Ayutthaya is Thailand‘s hidden archaeological gem, swarmed with beautiful Buddhist temples, monasteries, and ancient statues with interesting historical significance.
Dating back to 1350, the city has had a rich and chaotic history with a fair share of grandeur and strife. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ayutthaya of Thailand is absolute heaven for tourists that adore history and beautiful architecture.
It was founded in 1350 it was the capital city of the Siamese Kingdom for more than four hundred years. During this time, Ayutthaya was one of the world’s primary urban areas and a center of commerce.
In 1767 the town came under massive attack from the Burmese, an attack that the town was powerless to stop and one that finished with the town being burned to the ground.
Today there are several ruins from this previous period to travel around, with lots of things to do in Ayutthaya as you join the other tourists on a fascinating journey.
Top 15 BEST Things to do in Ayutthaya
Visit Chao Phrom Market
If you’re seeking something unusual and thrilling, visiting the Chao Phrom Market is one of the most amusing things to do in Ayutthaya.
Explore local Thai flavors and give your mouth an explosion of diverse tastes all found at the street stalls — small souvenirs and trinkets to bring back as souvenirs can also be purchased from this market.
WHERE TO STAY? Best hotels in Ayutthaya
Take a Boat Trip at Ayutthaya Island
This is one of the most exciting things to do in Ayutthaya at night. If you’re traveling during the day, the boat stops at some of the most famous tourist attractions in the city such as Wat Phanan Choeng and Wat Chaiwatthanaram, a few of the most renowned beautiful temples in Ayutthaya.
WHERE TO STAY? Best hotels in Ayutthaya
Take a Trip to Wat Chaiwatthanaram
A day trip to this historically important beautiful temple is one of the top things to do in Ayutthaya, Thailand. Facing the internal town and located across the river, the temple displays brilliant Khmer architecture. The principal prang, in the of the temple, denotes the center of the universe.
Visit Ayutthaya Historical Park
This Historical Park is one of the main attractions in Ayutthaya. Being a UNESCO Heritage site, this vast park comprises of around 67 stunning temples and ruins. The area of this park includes the previous Siamese capital town, and there are Buddha statues, that look gorgeous against the backdrop of the blue skies and the greenery o the park.
Visit Wat Thammikarat
You can see sections of the terrace, the pillars of the porch, and a chedi surrounded by lion statues. Curiosities here are the dozens of vibrantly colored rooster statues, thought to be offerings brought by locals. Other highlights include the giant bronze Buddha head, and the golden reclining Buddha hid in one of the buildings to the right of the chedi.
Top attractions to see in Ayutthaya
Explore Foreign Quarters
In its grandeur days, Ayutthaya drew settlers from all over the world. You can visit the old French, Portuguese, British, and Dutch quarters by taking a tourism bike ride through the area. The European power is accountable for the number of Catholic churches in the area, including St. Joseph’s Church.
WHERE TO STAY? Best hotels in Ayutthaya
Visit Bang Pa-in Palace
If you are in quest of a little more contemporary regality, head to Bang Pa-in Palace, dating to the 17th century, this royal house is one of the best-preserved compounds in the area.
The buildings display numerous architectural styles, counting conventional Thai and Chinese structures, and there’s, also, Phra Thinang Uthayan Phumisathian – a two-story Victorian-style mansion.
Visit Chao Sam Phraya National Museum
Set in numerous buildings enclosed by lily ponds, the museum was founded by King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1961. It features several sculptures and works from diverse periods during Thailand‘s early history, as well as many magnificent golden Buddha statues. Highlights are a seated Buddha and a big bust of the Buddha in the U Thong style.
WHERE TO STAY? Best hotels in Ayutthaya
Visit Wat Yai Chai Mongkol
As you enter into this temple, you will instantly be stunned by the big Buddha statue located there. Constructed by King U-Thong, this spiritual Buddhist temple was built to house the monks. The later structure of the temple by King Naresuan was also eminent for its gorgeous architecture.
Visit Million Toy Museum
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This renowned toy museum is every child’s (and adults) a dream come true, and one of the best things to see in Ayutthaya. The two-story museum houses diverse local and imported toys, from both the past and present periods. The ground floor displays local toys from Ayutthaya, Rattanakosin, and Sukhothai, and the higher level showcases toys from all over the world.
Top things to experience in Ayutthaya
Experience Cooking Session
Be a proficient cook of Thai traditional cuisines with a suitable cooking class along with a refreshing sightseeing tour of Ayutthaya. Indulge in a half-day cooking class in a cooking school and learn the famous Thai dishes. During this trip, you will also enjoy sightseeing that covers the ancient town of Ayutthaya.
Enjoy Elephant Stay
Get practical, cultural experience and travel around the planet on an Elephant with the Elephant Stay. The Royal Elephant Kraal is only one left in Thailand. The elephants here are rounded up and trained for war. Today, the place houses 180 elephants and offers tourists a chance to dig into the Thai culture.
Wander Around Wat Yai Chai Mang Khon
It offers a more cherished experience of Ayutthaya architectural ruins. There are beautiful rows of Buddhas surrounding the significant temple here and another vast and impressive sleeping Buddha. The sole of which is believed to release miraculous qualities; numerous locals rub coins on the feet of the statue to be blessed with good fortune.
WHERE TO STAY? Best hotels in Ayutthaya
Top food to eat in Ayutthaya
Eat Boat Noodles
The suitably named “boat noodles” (kuay tiow ruea) are cooked on boats — the genuine ones, anyway — and are possibly Ayutthaya’s signature dish. Just search for long, slender sampans with steaming cooking pots on board. Boat noodles are usually rice noodles in a pork broth. Additional ingredients differ from shop to shop.
Thai’s Desserts
Visit a trendy cafe selling conventional Thai desserts in the ancient city of Ayutthaya. The favorite dessert Bolan Ice Cream is, in fact, coconut ice cream with a soft bun as a base. Scattered with baked crispy mung beans, drizzled zig-zag with caramel sauce, and lastly garnished with mint leaves on top.
Check out these activities in Ayutthaya
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