Built in the 14th century as the second capital city of Siam, is the amazing ancient city of Ayutthaya. It was destroyed by invading Burmese armies in the 18th century, and remained overgrown and neglected until the mid 20th century. Now the top 7 spectacular things to see in Ayutthaya await.
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History of Ayutthaya
The city of Ayutthaya was a bustling metropolis from the 14th to 18th centuries. Alas it was burnt to the ground in 1766 when it was invaded by the Burmese Army. The entire city’s inhabitants were forced to abandon the city, and it was never rebuilt. Today it is an important archeological area and a UNESCO World Hertigate site covering 289 hectares.
By the way, in case you’re wondering how to say Ayutthaya, it’s pronounced Ah-you-tea-ah.
Top 7 Things To See in Ayutthaya
1. Wat Mahathat (Buddha Head in Tree Roots)
The site of the Buddha Head in Tree Roots is in an ancient temple built in the heart of Ayutthaya Historical Park in the 14th century. The temple was destroyed by the invading Burmese Army in 1767, along with the rest of Ayutthaya. It is said that the invaders cut the heads off many Buddha statues during the invasion.
After Ayutthaya was destroyed, it remained abandoned, overgrown and relatively untouched until the 1950’s. It was then that the Department of Fine Arts began restoration work in the area. It was around this time that the Buddha Head in Tree Roots was discovered, and has since become a major tourist drawcard.
Remember that this is a sacred site. Whilst visitors are permitted to take photos, respect must be shown. Even to the point of kneeling as you take your photos. Respect.
2. Aisawan Thiphya-At (Divine Seat of Freedom)
This is a beautiful Thai style pavilion in the middle of a lake. The Thai Style pavilion is a classic style of Thai architecture and a national symbol of Thailand. Here you can get some amazing photos of the golden pavilion reflecting on the still lake, as if it were somehow floating.
In the centre of the building is an amazing golden monument constructed by the son of Rama V to symbolise his father. This Thai Pavilion has a long history though the centuries, and has held close friendships with Kings and Queens.
Aisawan Thiphya-At can be found at the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, half way between Bangkok and Ayutthaya. This is a popular stop for tour buses on the way to Ayutthaya, especially because it is conveniently located a little over half way en-route to Ayutthaya.
3. Ayutthaya Historical Park
This is a UNESCO World Hertigate site covering 289 hectares. It includes the ruins of the 14th century city of Ayutthaya, the capital of Siam until it was destroyed in 1767. It is said that 35 kings ruled the Ayutthaya Kingdom while it existed.
As you enter the park, you get to stroll around a labyrinth of paths winding through many ruined temples and palaces. You can also see many Buddha statues, both complete and destroyed. You will get a strong feel for the historical significance of this amazing site, and feel the ancient grandeur of days past.
4. Wat Phanan Cheoeng (Oldest Temple in Ayutthaya)
No Thailand tour is complete without a visit to a real Buddhist temple, and at Ayutthaya that means the What Phanan Cheong. This is a special temple, being the oldest in Ayutthaya built in 1324. It even houses an incredible golden 19m high seated Buddha from 1334.
Legend has it that there was a King who ruled this area before the city of Ayutthaya was built. This King wanted to marry the daughter of a Chinese Emperor. When the Princess showed up one day to marry the King, he was nowhere to be found. The princess waited and waited, then she became so sad that she killed herself by holding her breath. When the King finally returned he was so devastated that he built this temple on the spot where the Princess was cremated.
5. Wat Lokaya Sutha (Reclining Buddha)
On the north west tip of Ayutthaya Island is a huge reclining Buddha. It is usually draped in a huge orange cloth, although when we visited there was no cloth to be seen. The Buddha is 42m in length, and you can get up very close for some photos. Once again, these must be taken respectfully.
Right behind the Buddha is the ruins of a giant temple, Wat Lokaya Sutham. The entrance is facing east towards the rising sun. The temple is basically flattened, although the main tower (prang) at the centre is still standing.
6. Ho Withun Thasana (Sages’ Lookout)
This tower is stunningly unique, looking similar to a lighthouse. Indeed it is painted in a very happy theme, which could be straight out of a Dr.Seuss book. The tower was built in 1881 by King Culalongkorn as an observatory, where he could admire the surrounding countryside.
There are many vantage points from the summer palace grounds to get a great photo of Sage’s Tower. But what is even better is to climb to the top to admire the surrounding countryside yourself. Finally there is a narrow spiral staircase leading to the top, and several lovely viewing points along the way.
Ho Withun Thasana is half way between Bangkok and Ayutthaya, at the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace.
7. Chao Phraya River
No visit to Ayutthaya is complete without a boat cruise along the Chao Phraya River. In fact the Chao Phraya River and the Pa Sak River intersect to form an island, which is the location of Ayutthaya. Not to mention that Bangkok was also built along the lower reaches of the Chao Phraya River.
The most popular way to see this fascinating river is to take a boat cruise from Ayutthaya to Bangkok. In the meantime you will pass many interesting monuments and temples, and all manner of other fascinating Thai tourist attractions dating back centuries.
How to Take a Day Tour from Bankgok to Ayutthaya
We used our favourite booking platform Getyourguide.com make a tour booking. The Tour is called From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Day Tour by Bus and Boat, and the cost was US $57 per person. All in all the duration of the tour is 9 hours and it includes transfers to and from your hotel. In addition to this the cruise includes a sumptuous 3 course lunch on board the cruise boat.
A mini-bus zooms around all the major hotels between 6am and 7am to pick up passengers. All of a sudden you arrive at a bus terminal at River City Bangkok, where you’re transferred to a coach to drive to Ayutthaya. Finally you are dropped off back at your hotel at around 4:30 pm.
The best things about this tour – we discovered all of these 7 spectacular things to see in Ayutthaya, and many more.
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