For an extended period, Ayutthaya served as the magnificent capital of the Kingdom of Siam, which is now known as Thailand, acting as its central hub between 1350 and 1767. Established by King Ramathibodi I (also named U Thong), the city rapidly grew into one of the globe’s biggest and wealthiest urban centers.
There are 1,223 sites listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. These include natural wonders, cultural treasures, and combined areas that represent remarkable aspects of human history and nature. They offer incredible opportunities for exploration and discovery across our globe. Among them today we explore the enchanting ancient temples of Ayutthaya, just a short journey away from Bangkok in Thailand.
Nestled strategically on an island encircled by three rivers,
Ayutthaya
served as a crucial hub for global commerce, drawing traders from every corner of the earth. During the 1600s, this urban center boasted approximately 1 million inhabitants, competing with Europe’s most populous cities at that time.
The city was famous for its magnificent architecture, featuring many temples and palaces. It had diplomatic ties with various nations, such as France during the reign of King Narai.
Sadly, Ayutthaya fell to the Burmese army in 1767 following an extended siege, bringing about the conclusion of the Ayutthaya Kingdom after 416 years of reign.
capital
was subsequently relocated, initially to
Thonburi
, then to
Bangkok
.
Today, the
ruins
The ruins of Ayutthaya form an extensive archaeological site designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This historic area serves as evidence of the former magnificence of the city, which was formerly among the most significant locations in Southeast Asia.
The previous capital of the Kingdom of Siam provides numerous tourist attractions, largely focused on its historical park, which is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Below are the key locations you should see:
1. The Historic Park.
2. Other significant landmarks within the city.
Major temples:
-
Wat Phra Si Sanphet:
Regarded as Ayutthaya’s premier temple, it stands out due to its trio of dome-like chedis, symbols that have come to represent the city itself. -
Wat Mahathat:
Renowned for its image of a Buddha head entwined within a tree’s limbs, this location in Ayutthaya is among the city’s most frequently captured sights. -
Wat Ratchaburana:
This temple was established to mark a triumph against the Burmese forces and features stunning murals along with a crypt that guests can visit. -
Wat Chai Watthanaram:
Situated on the western side of the Chao Phraya River, this magnificent temple boasts a towering central spire measuring 35 meters high in Khmer architectural style.
Other sites of interest:
-
Royal Palace:
Even though mostly ruined, the remnants of the royal palace form an essential part of the historical park. -
Ayutthaya National Museum:
For those interested in delving deeper into the city’s past. -
Floating and local markets:
These provide an genuine encounter with Thai culture and the vibrant everyday activities of the city.
Worth a visit:
-
Boat trips:
These provide a distinctive viewpoint on the historic artifacts found alongside the waterways. -
Guided tours:
These offer detailed insights into the city’s history and landmarks. -
Cooking classes:
A chance to discover how to cook regional delicacies.
A majority of these locations operate between 8 AM and 6 PM daily. Should your schedule be limited, a one-day excursion might suffice for exploring key attractions like Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, and Wat Chai Watthanaram.
Ayutthaya is located
80km from Bangkok
. Allow two hours’
drive (taxi)
from the middle. The location can be easily reached from here.
train
The trip lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes starting from the Hua Lamphong station in Bangkok.
(MH with LpR – Source: unesco.org (description) under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0 – Image: Alice (thewonderalice) via Unsplash)
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