19 Things to Do in Ayutthaya

For a hard core traveller you will find yourself surrounded with many thing to do in Ayutthaya. You cannot definitely miss the chance to see Wat Mahathat where you can get into the secret chambers which has uncovered gold jewellery, golden casket with a relic of Buddha.

If history is what fascinates you then you can experience the historical temple which has some of the impressive sights in the ruined city. You can find fascinating wall art at Wat Ratchaburana which is done by Chinese artists who have settled there. Quite interestingly, you can also visit Wat Yai Chai Mongkol is another interesting sight which shouldn’t be missed.

Here are some of the best things to do in Ayutthaya:

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Wat Phra Si Sanphet

Image Credit : Guillén Pérez

Ayutthaya’s most ancient temple, Wat Phra Si Sanphet is a grand, beautiful structure that should be explored once in a lifetime. The stunning temple was built in 1350 by King Ramathibodi I and has a beautiful architecture.

Although the original temple was destroyed by Burmese in 1767, the structure and its legacy still remains. The temple, during its period of complete existence was the temple of the royal family. No moks lived at the place.

Wat Phra Si Sanphet

Image Credits : Bertrand DUPERRIN

Highlights: The impressive structure of the place has additional facilities that are on the raised platform. These platforms are called the three Chedis and has been restored. The design is in Ceylonese style, which is a reminiscent of a bell. Overall, the terrace is surrounded by a cloister. It has symmetrically designed four halls which were once used for meeting purposes.

Location: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District

Wat Lokkayasutharam

Want to discover the true nature and beauty of Buddhist spiritualism? Then visit Wat Lokkayasutharam. Located inside the temple complex, this is a fascinating historical site that will immediately capture your attention. In fact, it is every bit as fascinating as the Mayan or Inca ruins. The place is serene and beautiful, with peacefulness surrounding all around.

Highlights: The main highlight her is the reclining Buddha statue, which is effortlessly detailed and so stunningly depicted that it will leave an imprint on your heart. But it’s not just the Buddha, even the overall culture that will leave an impression on you.

Here, you will find other tiny statuettes that people will push you to buy for Good luck. You will also find village women selling flowers and incense at the place. The Buddha itself is quite impressive and you can explore other ruins that mark the beauty of this place.

Location: Ayutthaya Historical Park

Wiharn Phra Mongkhon Bophit

Image Credit : Wikipedia

A stunning religious site, Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit is whre you can find one of the most detailed bronze Buddha statues in the world. Here, the Buddha image has lap measurement of 9.55 meters. The statue stands at a height of 12.45 meters and features exceptional level of detail.

Wiharn Phra Mongkhon Bophit

Image Credits : Wikipedia

Highlights: The highlight of this temple is the Buddha statue, which is one of the largest in the country. It is believed that the beautiful statue was built during the Ayutthaya Era of King Srongtam. But, a thunderbolt had caused some damage to the main dome of this temple, which has been restored over the years.

Now, the interesting part of this temple is that the roof of the dome is a part of the cathedral, which makes it similar to a Church. Over the years, it was restored again to the Ayutthaya architectural style.

Location: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District.

Wat Chaiwatthanaram, Ayutthaya

A stunning Buddhist temple, Wat Chaiwatthanaram is the place to visit if you are interested in learning more about the historical culture of Thailand. The wonderfully designed temple has architectural influences from both Hinduism and Buddhism, featuring detailed edifices, towers and extensive carvings.

The rectangular platform used construction has hidden entrances with steep stairs that lead to the top. There’s an ordination hall in the two with chedis. Large sitting Buddha statues dominate the overall construction. The royal temple was used for performing religious ceremonies.

The place is a part of Ayutthaya Historical Park. Although it is not a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is certainly known for its extensive detailing. Constructed by King Prasat Thong, this is the temple that depicts a long reign and a glorious era. Designed in Khmer style of the 17thcentury, the place has a high prang or tower, with four smaller towers.

Location: Ban Pom, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand.

Timing: 8.00 AM to 6.30 PM.

Price: INR 115; Baht 50.

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Chao Phrom Market

Image Credit : Wikipedia

If you are looking for something different and seek to explore the underbelly of Ayutthaya, then Chao Phrom Market is the place to be. The bustling undercover market is the place to be, if you want to enjoy sweet Muslim snacks, wish to try curries and want to explore the taste of a Spicy Dip.

Image Credits : Wikipedia

Highlights: Apart from Muslim snacks, the place is quite popular for its Chinese dishes. The place is an authentic market that offers fresh produce. If you are planning on staying in Thailand for a while and wish to explore it further, then shop for day to day necessities at this place.

The local Thai market has fresh items, from non-vegetarian delicacies to delectable desserts that any epicurean will love to try. It also explores the dynamic relationship that Thailand has with rest of the South Asia.

Location: Th Naresuan.

Price: 200-1000 Baht

Boat Tour

Ayutthaya Boat ride and tour is one of the most enchanting experiences in Thailand. The lazy river journey takes one through the Thailand’s ancient temple cities and regions, bringing forward the romantic notions of Buddhist spirituality. This even includes UNESCO World Heritage sites. The slow and sleepy ride has its own, unique allure and has a charming tendency that will leave an indispensable imprint on your heart. You will get the chance to gaze at fishermen casting net and children playing with football while house dogs would be rolling around.

Boat Tour

Image Credits : Adam Baker

Highlights: The main highlight of this ride is that it truly brings you closer to the Thai culture. It goes beyond temple as you get to experience modern and traditional riverside life. You would even see things like a boat advertising banking service or a floating clinic that will melt your heart.

Location: From Ayutthaya and Sukhothai.

Best Time: December to February

An Elephant Stay

Get hands on cultural experience and explore the world 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 provides visitors an opportunity to delve into the Thai culture.

Highlights: The program supports mahout culture and is designed to ensure that anybody can experience the beauty of elephants. The elephant stay program has been designed to create a sustainable future for elephants. The program is non-profit in nature and promotes elephant lives’ through tourism. It is here that people can get to learn mahout life and enjoy developing a bond with elephants. The place is recommended for young children and receive high standards of care. Accommodation is available for a single or multiple day stay at the place.

An Elephant Stay

Location: Royal Elephant Kraal and Village, 74/1 Moo 3, Tumbol Suanpi.

Timing: Open all day.

Price: 12000-151000 Baht for 2 nights to 27 nights stay.

Bang Pa-In Palace

Explore how kings and queens lived in Thailand by visiting Bang Pa-in Palace. The Palace is located just 60 kilometers north of Bangkok. Situated on the bank of Chao praya River, the temple is a refined reflection of an era that’s bygone. The palace is extensively built, with quite colorful architecture. It was formerly used by the Thai Kings.

Highlights : The original complex was built in 1632 by King Prasat Thong. The palace’s use was discontinued over the years and therefore, it became overgrown in the 18thand 19thcentry. That’s when King Chulalongkorn decided to restore it. Now opened to visitors, the palace is sometimes used by King Bhumibol Adulyadej and his family for special occasions.

Bang Pa-In Palace

This stunning palace features vast greenery, beautiful gardens and exquisite landscaping. The Royal Palace and Throne room have been inspired by Chinese styles, whereas the brightly painted lookout tower is another attraction at the palace.

Location: An Len, Bang Pa-in District, Phra

Wat Suwan Dararam

Image Credit : Antoine 49

Built during the Late Ayutthaya period, Wat Suwan Dararam is another place of worship It was built by father of King Rama I when he ascended to the throne. The temple is considered a Golden Star in the island. But over a period of time, this temple underwent massive destruction. In fact, after the Burmese invasion of 1767, the temple was particularly in ruins.

Highlights: The temple has gone under complete restoration and today, its main highlight is the Buddha image, which is a large stone copy of the Emerald Buddha that is found in Bangkok. The place has stunning roof columns, which have been extensively carved. It also features bot dips in the center, which was once a building tradition of that time. The temple is in service every day and is a serene place of worship.

Location: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District

Wat Na Phra Men

A stunning place of worship, Wat Na Phra Men is an active monastery in Northern area of Ayutthaya. The temple was originally built in the 13thcentury and it has been renovated over the years, most extensively in the 1990 to ensure that it is still functional.

The temple is just opposite Grand Palace on the island. Originally constructed during the reign of King Ramathibodi II, the place is known for its stunning architecture.

Wat Na Phra Men

Highlights: The still functional place has ordination halls for conducting different ceremonies. It is extensively designed to reflect Hindu and Buddhist architectural styles. It is here that one can find crowned Buddha, the structure of which is 6 meters high.

It is covered in cast of metal and gold life as well. The royal dress is completed with a crown. It is one of the most popular Buddha images that were used in the Late Ayutthaya Period.

Location:Thailand

Wat Yai Chai Mongkol

Located a few kilometers from the Ayutthaya island is the Wat Yai Chai Mongkol Temple, which will transport you to a bygone era. The place is a Buddhist temple, built extensively by King U-Thong. The king had constructed this temple to accommodate monks. The monastery here was named as Wat Pakaew.

Highlights: The temple is popular for its later constructions as well, including Chedi or Pagoda that was built by the King Naresuan, the great. The large Chedi in the monastery was built for the purpose of unique architecture and later on, it was come to be known as Wat Yai Chiamongkhon.

Wat Yai Chai Mongkol

The Buddha image restored here is considered to belong to the 2508 BE, according to the publication of Wat. Here, there’s a Buddhist temple and the top has been designed extensively. The satellite stupas have structural formation and the place also has a hall meant for important religious ceremonies.

Location: 3477 Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District

Chao Sam Phraya National Museum

The largest museum in the city, Chao Sam Phraya National Museum is the home to several Thai treasures that were unearthed during the excavation of the ruins in the city. It is in this museum that you will find several golden treasures, including but not limited to the crypts of Wat Ratchaburana and Wat Mahathat Temples.

Highlights : One of the most beautiful things about the place is its comprehensive collection of materials found in the ruins of major temples in the region. It is the second largest museum in Thailand which was opened in 1970. The place is known for Thai Pavilion relics of Lord Buddha. Other major objects here are as old as 500 years old. Here, one can find antique bronze images of the Buddha, with impressive carved panels, local artifacts and several other religious objects.

Chao Sam Phraya National Museum

Location: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District

Timing: 9 am to 4 pm.

Price: 150 Baht/free

Wat Ratchaburana

Image Credit : Natascha M

Considered the temple of royal restoration, Wat Ratchaburana in Ayutthaya is well known for its restored ruin which once had a beautiful monastery. It is located on the city island and is a reflective of a bygone era. The temple was originally founded in 1424 by King Borommarachathirat II of the Ayutthya Kingdom.

The temple is supposed to be built on the cremation site of the king’s two elder brothers. The temple has main prang, which is one of the finest in the city. Highlights:The temple is known for its prang, which is basically a spire, tall like a tower. It is richly carved and derives architectural elements from Hindu and Buddhist architecture.

Wat Ratchaburana

Image Credits : Rex Gray

The prang has now gone intense restoration. But still, one can see the original stucco work and the mythical creatures on the prang. It also has four Srik Lankan Stupas with a crypt that’s accessible by steep stairs.

Location:Ayutthaya

Chedi Phra Sri Suriyothai

A stunning, beautiful ruin, Chedi Phra Sri Suriyothai or just Si Suriyothai is a statue that depicts the royal Queen Consort during the 16thcentury. The relic belongs to the 16thcentury Ayutthaya period of Siam. The statue was designed to pay tribute to the Queen who had given up her life in defense of her husband during the Burmese-Siamese War of 1548.

Highlights: The name of the statue and the consequent temple indicates ‘surya’ or the ‘rising sun.’ Suriyothai was married to Prince Tien and she had bravely put herself between the king and the viceroy of Prome for her husband. The legacy of this place is a highlight in itself, which is a reflection of how women had been brave throughout their lives. A memorial chedi or stupa is dedicated to her at this place. The chedi is detailed with bright golden color, reflecting the sun.

Location: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District

Ayutthaya Historical Park

Image Credit : khowaga1

Take a break and rest on the island framed by three significant rivers Chao Phraya, Lopburi and Pasak, the historic temples, palaces and remaining architectures of the ancient kingdom of Ayutthaya are one of Thailand’s most precious historical sites.

The 715-acre area has been listed the UNESCO World Heritage site since 1991 as it portrays the heydays of one of the largest kingdoms in Indochina history.

Highlights: Visit Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Mongkhon Bophit, Wat Na Phra Meru, Wat Thammikarat, Wat Ratburana and Wat Phra Mahathat temples, all of which can be easily visited on foot.

Getting There: Ayutthaya Historical Park is located 85 km from Bangkok.

Ayutthaya Tour by Grand Pearl Cruise | Book & Get 17% off

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Ayutthaya Tour by Grand Pearl Cruise | Book & Get 17% off

8H
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~~₹ 4,466~~ ₹ 3,706

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About the Activity:

- If you are in Thailand make it a wish on your bucket list to visit The Grand Pearl Ayutthaya Cruise and get acquainted with the historical culture of the old capital in Thailand.
- Commence your tour at about 07:30 AM after getting picked from your hotel in Bangkok and around 09:00 AM, reach Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, originally built by an Ayutthaya King.
- At about 11:00 AM, you will reach in the ancient capital of Ayutthaya and visit the city's largest temple built in 14th Century, Viharn Phra Monkol Bopit and Wat Mahathat.
- After excursion in Old capital Ayutthaya, embark on the luxurious Grand Pearl cruise ship by 01:00 PM for the return journey to Bangkok.
- Enjoy the superb lunch buffet and the fascinating scenery along the Chao Phraya River banks.
- Around 03:00 PM, the cruise passes through the Chao Phraya riverbanks, the Royal Barges Museum, Thammasart University, the Royal Grand Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Reclining Buddha Temple, the Temple Of Dawn and world-class 5 stars hotel as you are reaching the River City Pier.
- Wrap your tour up by 04:00 PM with scintillating memories.

Know Before You Go:

Pick up/Drop off: Hotel/Place of accommodation in Bangkok
Type of transfer: Shared
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Tour Timings: 09:00 AM to 04:00 PM

Ayutthaya Sightseeing Tour with Boat Ride | Get 18% off

41 Ratings

Superb 41 Ratings

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41 Ratings Ratings

Ayutthaya Sightseeing Tour with Boat Ride | Get 18% off

8H
Bangkok

41 Ratings

Superb 41 Ratings

4.0

41 Ratings Ratings

~~₹ 4,390~~ ₹ 3,599

About the destination:
Thailand's largest river and a lifeline for the city of Bangkok, most of the major attractions of this city are located on the banks of this river. This activity takes you on a cruise on the River of Kings to visit the capital of a powerful historical kingdom, Ayutthaya. The cruise passes through some of the most prominent places in Bangkok. After enjoying the lunch on the Grand Pearl Cruise, a guide will take you to a tour of the temple, Wat Phrasrisanphet, and the royal monastery, Wat Mahatad.

About the Activity:
-With this, you can traverse Ayutthaya and experince the historical wonders of Thailand's ancient capital.
- You can witness the ruins and elegant temples, surrounded by the Chao Phraya, Pa Sak, and Lop Buri Rivers, and filled with the aura of nature and glory, that truly reflects ancient Thailand.
-Later you can stop by the 17th-century summer palace, which is a fusion of Italian, Thai and Chinese architecture.
-Afterward, visit Wat Lokayasutharam, a huge reclining Buddha covered in saffron robes and Wat Mahathat famed for Buddha head mingled in roots.
-Proceed for lunch at Ayutthaya Floating Market.
-Then head to Wat Phra Si Sanphet, where the ashes of three Ayutthaya kings are enshrined within its pagodas.
-As the evening falls, take a leisurely boat ride and soak up the views of the magnificent temple ruins, wrapping up your journey into olden Thailand.

Additional Information:
Address: Century Mall, 15 Phayathai Rd, Khwaeng Thanon Phaya Thai, Phaya Thai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400.
Meet up time: 8:30 am

Bike Tour in Ayutthaya

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11H
Bangkok

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₹ 3,991

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Explore historical Ayutthaya by bike. Arriving from Bangkok to Bang Pa-in, start cycling to Ayutthaya and pedal through the ancient city before returning to Bangkok in the late afternoon. This trip runs Bangkok to Bangkok. Escape the city for a fun and educational ride in the ancient capital of Siam.

Disembarking with our bikes in Bang Pa-in, we explore the back-streets of Bang Pa-in riding past one of the royal palaces. Crossing the Chao Phraya River by ferry, cycle through the back lanes and riverside settlements up to historic Ayutthaya. Approaching from the south, the tour will swing around the bottom of the island passing by several of the very early historical sites such as Wat Phutthai Sawan and St. Joesph’s Church. After visiting the breathtaking Wat Chai Watanaram, we'll stop for a riverside lunch. After lunch it's time to cross the river and explore the city's ancient monuments from a bicycle, riding past Wat Loke, Wat Phrasrisanphet, and Wat Mahathat before taking the van back to Bangkok from Ayutthay

Know Before You Go:

Pick up/Drop off: Hotel/Place of accommodation in Bangkok
Type of transfer: Shared
Tour Duration: 11 hours
Starting Time: 08:00 AM

Ayutthaya Top Attractions

Places To Visit In Ayutthaya

Explore Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya City Park

This humongous modern marvel is the biggest shopping complex in Northern Thailand, situated in the heart of Ayutthaya city. The contemporary architecture and outlook of this unique complex sets it apart from the traditional city of Ayutthaya. It is not only one of the best places in the whole of Thailand for shopping lovers but also a great place to spend some leisurely time, with its quaint fountains, landscape, and soothing vibe. This huge shopping complex not only houses high-end brands but also features endless pop-up vendors. Another unique feature of this shopping mall that sets it apart is its amazing football field where you can have some fun and play around with your companions or even strangers. Also, in addition to shopping your heart out for products ranging from organic food, clothing, accessories, electronics, and much more, you can also plan to indulge in a relaxing spa treatment or get yourself the tattoo that you had been dreaming of for ages. All in all, the place is a perfect place to take a break from exploring the tourist attractions of the city and spending some fun time shopping, eating, and packing in some fun.If you are a foodie, the Ayutthaya City Park is surely going to take you to a completely different world with its endless fast-food outlets, fine dining restaurants, and its popular sushi train. Not only does its food court feature the best Thai street food vendors but also the most prominent brands serving the finest international cuisines. In conclusion, Ayutthaya City Park is a must-visit destination for all the tourists out there who wish to satisfy their shopping needs and take back home some bundles of joy that would help them remember their trip in a great way forever.

Ayutthaya City Park

Ayutthaya Historical Park

Take a break and rest on the island framed by three significant rivers Chao Phraya, Lopburi and Pasak, the historic temples, palaces and remaining architectures of the ancient kingdom of Ayutthaya are one of Thailand’s most precious historical sites. The 715-acre area has been listed the UNESCO World Heritage site since 1991 as it portrays the heydays of one of the largest kingdoms in Indochina history. Highlights: Visit Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Mongkhon Bophit, Wat Na Phra Meru, Wat Thammikarat, Wat Ratburana and Wat Phra Mahathat temples, all of which can be easily visited on foot. Getting There: Ayutthaya Historical Park is located 85 km from Bangkok.

Places To Visit In Ayutthaya