age communities, retreats, workshops, and other ways to find inner balance and peace.

Koh Samui

A popular island in the Thai Gulf, Koh Samui appeals to everyone from families and honeymooners to backpackers and solo adventurers. Beautiful beaches, like Chaweng, Lamai, and Mae Nam, surround the island, and you can visit the old fishing village at Bophut. There are several places to shop, as well as plentiful places to eat, drink, and sleep. One of the island’s more unusual spots include a temple with a mummified monk and neighbouring rock formations that look like male and female genitalia! Koh Samui boasts many high-class spas and excellent golf courses too.

Chiang Rai

Often overshadowed by its more popular neighbor of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai is in North Thailand and it shares borders with Myanmar and Laos. Indeed, you can visit the Golden Triangle, the point where the three countries meet. The province offers excellent hiking and trekking plus what some would say more authentic encounters with local hill tribe ethnic groups. Waterfalls and hot springs are other natural features to enjoy. Brave the stretching suspension bridge at Mae Fah Luang Garden before enjoying the lush gardens. Chiang Rai is home to one of Thailand’s most distinctive temples too — the gleaming White Temple, officially called Wat Rong Khun. Visit the nation’s largest statue of Guan Yin, the Chinese Goddess of Mercy for sweeping views, and wander through a collection of traditional Thai buildings at Baan Dam, or the Black House.

See more: A day trip in Chiang Rai, Thailand

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