Top Things to do in Ayutthaya
10 Things to do in Ayutthaya That You Shouldn't Miss
Built just to the east of the spectacular ruins of the capital of the Ayutthaya kingdom, a Siamese power destroyed by Burmese invasion in the 18th century, Ayutthaya is a modern Thai city studded with archeological wonders. Headless Buddhas and crumbling but still-beautiful reliquary towers and wats give evidence of the majesty of the civilization that was once centered here.
Restaurants in Ayutthaya
1. Wat Phra Sri Sanphet
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,110 reviews
First built in 1448 A.D. during the reign of King Boromtrilokanath, this is the largest temple ruin in Ayutthaya.
Reviewed By melkeet - Ipoh, Malaysia
This ruins is a part of the ancient Royal palace of Ayutthaya. The place was crowded, as it is one of the main, attractions of Ayutthaya. There are sign boards, illustrating its history and significance. The temple complex is huge and well maintained. The main exhibits here are three chedis, which contain the ashes of three Ayutthaya kings. There is also an ordination hall, and a hall were monks studied the teachings of the Buddha. The complex is surrounded by an outer wall. Lining the walls is a great number of subsidiary chedis and viharns. The place bounds to be hot, therefore carry a hat, sun lotion and lots of water. We spend about 90 minits here. This is a photographer’s paradise. Transport is available to go back. If visiting Ayutthaya, then a visit to this place is a must.
2. Elephantstay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 309 reviews
Elephantstay is an elephantastic unique program where you get to live, work and play with elephants, staying in the heart of the Royal Elephant Kraal village in Ayutthaya. Elephantstay is a not for profit program under the Phra Kochabaan Foundation.
Reviewed By G5870KStomw - Portland, United States
My wife and I did the 3 day stay and enjoyed ourselves. We learned a great deal about Asian elephants and how to care for them. We also came to understand their domesticated role in the culture of Thailand. Six people during our stay; 2 sisters there for a week; and an Aussie couple for 2 weeks. They returned after a 2 week stay 5 years ago. We watered and fed our elephants several times a day, rode them twice but not on the tourist chairs but rather on their necks with our their mahout to steady us. We learned simple control commands; walked them to a grassy area where they loved to graze and then walked to the river where we all waded and cooled off. Our elephants loved the walks and river. Every morning we mucked out their areas, and in the afternoon team cleaned 2 of our elephants with a hose and scrub brush. Elephant Stay does an exceptional of daily cleaning and care. Their breeding program is well done and we got to interact directly with a 2 month baby elephant. We can’t wait to come back.
3. Wat Chaiwatthanaram
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,199 reviews
Considered one of the most imposing ancient Buddhist monasteries, this religious site was established by King Prasatthong in 1630 A.D. in homage to his mother.
Reviewed By hooman1020 - Tehran, Iran
Wat Chaiwatthanaram is a stunning Buddhist temple in the city of Ayutthaya, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, south west of the old city of Ayutthaya. The temple was constructed in 1630 (By Prasat Thong). The temple's name means "the Temple of long reign and glorious era". The royal temple was used for performing religious ceremonies. The wonderfully designed temple has architectural influences from both Hinduism & Buddhism, featuring detailed edifices, towers and extensive carvings. It has a central 35m high prang in Khmer style with four smaller prangs. The whole construction stands on a vast rectangular platform. Along the outside wall, there were many one-sized sitting Buddha statues in a row. Although Wat Chaiwatthanaram is located outside Ayutthaya Island and it is not a part of the "UNESCO World Heritage Site", but it is one of Ayutthaya's best known temples. It is a large compound part of Ayutthaya which can be reached by road or by boat. This temple was opened to public in 1992. I recommend you to go there and visit one of the most amazing temples of Ayutthaya. Some temples in the city center are crowded and noisy but this one is not so, Instead it has a calm & quiet atmosphere. Besides a pleasant feeling exists here that comes from visiting tall towers that have survived during the centuries!
4. Wat Ratchaburana (Temple of the Royal Restoration)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 293 reviews
Reviewed By jelinicivana - London, United Kingdom
I know there are so many different, beautiful temples all around Ayutthaya, but this one is my favourite. The temple complex is huge and you can easily spend couple of hours strolling around and climbing different bits of the temple (please make sure you NEVER climb onto parts that are exempt from climbing or sitting!). There are many great photo opportunities so I would suggest going early morning or late afternoon when the crowds are smaller and the light is pretty.
5. Historic City of Ayutthaya
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,269 reviews
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ayutthaya Historical Park incorporates over a dozen ancient temple sites.
Reviewed By 19752011
Ancient capital of Thailand, an hour and half north of Bangkok,five- six centuries old monuments and temples spread across a three square km Historic City, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site..one would feel he/she boarded a time machine and stepped into a bygone era..it is beautiful, it is aesthetic, it is history and it is a story of sweat and, often, blood !!
6. Wat Mahathat
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,247 reviews
Reviewed By PerryB137 - Hong Kong, China
This was a particularly interesting Wat at which to take photos and pore through one's guidebooks in order to reconstruct the fascinating history of both the ruins and the extant structures.
7. Wat Yai Chai Mang Khon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,393 reviews
Reviewed By hooman1020 - Tehran, Iran
In my opinion, Wat Yai Chai Mongkon (Mongkhol) is the most thriving and loveliest spot in Ayutthaya. I call this spot “Heart of Ayutthaya”. Wat yai chai mongkhon was constructed in 1357 A.D by U-Thong , to accommodate the monks. This monastery was named "Wat Pakaew". After King Naresuan victory over Burmese in 1592 and constructing a new large chedi (pagoda) by him, the temple became known as Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon "Great Monastery of Auspicious Victory". Ordination hall was constructed in the reign of King Naresuan for religious adoration and royal meditation. The temple and monastery have their rear sections extended through the gallery. Many Buddha images are lined up outside the gallery. There’s a staircase in the main building that allows you to go up and watch the panoramic landscape from above. The original reclining Buddha statue was constructed by King Naresuan. The statue seen today is a replica that was made in the 1960s. Today most of the Buddha images that can be seen in the temple are relatively modern. This temple unlike many of the other ancient sites in Ayutthaya, is still an active temple where monks reside. Thai people visit this Wat to pay respects to Buddha & King Naresuan. The statues of roosters & fighting cocks which have been left in King Naresuan’s honor represent the king’s own fighting spirit and bravery. Besides many wonderful Buddhist religious art works and an incredible sense of serenity and calm, there's a nice Thai market which provides eatables and fresh drinks and souvenirs in a reasonable price. Also there's a parking lot that allows you to park your car easily. If you want to visit only one temple in Ayutthaya, I suggest you Wat Yai Chai Mang Khon !
8. Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 557 reviews
Reviewed By melkeet - Ipoh, Malaysia
We hired a Tuk Tuk, for a day, to visit all the ruins and sites off the island. You will need some mood of transport to visits this site, across the river. We reached here after visiting numerous other sites. There was an entrance fees of 20 Baht. The place was crowded as it is an active temple. The temple is located on the banks of a river. The main attraction is the Hugh Buddha. You can walk to the river bank and there are beautiful buildings of a Chinese temple adorned with dragons. We realised later, when we took the 2-hour evening boat cruise, that this site was the first stop in its itinerary.
9. Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Lokayasutharam)
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 812 reviews
Reviewed By CKF
We approached this reclining Buddha on foot, from behind, and wow! We could not believe how huge it was, and that there was almost no one there! It's a bit of a farther walk from Wat Mahathat, but so worth it! It is worth the effort, as you may have Buddha all to yourself. There are several snack and souvenir stands nearby. Enjoy!
10. Wat Phu Khao Thong (Golden Mount)
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 225 reviews
Reviewed By ArtPhemister - Chattanooga, United States
This Pagoda was very beautiful and we arrived as the sun was setting on it. Very lovely. This a must see when in Ayuttaya.
