Visiting Ayutthaya, a deep dive into Thailand's history
A major historic site
As the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam, Ayutthaya is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage historical park. Its striking ruins, such as Wat Mahathat with the famous Buddha head entwined in tree roots, draw history buffs from all over. Wat Chaiwatthanaram, featuring well-preserved riverside stupas, offers incredible views, especially at sunset.
Temples and monuments to explore
Beyond the historical park, Wat Phanan Choeng is an active temple known for its towering 19-metre (62-foot) golden Buddha statue. Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, with its massive stupa and rows of Buddha statues, is another essential stop. For something unforgettable, the Wat Lokayasutharam temple displays a gigantic reclining Buddha measuring 37 metres (121 feet) long.
Activities and getting around
Renting a bicycle or hopping in a tuk-tuk is the best way to get around Ayutthaya. Since rivers wrap around the city, you can also take a boat cruise to view the temples straight from the water. Floating markets are another major draw, perfect for browsing local crafts and grabbing traditional bites.
Ayutthaya food specialties
Local cooking heavily features river influences. Boat noodles, a flavorful noodle soup originally served from riverboats, remain a staple of the floating market heritage. Make sure to try roti sai mai, a sweet crepe rolled up with colorful spun sugar floss that is unique to the region. Fresh river prawns grilled over charcoal are also widely ordered at local spots.
When to go
The best time to plan your trip to Ayutthaya runs between November and February, when the weather stays relatively cool and dry. In November, the Loy Krathong festival lights up the waterways, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. Try to avoid the rainy season from May to October, when heavy downpours are frequent.
How to get there
From Bangkok, you can reach Ayutthaya by train in about 1.5 to 2 hours, or take a bus or minivan for roughly $1.20 to $5.70*. For a more scenic route, riverboat excursions run from Bangkok and are frequently included in guided day trips.
I spent a day in Ayutthaya about an hour and a half from Bangkok, and it is a great day trip. The site brings together several ruined temples, with red brick and gray stone towers dating back centuries, scattered across a large open-air park. You can easily wander from one temple to the next with way fewer crowds than at the tourist spots in Bangkok. Each temple has its own charm, between the tall spires and the bell shaped stupas, a place full of history!