Nestled just 80 kilometres north of Bangkok, Ayutthaya is a destination that beckons travellers with its profound historical significance and captivating beauty.
Once the thriving capital of the Siamese Kingdom, today it stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering visitors a remarkable glimpse into Thailand’s rich past.
Exploring Ayutthaya is like stepping into an open-air museum where ancient temples, grand palaces and crumbling statues provide a vivid connection to a once-majestic era.
Most of Ayutthaya’s key sites are nestled within the old city, an ‘urban island’ encircled by four rivers. Thanks to its compact layout and close proximity to the modern capital, a visit to Ayutthaya is an easy day trip to add to a Thailand holiday. Alternatively, thanks to a selection of boutique hotels, it also serves as a charming stopover on an overland journey to northern Thailand.
Read on to learn more about the former capital and to discover EXO’s tips for planning a trip to Ayutthaya.
Introduction to Ayutthaya
Founded in 1350, Ayutthaya rose to become one of the world’s most important trade and political hubs during the 16th and 17th centuries.
Its strategic location between China, India, and the Malay Archipelago made it a melting pot of cultures and ideas, reflected in its architecture and diverse population.
However, the city’s golden age came to an abrupt end in 1767 when Myanmar forces sacked Ayutthaya, leaving behind the evocative ruins we see today.
Modern Ayutthaya, though quieter, continues to thrive as a charming provincial town, blending its historic landmarks with a contemporary, easy-going atmosphere that’s perfect for exploration.
What to see and do
- Explore the Ayutthaya Historical Park: This expansive park is home to the ruins of the old city and rich with historical significance. It includes Wat Phra Si Sanphet, once the grandest temple of Ayutthaya, and Wat Ratchaburana, known for its Khmer-style tower.
- Visit Wat Mahathat: Famous for the photogenic Buddha head entwined in tree roots, Wat Mahathat is one of Ayutthaya’s most iconic temples.
- River Cruise: A boat trip around Ayutthaya offers a unique glimpse into its history as a trading hub. The rivers that encircle the old town – the Chao Phraya, Pa Sak and Lopburi rivers- were the lifeblood of the kingdom and a cruise highlights their strategic importance.
- Arts of the Kingdom Museum: This museum showcases exquisite artworks by craftspeople of the Queen Sirikit Institute. These pieces, created with both ancient and modern techniques, reflect the artisans’ journey from early training to mastery, highlighting Thailand’s cultural heritage.
- Local experiences: Exploring Ayutthaya’s town, beyond the monuments, offers a taste of local life and rural Thai culture. Visiting local markets, sampling traditional Thai cuisine or cycling through backstreets complement the historic sightseeing.
Planning a trip
Getting there: Ayutthaya is located 80 kilometres (50 miles) from Bangkok. Travelling by private car takes 1-1.5 hours.
For a more local and carbon-friendly experience, EXO recommends travelling by train. There are several departures a day, with the journey from Bangkok’s Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station to Ayutthaya’s centrally located station taking around 1-1.5 hours
When to go: The best time to visit Ayutthaya is during Thailand’s cool season, from November to February, when the weather offers comfortable temperatures perfect for exploring the city’s historical sites.
From March to May, the crowds thin out, but the temperatures rise. During these months we suggest scheduling sightseeing visits earlier in the morning to avoid the midday heat. The green season, from June to October, brings lush landscapes and fewer crowds; however during periods of extended rainfall, Ayutthaya may experience flooding.
EXO Travel is a premium Destination Management Company (DMC) providing bespoke travel solutions across a growing portfolio of global destinations. Our services range from one-off tours for individual travellers to memorable incentive trips for groups of hundreds or thousands.
Established in 1993, we’ve harnessed in-depth local knowledge and a widely-recognized penchant for authentic, groundbreaking touring to become a leading DMC for the premium travel market. As a Certified B Corporation, EXO is also demonstrably committed to sustainability and using travel as a force for good.
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