Thailand: What to do in Ayutthaya – 1 or 2 day itinerary

Thailand: What to do in Ayutthaya - 1 or 2 day itinerary
 

Last updated: 03/09/2022

Check out this complete itinerary to enjoy the best of the historic city of Ayutthaya, Thailand. Here you will find tips on attractions, transport, restaurants, accommodation, tours and lots of important information to plan a very interesting trip.

THE CITY OF AYUTTHAYA

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya is the official name of the city of Ayutthaya. Founded in 1351 by King U Thong, Ayutthaya is located in the Chao Phraya River valley, about 80 km north of Bangkok. The king went there to escape an outbreak of smallpox and proclaimed the city the capital of his kingdom, which became known as the Kingdom of Ayutthaya or Siam. Known as the “Venice of the East”, Ayutthaya is located on an island formed by the three rivers Mae Nam Chao Phraya, Mae Nam Pa Sak and Mae Nam Lop Buri and a channel dug later.

Thailand: What to do in Ayutthaya - 1 or 2 day itinerary
Ayutthaya was known as the “Venice of the East”

Ayutthaya had more than 1 million inhabitants around the year 1700. The Kingdom of Ayutthaya was one of the largest and most prosperous of its time. The ruins of many impressive temples and palaces give an impression of the ancient kingdom.

Thailand: What to do in Ayutthaya - 1 or 2 day itinerary
The famous Buddha head entwined in the roots of a tree

However, the city was destroyed by the Burmese army in 1767, putting an end to the Kingdom. The ruins of the old town are still preserved in the Ayutthaya Historical Park. Ruins of very famous ancient temples can still be seen. There are a total of 67 temples and ruins within the Ayutthaya Historical Park. It is not for nothing that the site is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Thailand: What to do in Ayutthaya - 1 or 2 day itinerary
Wat Ratchburana, one of the most important in Ayutthaya

WEATHER IN AYUTTHAYA AND WHEN TO VISIT

The city is hot all year round, with the april, may and june they are the warmer months and tiring to walk under the strong sun. THE best time to visit the place is between mid november and february, when temperatures get a little milder and there is less chance of rain. In between January and March, the region can suffer greatly from monsoons, with very heavy rains, which interfere with the tours. We were at the end of November visiting the city and, even so, it was very hot. The temperature reached 34ºC with a thermal sensation of 37ºC. So, make sure you use sunscreen and drink lots of water to hydrate.

HOW TO REACH AYUTTHAYA

Due to its proximity to Bangkok, most visitors choose to take a 1-day day trip from the capital to Ayutthaya.

  • TRAIN: It is possible to visit the city through train starting from Hua Lamphong Station (Address: Rong Mueang Rd, Rong Muang, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok 10330, Thailand) in Bangkok to Ayutthaya Station. There are daily trains from 4:20 am to 10 pm. In general, the trip lasts from 1h20 to 2 hours, depending on the number of stops. Traveling in first class, you will pay less than 70 Baht, second class around 35 Baht. In third class, tickets are very cheap and are around 20 Baht. As the train station is on the east side of the island, most visitors want to cross the river by boat. Once there, an alternative is to take a bicycle (around 50 Baht for the whole day) and get to know the main historical sites by pedaling. Just be careful with the strong sun it can make the tour very tiring. If you don't want to rent a bike, you can take a tuk-tuk.
  • BUS: There are several bus schedules that depart for Ayutthaya regularly every 20 minutes (the last bus leaves at 18:00). They leave from Northern Bus Terminal (lines 3 or 77) and the journey takes up to 2 hours, depending on the number of stops made. The ticket costs around 12 Baht. Once there, you can rent a bike (around 50 Baht for the whole day) and get to know the main historical sites by pedaling. Just be careful with the strong sun it can make the tour very tiring. If you don't want to rent a bike, you can take a tuk-tuk.
  • TAXI: It is possible to reach the city by car after a journey of about 1 hour and a half. It is important that you arrange the return trip to Bangkok, due to the difficulty of finding a taxi in Ayutthaya. A taxi will cost around 2,500 Baht.
  • GUIDED TOURS: Another option widely used by visitors is to get to know the city through guided tours departing from central Bangkok. was this option we choose to discover Ayutthaya and we highly recommend it! Our guide was a Thai who spoke very good English and who gave us detailed information not only about Ayutthaya, but about Thai culture and Buddhism. It was very enlightening and we certainly wouldn't have enjoyed the visit as much if we hadn't been with an expert guide.

WHAT TO WEAR TO VISIT AYUTTHAYA

Ayutthaya temples do not have a strict dress code like most other temples in Thailand. They are treated as historic sites, as they are ruins, not temples themselves. Anyway, there are some places where it is forbidden to enter with bare shoulders and showing the legs above the knee. For this reason, avoid clothes that are too short, low-cut, transparent and sleeveless. Remember that the place is very important to the locals and it is important to respect the traditions.

Thailand: What to do in Ayutthaya - 1 or 2 day itinerary
Clothing below the knees and covered shoulders at Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the most important temple in the Kingdom of Ayutthaya

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO VISIT THE TEMPLES

The temples in Ayutthaya are made up of 9 different areas, some of which you can enter for free, others that you have to pay to enter (usually 50 Baht). There is also a pass to access 6 temples which costs 230 Baht. This pass includes the following temples: Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Maha That, Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Phra Ram, Wat Chaiwattanaram and Wat Maheyong.

Thailand: What to do in Ayutthaya - 1 or 2 day itinerary
The visit to the Temple of the Reclining Buddha is free

IMPORTANT TEMPLE NAMES

  • WAT: It is the Thai word for temple.
  • CHEDI: Buddhist pagoda widely used in Thailand. It is a monument built over the mortal remains (usually cremated) of an important person within the Buddhist religion. It has the shape of a tower, usually conical, surrounded by a vault and sometimes with chanttras (canvas awnings).
  • HIVRNA (Viara): Type of Buddhist monastery (monastery) referring to a secluded place that serves as a refuge for monks during the rainy season.
  • UBOSOT: A building in the complex of a Buddhist temple that is the holiest prayer hall, also called the “ordination hall” as it is where ordinations take place. The entrance side of most ubosots faces east. The ubosots and viharns usually house Buddha images.

WHAT TO DO IN AYUTTHAYA

To make planning your trip to Ayutthaya easier, we've put all our tips on the interactive map below. Here you will find recommended attractions, lodging tips, restaurants, shopping places, transportation and much more! Next, we will talk about each of the items in detail.

Our tour visited the following places: 17, 1, 5, 3, 9, stop for lunch at a hotel restaurant with all-you-can-eat buffet (except drinks), 8, 7 and 13. It gave me a good idea of what to find in the city . But if you want to extend your time in Ayutthaya, here you will find many other attractions.

1. WAT LOKAYASUTHARAM (TEMPLE OF reclining buddha)

Also known as Wat Lokaya Sutha and “Temple of Earth”, this is a temple complex located in northwest Ayutthaya whose main attraction is the huge reclining Buddha statue. It is about 42 meters long and 8 meters high and consists of bricks and mortar. The statue is not in the usual east-west position, but in the north-south direction. Her head is supported by four lotus buds and is supported by her right hand. In front of the statue, devotees place flowers and incense as offerings. It is believed that before its destruction by the Burmese, the statue was in a viharn (Buddhist monastery). 24 octagonal pillars are what remain of the viharn. On the temple grounds, foundations of an ubosot (prayer hall) can also be seen, and there was a chedi (burlap) at each of the four corners.

  • Address: Tambon Pratuchai, Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
  • Schedules: daily from 8 am to 6 pm
  • Entrance: free
Thailand: What to do in Ayutthaya - 1 or 2 day itinerary
In front of Wat Lokayasutharam, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha
Thailand: What to do in Ayutthaya - 1 or 2 day itinerary
Pagoda behind the Reclining Buddha statue

2. WANG LUANG (GRAND PALACE)

Wang Luang is the name of the royal palace that served as the residence of the king of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya. He is also known as “Old Palace” to distinguish it from the Grand Palace in Bangkok, as the Wang Luang served as a model for the construction of the Grand Palace. Its main highlights were:

  • Suriyat Amarin-Pavillon: a hall where the king could watch the boats on the river Lopburi;
  • Sanphet Prasat-Pavillon: built in 1448, it was the largest and largest of the halls and served as a royal dwelling during state ceremonies;
  • Chakrawat Phaichaiyon-Pavillon: built in 1632, it was used by the king to observe military exercises and parades;
  • Viharn Somdet-Pavillon: built in 1643, it had a roof in the shape of a tower (Prang), in the Khmer style;
  • Banyong Rattanat-Pavillon: built in the middle of a lake and was very popular with the late kings of Ayutthaya;
  • Tri Muk Pavillon: originally built by King Rama V, the current building is a replica of ancient architecture, a wooden structure on a brick foundation.

Curiosities: (1) a replica of this building can be visited today at the Mueang Boran open-air museum on the outskirts of Bangkok; (2) as King Rama I wanted to build his new capital Bangkok as quickly as possible, he had the bricks removed from the crumbling palace buildings, which were transported by boat and taken to Bangkok to be used in the construction of the Grand Palace.

  • Address: Khlong Tho Rd, Tambon Tha Wa Su Kri, Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
  • Schedules: daily from 8 am to 5 pm
  • Entrance: free
Thailand: What to do in Ayutthaya - 1 or 2 day itinerary
The Old Royal Palace complex
Thailand: What to do in Ayutthaya - 1 or 2 day itinerary
old royal palace

3. WAT PHRA SI SANPHET

Built from the 14th century onwards, this was the most important temple in the Kingdom of Ayutthaya. He did part of the Royal Palace complex and the temple was used exclusively by the kings of Ayutthaya. In the center of the temple there are three large bell-shaped stupas (chedis) left over after the Burmese destruction. Next to each chedi was a square top with a pyramidal roof. With Thong, it was a hall where monks studied Buddha's teachings. The entire complex is surrounded by an external wall with access gates at each of the cardinal points.

  • Address: Pratu Chai Sub-district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
  • Schedules: daily from 8 am to 5 pm
  • Entrance: 50 Baht

4. WAT THAMMIKARAT

Wat Thammikarat is a still functioning monastery used by Buddhist monks. Although it has been restored several times, many of the structures remain in ruins. It is formed by a bell-shaped chedi (pagoda) with an octagonal base, without a roof, with tall brick columns. The Chedi is surrounded by a large number of lion figures (Singh). The Viharn features a reclining, surrounding Buddha image measuring 12 meters in length, with two gilded feet and inlaid with a glass mosaic.

  • Address: Tambon Tha Wa Su Kri, Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
  • Schedules: daily from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
  • Entrance: free
Thailand: What to do in Ayutthaya - 1 or 2 day itinerary
Wat Thammikarat

5. WIHAN PHRA MONGKHON BOPHIT

This is a complex still active to this day that features an important seated Buddha image called Phra Mongkhon Bophit. It was carved in 1538 and is about 17 meters tall. At the beginning of the Ayutthaya period, there was no specific place for royal cremation ceremonies. King Chairachathirat ordered the construction of the temple and a nearby chedi for the cremation ceremonies. The viharn and image were seriously destroyed during the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767. The viharn's roof was damaged and the image's head and right arm were broken. Subsequently, the image was restored and covered with gold leaf. Shoes must be removed to enter the venue.

  • Address: นเรศวร ประตูชัย Naresuan Rd, Tambon Pratuchai, Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
  • Schedules: Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm / holidays from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
  • Entrance: free
Thailand: What to do in Ayutthaya - 1 or 2 day itinerary
Arriving at Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit
Thailand: What to do in Ayutthaya - 1 or 2 day itinerary
The big golden buddha in the inner area

6. WAT PHRA RAM

Wat Phra Ram is a temple built in 1369 by King Ramesuan, outside the Grand Palace complex, on the cremation site of his father King Uthong. In front of the temple, there is a large lake formerly known as 'Nong Sono', and now called Bung Phra Ram. The complex was restored in the 15th century and houses a prang (pointed tower) and many chedis. Stairs beside the viewpoint offer views of Ayutthaya.

  • Address: Pratu Chai Sub-district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
  • Schedules: daily from 8 am to 5 pm
  • Entrance: 50 Baht
Thailand: What to do in Ayutthaya - 1 or 2 day itinerary
Wat Phra Ram

7. CHAO SAM PHRAYA NATIONAL MUSEUM

The Chao Sam Phraya National Museum displays artifacts found during excavation and restoration work on ancient temples in Ayutthaya. Its name is a tribute to Chao Sam Phraya, king of Ayutthaya in the 15th century. The museum displays thousands of items, including Buddha images, gold artifacts, treasures recovered from crypts, among others. The museum's collection is displayed in three buildings. Building 1, the main building, has two floors and displays the most interesting part of the collection. You must take off your shoes to visit the museum and it is forbidden to take pictures inside the collections inside the building.

  • Address: Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
  • Schedules: Wednesday to Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm
  • Entrance: 150 Baht
Thailand: What to do in Ayutthaya - 1 or 2 day itinerary
Entering the museum to see relics found during excavations

8. WAT MAHA THAT

Built in 1374 by King Boromma Rachathirat I, this is one of the most important temples in the Kingdom of Ayutthaya. Known as the “Temple of the Great Relic”, this is a large monastery that had a Prang (pointed central tower) erected to enshrine the relics of Buddha. It collapsed in the early 20th century and has not been restored. The temple also includes a large viharn (pagoda), on which stood a pedestal with the temple's main image of Buddha; an ubosot (prayer hall) where novices were ordained as monks; and a large number of chedi and viharns, built over different time periods. One of the most famous objects in the temple is the head of a buddha entwined in the roots of a tree. You have to sit on the floor to take pictures (there is an inspector on site to remind you of this) because, out of respect for the Buddha, we cannot stand higher than his head.

  • Address: Naresuan Rd, Tambon Tha Wa Su Kri, Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
  • Schedules: daily from 8 am to 5 pm
  • Entrance: 50 Baht
Thailand: What to do in Ayutthaya - 1 or 2 day itinerary
The famous Buddha head entwined in the tree
Thailand: What to do in Ayutthaya - 1 or 2 day itinerary
Wat Maha That Structure
Thailand: What to do in Ayutthaya - 1 or 2 day itinerary
headless buddha sculptures
Thailand: What to do in Ayutthaya - 1 or 2 day itinerary
Buddha image in the center
Thailand: What to do in Ayutthaya - 1 or 2 day itinerary
The temple is practically reduced to ruins.

9. WAT RATCHBURANA

The “Temple of the Royal Restoration” was built in 1424 by King Borommarachathirat II as a memorial to his two older brothers. Two chedis were erected on the spot where the princes died. Wat Ratchaburana was built following Khmer design concepts. Its design resembles the first temples in Cambodia's Angkor Mountains. The monastery faces east, the direction of the rising sun. The temple has a Khmer-style prang (tall tower) that symbolizes Mount Meru, the center of the Universe of Hindu and Buddhist cosmology. Later, the ubosot (ordination hall) and a large assembly hall, known as the viharn, were added.

  • Address: ถนนชีกุนตำบลท่าวาสุกรี Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
  • Schedules: daily from 8 am to 5 pm
  • Entrance: 50 Baht

10. WAT SUWANDARUM

Also known as Wat Suwan Dararam is a temple built in the last days of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya. This temple is famous for its mural paintings in both the Usobot and Viharn. The Usobot was built in a typical Ayutthaya style, with a curved base. The paintings inside depict the Jatakas (Buddha's previous lives). The viharn features several battle scenes involving King Naresuan the Great.

  • Address: 1/6 ซ.อู่ทอง 4 Tambon Pratuchai, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
  • Schedules: daily from 8 am to 5 pm
  • Entrance: 50 Baht
Thailand: What to do in Ayutthaya - 1 or 2 day itinerary
Wat Suwandarum | Photo: publicity

11. CHANKASEM NATIONAL MUSEUM (FRONT PALACE MUSEUM)

This museum is housed in the former residence of King Naresuan the Great, built in 1577. The museum supports the study of Thai history by providing slides, films, videos and a library on the history of Ayutthaya. There are three buildings in the former palace that are used for exhibitions. Are they:

  • Chaturamuk Pavilion:  displays a collection of items from the daily life of King Rama IV called “The Memoirs of King Rama IV”. The building shows a throne room and the king's quarters, with all the utensils used at the time. Photographs of Kings Rama IV and V are decorating the walls. The origin and history of the museum are highlighted in this pavilion.
  • Phiman Rataya Group: shows art objects such as Buddha images, votive tablets, woods, sculptures, etc.
  • Deputy Government or Maha Thai Building: displays five themed exhibitions, including “Art and Architecture of Ayutthaya”, “Commercial Pottery from the Ayutthaya Kingdom”, “Ancient Weapons”, “Buddhist Objects” and “Life on the Riverbanks in the Old Town”.
  • Address: Uthong Rd, Tambon Hua Ro, Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
  • Schedules: Wednesday to Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm
  • Entrance: 100 Baht
Thailand: What to do in Ayutthaya - 1 or 2 day itinerary
National Museum in Ayutthaya | Photo: publicity

12. WAT NA PHRA MEN

This temple, also known as Wat Na Phra Meru is located along the Khlong Sra Bua River and on the north bank of the Khlong Mueang River, opposite the former Grand Palace. The temple was built during the reign of King Ramathibodi II, between the late 15th and early 16th centuries. The ordination room (viharn) faces south and measures approximately 50 meters by 16 meters. Currently, the most important Buddha image is in the ordination hall and is called Phra Buddha Nimitr Vichit Maramoli Sisanpeth Boromtrailokanat. It is 6 meters high by 4.50 meters wide and is made of metal, covered with gold leaf. The ubosot has a front porch and a rear porch with 4 meter long high porches in the center and used to house a standing Buddha image.

  • Address: Khlong Sa Bua, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
  • Schedules: daily from 8 am to 5 pm
  • Entrance: free
Thailand: What to do in Ayutthaya - 1 or 2 day itinerary
Golden Buddha at Wat Na Phra Men. Photo: publicity

13. WAT CHAI WATTHANARAM

This royal temple is one of the most impressive temples in Ayutthaya. It was built in 1630 by King Prasat Thong and is one of the greatest monuments in the Kingdom of Ayutthaya. The king built the temple as a means of obtaining Buddhist merit and a memorial to his mother. His ashes are enshrined in two square chedis that flank the ubosot on the east side of the temple. The monastery is surrounded by a 1 meter wide wall with arched gates. The main entrance is east, towards the Chao Phraya River and the king used to arrive by boat from the river. The centerpiece of the temple is a Khmer-style prang (tall tower). In the past, there were over 100 gold and black Buddha images in the complex. The monastery was sacked and destroyed by Burmese armies in 1767, after which it was abandoned. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, the temple was restored.

  • Address: Ban Pom, อำเภอเมืองพระนครศรีอยุธยา Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
  • Schedules: daily from 8 am to 5 pm
  • Entrance: 50 Baht

14. WAT PHUTTHAISAWAN

This temple known as the “Temple of Buddhist Royalty” is a Buddhist temple located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, which was built in 1352 by King Uthong, the first monarch of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, as a royal monastery. Wat Phutthaisawan was one of the temples that survived the Burmese destruction during the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767. The Khmer-style pagoda, depicting the cosmic Mount Meru according to Buddhist belief, is located in the middle of the complex. In the southern area of the temple is the location of Wihan Phutthaisawan (shrine of the reclining Buddha). The building is currently just walls. The interior enshrines a large reclining Buddha image. In addition, there are other interesting areas of the temple such as Phra Ubosot, Buddhaghosa Residence, Three Kings Monument and murals. In addition, the temple has a cloister with several Buddha images lined up on decorated bases. The temple also houses a school of krabi-krabong (ancient Thai sword fighting) from the Ayutthaya period to the present day.

  • Address: 15 หมู่ที่ 8 Tambon Samphao Lom, Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
  • Schedules: daily from 8:30 am to 5 pm
  • Entrance: free
Thailand: What to do in Ayutthaya - 1 or 2 day itinerary
Wat Phutthaisawan | Photo: publicity

15. WAT PHANAN CHOENG

Built in the first half of the 14th century on the banks of the Pa San River, this temple is known for housing a huge 19 meters high golden seated Buddha image, considered one of the most beautiful in the country. According to legend, tears flowed from the eyes of this U Thong-style statue shortly before the destruction of Ayutthaya by the Burmese in 1767. Today, the temple is enshrined in a large meeting hall (viharn). The ubosot (ordination hall) has walls decorated with murals. This hall enshrines 3 very ancient Buddha images, seated on a pedestal. The center measures 2.5 meters and is golden.

  • Address: 2 หมู่ที่ 12 Kamang, Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
  • Schedules: daily from 8 am to 5 pm
  • Entrance: 20 Baht
Thailand: What to do in Ayutthaya - 1 or 2 day itinerary
Wat Phanan Choeng | Photo: renown-travel.com

16. WAT YAI CHAIMONGKOL

Built in the second half of the 14th century during the reign of King U Thong, the first ruler of Ayutthaya, this temple is also known as the “Monastery of Auspicious Victory”. The highlight of this still functioning monastery is a large imposing prang (pointed tower). The temple's main chedi, main viharn and ubosot are aligned on the east-west axis. Surrounding it are a number of subsidiary chedi in various styles and states of conservation; and the kuti, where the monks live. In the northeast corner are the remains of a reclining Buddha image covered in golden cloth, which was restored in 1965.

  • Address: 40/3 หมู่ที่ 3 ตำบลคลองสวนพลู Tambon Khlong Suan Plu, Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
  • Schedules: daily from 8 am to 5 pm
  • Entrance: 20 Baht
Thailand: What to do in Ayutthaya - 1 or 2 day itinerary
Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon. Photo: renown-travel.com

17. WAT WORACHETTHRAM

Wat Worachettharam is located directly west of the Royal Palace. The temple is a large restored ruin with many interesting architectural structures. One of its main features is a large bell-shaped chedi. The spire contains about 25 rings. In front of the chedi is a viharn, where there is a large Buddha image on an altar. To the north is an ubosot. It is currently a bare-bones building, but it has all the walls intact and evidence that in the past there were ceramic slabs on the walls.

  • Address: Tha Wa Su Kri, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
  • Schedules: daily from 8 am to 5 pm
  • Entrance: free
Thailand: What to do in Ayutthaya - 1 or 2 day itinerary
Arriving at Wat Worachetthram, which is next to a water moat
Thailand: What to do in Ayutthaya - 1 or 2 day itinerary
Wat Worachettharam
Thailand: What to do in Ayutthaya - 1 or 2 day itinerary
Buddha image at homeless Ubosot

18. WAT PHU KHAO THONG

About 2 km away from the center, Wat Phur Chao Thong is also known as the “Golden Mountain Temple”. The temple, which is still in use, was built in 1387 at the request of King Ramesuan. The foundations and part of the pillars of the old ubosot or ordination hall are still visible. Inside the ordination room, there are Buddha statues. Next to the ordination room is a viharn measuring approximately 12 meters long and 6 meters wide. On the southwest side, there are four bell-shaped chedis. The entire complex is surrounded by an outer wall and a moat.

  • Address: Phu Khao Thong, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
  • Schedules: daily from 8:30 am to 5 pm
  • Entrance: free
Thailand: What to do in Ayutthaya - 1 or 2 day itinerary
Wat Phur Chao Thong | Photo: publicity

19. WAT MAHEYONG

Wat Maheyong is a Buddhist temple built in 1438, during the reign of King Borommarachathirat II, and restored in 1711 by Thai King Sa, when a royal residence was built. The main highlights of the temple are its chedi (stupas) and its ubosot (ordination hall), which is still in use and measures 17 meters wide by 35 meters long. On the west side of the ordination room is the main chedi, whose platform is supported by 80 carved elephants.

  • Address: Hantra Sub-district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
  • Schedules: daily from 8 am to 5 pm
  • Entrance: 50 Baht
Thailand: What to do in Ayutthaya - 1 or 2 day itinerary
Wat Maheyong | Photo: publicity

20. WAT BOROMPHUTTHARAM

This temple was built in 1689, during the reign of King Phetracha. The place consists of an ubosot (ordination hall), a viharn (sermon hall) and two main chedis. The ordination room is 40 meters long and 11 meters wide, divided into 3 sections. The ubosot houses a sandstone image of the Buddha in meditation posture. In the past, the temple was known as Wat Krabueang Khlueap, the “Temple of Tiles”, a reference to the yellow roof of the ordination hall.

  • Address: Pratu Chai Sub-district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
  • Schedules: daily from 8 am to 5 pm
  • Entrance: free
Thailand: What to do in Ayutthaya - 1 or 2 day itinerary
Buddha Image at Wat Boromphuttharam | Photo: publicity

SEE ALSO: BANG PA-IN ROYAL PALACE

Some tours from Bangkok go through this beautiful royal palace. Built in the 1632nd century at the request of King Prasat Kong, this is a palace located about 20 km south of the historic center of Ayutthaya. The palace complex was used as a summer residence by royalty and includes several iconic buildings spread across a large park. After the Burmese incursions in 1767, the Bang Pa-In Palace complex was destroyed and abandoned for a long time. King Mongkut (Rama IV) ordered it rebuilt in the 1850s. It was King Rama V who also expanded the area into the splendid Versailles-style gardens. Among vast gardens and landscaping, the following buildings stand out:

  • Wehart Chamrunt: A two-story Chinese-style royal palace. This one building that was open to anyone outside the royal family. It features beautiful ornamental tiles, ebony furniture and delicate porcelain. The throne room on the ground floor contains a Chinese-style throne, the second floor contains a shrine dedicated to King Mongkut and King Chulalongkorn. It is a beautiful building filled with Chinese artwork and furniture.
  • Waropath Phiman: A one-story royal mansion built in a neoclassical style that has a very European appearance and contains the throne room. The interior of the buildings is richly decorated with beautiful paintings and has a very aristocratic feel. Today the mansion is still being used as a private residence for the royal family.
  • Ho Whitun Thasana: Built by King Rama V in 1881m this is a watchtower painted in red and yellow and used as an observatory to view the skies and landscape around the palace.
  • Aisawan Thiphya Art: A “floating” pavilion built in the middle of a lake, it is a Thai pavilion that is a favorite spot for young royals to read poetry. This structure was built in traditional Thai architecture during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) and contains a statue of the king.
  • Memorial to Queen Sunanda Kumariratana: It is a marble sanctuary set in a garden dedicated to the queen. As there was a royal law that prohibited non-royal people from touching the queen, when the boat she was in capsized, no one helped and she drowned. The memorial contains a poem written by the widower, King Chulalongkorn, in honor of his beloved.
  • Wat Niwet Thamprawat: A Buddhist temple with colorful stained glass windows, reminiscent of a Gothic-style European cathedral. The temple was built by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), who was the first Siamese king to travel to Europe. The temple is located across the river.
  • Phra Thinang Uthayan Phumisathian: Built in 1877, it was King Chulalongkorn's favorite residence. The original wooden building that looked like a Swiss chalet was completely destroyed by fire in 1938 and was rebuilt at the end of the 20th century.
  • Address: Tambon Ban Len, Amphoe Bang Pa-in, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13160, Thailand
  • Schedules: daily from 8 am to 4 pm
  • Entrance: 100 Baht | 400 Baht to rent a cart to walk around the gardens
Thailand: What to do in Ayutthaya - 1 or 2 day itinerary
Bang Pa-In Royal Palace

WHERE TO EAT IN AYUTTHAYA

When hunger strikes, check out some of Ayutthaya's dining options to recharge your batteries and continue your city tours. See some tips below:

RESTAURANTS
MARKETS

WHERE TO STAY IN AYUTTHAYA

If you are planning to stay more than one day in Ayutthaya, here are some interesting accommodation options in the historic city. Check out some alternatives:

Thailand: What to do in Ayutthaya - 1 day itinerary
deluded Hotel. Photo: publicity

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