Ayutthaya Historical Park Office — Attraction in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya City Municipality

A day visit to Ayutthaya is a must when in Bangkok. We took the BTS train from Phrom Pong (2-3 min walk from our hotel in Sukhumvit) to Mo Chit, a total of 12 stops and took around 20-25 min. After reaching Mo Chit, we headed towards the Chatuchak Park MRT station (underground) from there we headed towards Bang Sue (only 1 stop) which took about 5 minutes. The total cost of the BTS and MRT was 65 Baht.

From Bang Sue there is a train running almost every hour to Ayutthaya, mind you there is no air conditioning in the train. But even in the hottest period it feels pleasant as long as the train is moving. The ticket price was 20 Baht each. As we had gone during peak period we couldn't really find a seating space on the train. And had to stand for almost 2.5 hours till we reached Ayutthaya. Carry lots of water it is highly advisable.

Once we reached Ayutthaya, and left the train station, we were flocked by tons of tour guides. We ignored them and waled towards the small man-made lake. Where we boarded a ferry costing 10 Baht each to drop us to the other side. It took another 10 minutes.

Once we reached the other side of the lake, we decided to hire a Tuk Tuk to take us around all the landmarks. There were about 7-8. But we were a bit tired and decided to visit 4 only. The Tuk Tuk driver charged us 400 Baht for 4 hours (hired full-time, including drop back to train station at the end of the day)

I can't recall the names of the landmarks however I have posted a number of photos for reference.

In hindsight, I feel a tour guide would have helped us in knowing more about the history of all the landmarks and been a much more insightful experience than just roaming aimlessly.

Tour guide is a must, so will hire it on my next visit surely.

After a grueling 4 hours of visiting some amazing temples, statues, ruins. We were hungry and my guilty pleasure is available in Ayutthaya, not known to many, we found a KFC and had late lunch there before being dropped back to the station. We took the train from Ayutthaya to Bang Sue. It costed 20 Baht each and took less time to reach back, around 2 hours.

Overall it was a great experience, lesson learnt, one need to go early morning by 8am, hire a tour guide, carry lots of fluids even in winters (as winters are just namesake in Thailand with temperatures hovering around the 28C-30C mark).

But this is a must visit trip if you can spare a day, lots of other tourists stay for a night or two, if there is no rush and you want to thoroughly visit all the parks.

The travel in totality costed about a 100 baht each, which is economical, but of ofcourse there are other more costly alternatives like a hired cab which can set you back by...

If you’re interested in learning more about the history and culture of the Land of Smiles, one of the best places to visit in Thailand is the ancient Ayutthaya Historical Park. The ruins of this former kingdom are quite impressive and a lot of fun to explore.

While it’s a doable day trip from Bangkok, you may want to stay a night or two to make sure you see all of the Ayutthaya temples.

A Brief History of Ayutthaya Historical Park The Kingdom of Ayutthaya lasted from 1350 until 1767 and was founded by King U Thong after the decline of Sukhothai – which is another excellent set of ruins you should definitely visit in Thailand, by the way.

U Thong had the Ayutthaya temples built on an island surrounded by three rivers that connected the city to the sea. This strategic location protected the kingdom from invaders as well as floods.

This prime location helped Ayutthaya develop into one of the largest urban areas in the world. It became a hub of diplomacy and trade, as merchants from all corners of the globe flocked here. When the nearby kingdom of Angkor fell, it was Ayutthaya that filled the void.

At its peak, Ayutthaya had around one million inhabitants. Thanks to its location between China, India, and the Malay archipelago, it developed into the trading capital of the world. It was a place where east and west met and did business, with Chinese, Arabs, Portuguese, French, Indians and more trading with each other.

When European traders returned home, they described Ayutthaya as the grandest city they had ever seen. Indeed, the king spared no expenses with the construction of this expansive kingdom. All of the Ayutthaya temples were elegantly decorated in a variety of styles, showing fine craftsmanship and artistic detail.

As the history books show us, all good things tend to come to an end at some point. The Burmese invaded Ayutthaya in 1765 and took the city after two bloody years of fighting. They stole the kingdom’s treasures, enslaved the people, and burned many of the Ayutthaya temples to the ground.

Rather than rebuild, the king had the capital moved down the river to Thonburi. The ruins of the Ayutthaya temples were restored centuries later, and they received UNESCO World Heritage status in 1991.

Now that you know a bit about the history of this former Siamese kingdom, it’s time to plan your trip to the Ayuttaya...

Ayutthaya Historical Park - A Journey Through Time

The Ayutthaya Historical Park, located in the heart of Ayutthaya, Thailand, is a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a glimpse into the grandeur of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, which flourished between the 14th and 18th centuries. This sprawling park is home to the ruins of ancient temples, palaces, and statues, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts, culture lovers, and spiritual seekers alike.

Highlights of Ayutthaya Historical Park: Wat Mahathat: • Famous for the Buddha head entwined in tree roots, this temple is a symbol of Ayutthaya’s spiritual legacy and the harmony between nature and history. Wat Phra Si Sanphet: • Once part of the royal palace complex, this temple features stunning chedis (stupas) that reflect the architectural brilliance of the Ayutthaya era. Wat Ratchaburana: • Known for its beautiful prang (tower) and well-preserved murals, this temple offers insight into the artistry and devotion of the kingdom’s people. Wat Chaiwatthanaram: • Located along the Chao Phraya River, this picturesque temple is particularly stunning at sunset, offering a magical view of Ayutthaya’s ancient beauty. Elephant Kraal Pavilion: • A historical site where elephants were once trained and kept, reflecting Ayutthaya’s deep connection with these majestic animals.

Atmosphere and Experience:

Walking through the park feels like stepping back in time. The serene ambiance, combined with the grandeur of ancient ruins, creates a reflective and awe-inspiring experience. Visitors can explore the park by foot, bicycle, or tuk-tuk, making it easy to navigate the vast grounds.

Tips for Visitors: • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. • Rent a bicycle for a fun and efficient way to explore the park. • Don’t miss the evening light displays that illuminate the temples, adding a magical touch to the ruins.

Why Visit Ayutthaya Historical Park?

Ayutthaya Historical Park is more than just a collection of ancient ruins; it’s a place where history, spirituality, and nature converge. It’s a testament to Thailand’s rich heritage and offers an unforgettable experience for anyone seeking to connect with the past and admire the...