Ayutthaya was established by King U Thong as the capital of Thailand in 1351. It was a period of great splendor for the Thai people. It served as the center of Thailand for over 400 years, from 1350 to 1767. Ayutthaya was the largest city in the kingdom, boasting over 400 temples, and was also the epicenter of the country’s wealth. During the Ayutthaya period, Thailand and Burma were in conflict, and the great capital was invaded twice, in 1569 and 1767. The final conquest led to Ayutthaya ceasing to be the capital of Thailand.
Unfortunately, the wealth and prosperity of ancient Ayutthaya were destroyed in the last war against Burma. Today, an impressive archaeological legacy of ancient temples and palaces remains. This historical marvel earned it the title of a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991.
How to get from Bangkok to Ayutthaya during your trip to Thailand?
Ayutthaya is located 85 kilometers from Bangkok. Its proximity to Thailand’s current capital makes it an ideal day trip from Bangkok. It is also a perfect stop on your journey to northern Thailand.
If you are considering including Ayutthaya in your trip to Thailand but are still unsure about your itinerary, we will show you some of the most representative places this city has to offer:
What can you see in Ayutthaya?
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- Wat Yai Chai Mongkol. Located southeast of Ayutthaya, it was one of the first temples built in Ayutthaya. In the center of the temple stands one of the largest chedis (stupas) in the archaeological park, which can also be climbed to get the best views of the site.
- Wat Maha That. Located in the central part of Ayutthaya, it was one of the most important temples in the kingdom. Combining traditional Thai and Cambodian Khmer art, its most striking feature is the Buddha head buried among the roots of a tree.
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- Wat Phra Si San Phet. Situated in the northeast area, its structure contains three enormous chedis symbolizing the first three kings of Ayutthaya. According to legend, the chedis house the ashes of each of the kingdom’s kings.
- Wat Chaiwatthanaram. This is one of the most prominent and best-preserved royal temples in Ayutthaya. It was built by King Prasat Thong in memory of his mother. Many temples in Thailand follow an architectural model similar to that of Wat Chaiwatthanaram.
- The Royal Palace of Bang Pa-In. A well-deserved break in the middle of the archaeological park. After visiting the ruins, we recommend the Royal Palace of Bang Pa-In. A modern palace, formerly a royal summer residence, it is perfectly preserved. It was built by King Chulalongkorn at the end of the 19th century on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.
For a unique experience, we recommend the Thanatharee. This impressive river cruise will show you the archaeological park from a very different perspective than the typical one.
Are you ready to enjoy Ayutthaya? Do you want to include it in your trip? Take a look at our trips to Thailand and ask us for a customized one.
