Ayutthaya is the shorter name of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, an ancient city located at a distance of 85 kms from Bangkok.
This ancient city was founded around 1350, and has served as the second capital of Siam.
The ruins of the old city now form the Ayutthaya Historical Park, an archaeological site that contains palaces, Buddhist temples, monasteries and statues. It gives the glimpse of what an impressive city it must have been earlier days.
Ayutthaya was strategically located on an island surrounded by three rivers connecting the city to the sea. This site was chosen because it was located above the tidal bore of the Gulf of Siam as it existed at that time, thus preventing attack of the city by the sea-going warships of other nations.
This island city lies at the confluence of three rivers: the Chao Phraya River, the Lopburi River and the Pa Sak River.
The city was attacked and razed by the Burmese army in 1767 who burned the city and it has been in ruins since then. The Ayutthaya Historical Park is now declared as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The total area of the World Heritage property is 289 ha.
The iconic photograph of the Buddha's head entwined in the roots of a fig tree represents this place the best. Wat Phra Mahthat, is one of the most photographed spots in Ayutthaya.
You can reach this island city by ferry and a pass to access 6 chargeable Temples costs 230 Baht. The Historical Park is open 8:30 am-4:30 pm daily.
Ayutthaya is often visited by tourists through one day tour from Bangkok. The tour covers:
• Visit to Bang Pa-In Summer Palace
• Boat trip across the Chao Phraya River,
• Exploring the ruins of island city Ayutthaya
Click on "Things To Do" tab to get the complete list of Places to see in Ayutthaya. Read about the Top Things to do in Ayutthaya and get best travel tips to plan your trip to Ayutthaya sightseeing places
Check out the wide range of Ayutthaya Holiday packages with Navigers, covering top attractions of Ayutthaya and popular sightseeing tourist places of Ayutthaya
Wat Phra Si Sanphet / The Grand Palace
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Wat Phra Si Sanphet was the largest temple in Ayutthaya. It is known for its distinctive row of restored chedis (Thai-style stupas, more rounded appearance). In ancient times, this temple was used only for royal religious ceremonies. The temple once housed a 16 m high Buddha covered with 340 kg of gold, but the Burmese set fire to the statue to melt the gold and destroyed the temple in the process. The temple was believed to be built in 1350.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet was the largest temple in Ayutthaya. It is known for its distinctive row of restored chedis (Thai-style stupas, more rounded appearance). In ancient times, this temple was used only for royal religious ceremonies. The temple once housed a 16 m high Buddha covered with 340 kg of gold, but the Burmese set fire to the statue to melt the gold and destroyed the temple in the process. The temple was believed to be built in 1350.
Wat Phra Mahathat / Wat Mahthat
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Wat Phra Mahathat is a large ruined temple where you can find the rows of headless Buddhas. It is believed to be built in 1384. In 1956 a secret chamber was uncovered from this ruins; among the treasures found inside were gold jewelry, a gold casket containing a relic of the Buddha and more. This is the place where you can spot the famous tree that has grown around a Buddha head. When taking pictures of you and the Buddha head, make sure you kneel to show respect, as it is considered holy by Thais.
Wat Phra Mahathat is a large ruined temple where you can find the rows of headless Buddhas. It is believed to be built in 1384. In 1956 a secret chamber was uncovered from this ruins; among the treasures found inside were gold jewelry, a gold casket containing a relic of the Buddha and more. This is the place where you can spot the famous tree that has grown around a Buddha head. When taking pictures of you and the Buddha head, make sure you kneel to show respect, as it is considered holy by Thais.
Wat Chaiwatthanaram
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Wat Chaiwatthanaram is known for its eye-catching arrangement which includes a raised platform and eight towering chedis, or chapels. All of the chedis are attached to secret passageways and have colorful paintings illustrating the life of Buddha inside. There are 120 sitting Buddha statues dotted around the area.
Wat Chaiwatthanaram is known for its eye-catching arrangement which includes a raised platform and eight towering chedis, or chapels. All of the chedis are attached to secret passageways and have colorful paintings illustrating the life of Buddha inside. There are 120 sitting Buddha statues dotted around the area.
Wat Ratchaburana
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Wat Ratchaburana was built by King Boromracha II (1424-48) in memory of his elder brothers Ay and Yi, who were killed in a duel over the succession to the throne. The part of this temple is restored to its original condition. There were mysterious staircase that lead to two unrestored rooms which still beholds the ancient interesting wall paintings.
Wat Ratchaburana was built by King Boromracha II (1424-48) in memory of his elder brothers Ay and Yi, who were killed in a duel over the succession to the throne. The part of this temple is restored to its original condition. There were mysterious staircase that lead to two unrestored rooms which still beholds the ancient interesting wall paintings.
Wat Lokaya Sutha / Wat Lokkayasutharam
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The highlight of this ruin is the ginormous reclining Buddha statue, 42 meters high and eight meters wide an his head resting on a lotus bud.
The highlight of this ruin is the ginormous reclining Buddha statue, 42 meters high and eight meters wide an his head resting on a lotus bud.
Wat Yai Chaimongkol / Wat Yai Chai Mang Khon
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Wat Yai Chaimongkol is famous for its large reclining Buddha and a 62-metre inverted bell-shaped chedi (pagoda) which was built to commemorate King Naresuan’s victory over the Burmese.
Wat Yai Chaimongkol is famous for its large reclining Buddha and a 62-metre inverted bell-shaped chedi (pagoda) which was built to commemorate King Naresuan’s victory over the Burmese.
Wat Na Phramen
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Wat Na Phramen was the only temple left intact at the time Ayutthaya fell, as it was used as a military headquarters by the Burmese army. It houses a beautiful Buddha image inside, fully decorated in regal attire.
Wat Na Phramen was the only temple left intact at the time Ayutthaya fell, as it was used as a military headquarters by the Burmese army. It houses a beautiful Buddha image inside, fully decorated in regal attire.
Wat Phanunchoeng
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This temple is believed to exist before King U-Thong founded the Ayutthaya Kingdom. This area is believed to be used by Chinese merchants, who sold goods brought from China. The temple houses a revered Buddha image dating back to 1324 and an ornate Chinese shrine dedicated to an Ayodhya Queen. It is believed that the queen will fulfill a wish of those in search of a soul-mate.
This temple is believed to exist before King U-Thong founded the Ayutthaya Kingdom. This area is believed to be used by Chinese merchants, who sold goods brought from China. The temple houses a revered Buddha image dating back to 1324 and an ornate Chinese shrine dedicated to an Ayodhya Queen. It is believed that the queen will fulfill a wish of those in search of a soul-mate.
Chao Sam Phraya National Museum
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Chao Sam Phraya National Museum houses many sculptures and historic artifacts from temples across Ayutthaya. It is a two-storey museum - first floor features various Buddha images, second floor displays a collection of gold ornaments, caskets containing the Buddha’s relics and other artifacts.
Chao Sam Phraya National Museum houses many sculptures and historic artifacts from temples across Ayutthaya. It is a two-storey museum - first floor features various Buddha images, second floor displays a collection of gold ornaments, caskets containing the Buddha’s relics and other artifacts.
By Air
The closest airport is Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport.
By Train
Trains to Ayutthaya leave Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Station approximately every hour between 04:20 am. and 10:00 pm. The 3rd class fare is 15 bahts for the 1.5 hour journey.
