Exploring Ayutthaya: Ruins & Temples, marveling at Thailand‘s cultural heritage. Wander through remnants of a glorious past, admiring intricate architecture and serene Buddha statues amidst tranquil surroundings.
Exploring Ayutthaya: Ruins & Temples
Exploring Ayutthaya: Ruins & Temples, and visiting them in a day trip from Bangkok is not too difficult!
At the well-known Ayutthaya Buddha tree, visitors can witness the enigmatic sight of an ancient Buddha statue’s head trapped in the roots of a banyan tree, a striking feature of this deserted medieval Thai city.
In addition, there are two museums, a few Thai royal palaces, and numerous additional magnificent 14th-century Ayutthaya temples located within the Ayutthaya Historical Park.
This travel guide will cover all you need to know before you go, including how to get to Ayutthaya, Thailand from Bangkok by train (or tour).
History Of Ayutthaya
Built around 1350, Ayutthaya served as the second capital of Siam, now known as Thailand.
With a population of one million, the Ayutthaya kingdom was one of the largest cities in the world throughout the 14th and 18th centuries and was a hub of trade and culture.
The Burmese destroyed the city in 1767, and the ruins of Ayutthaya remained unrestored for many years.
Ayutthaya, Thailand, stands as a beloved destination from Bangkok, officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visiting The Ayutthaya Historical Park
There are two museums and numerous ancient temples and palaces to explore in the Ayutthaya Historical Park.
Given the compact nature of Ayutthaya’s top attractions, visitors can easily explore the park on foot. You may hire bicycles and tuk tuks nearby, which are fun ways to move around.
The majority of visitors come here to view the ancient statues and the intriguing Ayutthaya ruins!
What To See In Ayutthaya In One Day
This is a brief list of some of Thailand’s top temples and attractions in Ayutthaya.
Make sure these temples are on your schedule if you’re trying to pick what to see in Ayutthaya in a single day!
- The renowned Ayutthaya Buddha Tree, a stone head imprisoned in a banyan root, is located at Wat Mahathat.
- One of the principal Ayutthaya temples, Wat Chaiwatthanaram, has four large “prang” towers that date back to 1630.
- Wat Phanan Choeng: An enormous golden statue of the Buddha erected before Ayutthaya.
- Wat Lokaya Sutha: A massive stone statue of a reclining Buddha located close to the Royal Palace.
- Large Buddhist pagodas situated outside of the main island region, constructed in 1357 as Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon.
Ayutthaya Buddha Tree
One of the highlights of the Ayutthaya historical park is the famous stone Buddha face that is entangled in the roots of a banyan tree.
Known as the “Ayutthaya Buddha Tree,” it’s conceivably one of the most enigmatic and picturesque objects in all of Thailand.
The head of the statue may have fallen off naturally over time or during the 18th-century Burmese invasion of Ayutthaya. No one knows how it got there.
In any event, a magnificent banyan tree that grew up around it in the years following the fall of the Ayutthaya monarchy has nearly entirely encased it presently.
Taking pictures is allowed, but visitors must squat or kneel to maintain an appropriate distance from the Buddha. If you get too closely, a security guard will sound a whistle.
Before leaving, ensure to visit the Ayutthaya Buddha Tree, located at the Wat Mahathat temple.
Ayutthaya Dress Code
Unlike most other Thai temples, Ayutthaya does not severely enforce the modest dress rule, which calls for clothing that covers your knees and shoulders.
Presumably, Ayutthaya’s policies are more lax since these are officially considered ruins rather than functioning temples.
I would make sure you have a sarong or something similar to cover your shoulders if they do ask. Certain parts of the park are more restricted than others.
Moreover, it’s important to protect your skin from the scorching sun in Ayutthaya, where temperatures can be high year-round.
Ayutthaya Opening Hours
As of 2024, these are Ayutthaya’s operating hours.
Operating Hours: 8 AM – 5 PM, Daily
Since the park is a well-liked tourist destination, I’m not sure how strictly these hours are enforced. If you get to the park before it opens, there’s a chance they’ll let you in early, but there’s no guarantee.
Remember that some of the temples outside the park can also have longer hours of operation—perhaps even 24/7. I suggest visiting one of the temples outside the historical park for pictures at sunrise or sunset.
Ayutthaya Entrance Fee
Although Ayutthaya Historical Park is officially free to enter, the majority of the main temples have an admission cost of 50 Baht (about $2 USD).
You can buy a park pass that grants entry to all six of the main temples for 220 Baht ($7). This is a great option if you plan to visit multiple temples and are traveling without a tour guide.
Entrance costs are usually covered in the tour price when booking an Ayutthaya tour from Bangkok, eliminating the need for additional payments or carrying change.
How Much Time To Spend In Ayutthaya Ruins
For most people, one day is enough time to see the best of Ayutthaya, although if you want to stay longer there’s plenty of good accommodation in Ayutthaya.
If you’re seeking for things to do during your extended stay in Ayutthaya, consider taking a river cruise, going to the museum and elephant park, or exploring the night markets.
History lovers could easily spend an extra day or two seeing the Ayutthaya temples, too, because there are lots of them and a day tour may feel a bit rushed for some people.
How To Get To Ayutthaya Ruins
The Ayutthaya Historical Park is located in Thailand, some 80 kilometers north of Bangkok, on a small island surrounded by canals.
You can get there by car, bus, train, or river boat.
• By Train
Although it can be a little more challenging, the train is one of the most affordable and entertaining methods to get from Bangkok to Ayutthaya.
Depending on the coach or class you select, the quick train trip costs 20, 65, or 125 Baht and takes just under two hours. For reservations and other information, visit the State Railway of Thailand website.
Trains travel to the Ayutthaya rail station, which is situated immediately east of the island, from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong station.
From there, you may easily and quickly cross across to the Ayutthaya Historical Park by ferry for a few Baht.
• By Car/Bus
From Bangkok, it’s simple to arrange shared bus or van journeys to Ayutthaya; the drive takes approximately 1.5 hours.
Every 30 minutes, vans depart from the van station at the new Bangkok Bus Terminal for 60-90 Baht (~$2-3), or several times a day from Bangkok’s Khao San neighborhood for 250 Baht ($7.50 USD). These costs only cover one way travel. For a one-way transport to Ayutthaya,
a private vehicle with a driver from Bangkok will cost at least 1,600 Baht ($50 USD).
• By River Boat
Not to mention, a plethora of Bangkok-based businesses provide Ayutthaya boat cruises along the Chao Phraya river.
River trips of this kind can be scheduled online or through one of Bangkok’s hotels or street sellers.
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