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Ayutthaya Attractions
In its heyday, Ayutthaya was home to more than 400 temples. Today, most of the main historical sites here are concentrated on the "island," with ancient ruins interspersed with the modern buildings that have risen around them. The Ayutthaya Historical Park lies in the center of the island, but the sites below are just a few of many, and a guide who can offer historical context is helpful (you’ll find well-reviewed guides at GetYourGuide.com and Viator.com).
Most temples sell tickets from 8am (opening time) until 4:30pm and close at 5pm. If you plan to visit several temples, there is a six-in-one package pass that costs 220B available at all temples; it grants access to the six main temples, saving 80B per person. Though you can’t go inside the temples after dark, several of the exteriors are dramatically lit at night, and worth seeing on their own. Hotels can arrange night tours to look at these illuminations. Brightly caparisoned elephants are on hand for short rides around the center of the ancient city, but consider the ethics before hopping on for a ride. Be sure to give the Inter Market (near the Floating Market) a miss; it’s a heartbreaking display of mistreated animals.
Most temples sell tickets from 8am (opening time) until 4:30pm and close at 5pm. If you plan to visit several temples, there is a six-in-one package pass that costs 220B available at all temples; it grants access to the six main temples, saving 80B per person. Though you can’t go inside the temples after dark, several of the exteriors are dramatically lit at night, and worth seeing on their own. Hotels can arrange night tours to look at these illuminations. Brightly caparisoned elephants are on hand for short rides around the center of the ancient city, but consider the ethics before hopping on for a ride. Be sure to give the Inter Market (near the Floating Market) a miss; it’s a heartbreaking display of mistreated animals.
11 Results
- Museum
Ayutthaya Historical Study Center
Financed by the Japanese, the center’s detailed dioramas bring to life how the ancient city, rural villages, and the port area looked in its heyday. If you’re interested in seeing historical artifacts from the Ayutthaya era, however, you’d be better off visiting the nearby Chao Sam… - Museum
Chantharakasem National Museum
The Chan Kasem Palace was built in 1577 by King Maha Thamaraja (the 17th Ayutthaya monarch) for his son, who became King Naresuan. It was destroyed when the Burmese sacked Ayutthaya in 1767 but was later restored by King Mongkut (Rama IV) in the 1850s. Today, this is where you’ll… - Museum
Chao Sam Phraya National Museum
This museum, one of Thailand’s largest, boasts a comprehensive collection of antique bronze Buddha images, carved panels, religious objects, and other local artifacts found during excavation of the city. Though most of the city’s treasures were plundered by the Burmese in the 18th… - Landmark
Grand Palace
Sometimes called Wang Luang, this palace lies in ruins, having been completely destroyed by the Burmese in the late 1700s. Located in the northwestern section of the city, the foundations of the three main buildings can still be made out, and the size of the compound is impressive. - Religious Site
Viharn Phra Mongkon Bophit
Home to one of Thailand’s largest seated bronze Buddhas (55.5-feet/17-meters with the base), this sanctuary was rebuilt in the 1950s with funding from the Burmese who destroyed the original a couple of centuries ago (can you say karmic atonement?). The area was originally designated… - Religious Site
Wat Chai Wattanaram
This impressive off-island temple on the southwest side of the city is too far to walk from the other main sights, but accessible by bike (bring water!). It is a well-preserved example of Khmer architecture in the Ayutthaya period, and it looks a lot like Cambodia’s Angkor Wat. You… - Religious Site
Wat Na Phra Meru
Because it was used as a base for the invading Burmese army, Wat Na Phra Meru is one of the few temples that escaped unharmed during the siege of 1787. A Burmese king died here when his cannon backfired during an attack, an event Thais feel adds to the spiritual power of the temple.… - Religious Site
Wat Phra Mahathat
The most striking of all of the temples in Ayutthaya, Wat Phra Mahathat was built in the heart of the city in 1384 during the reign of King Rachatirat. It is typical of Ayutthaya ruins, with large crumbling stupas surrounded by low laterite walls and rows of headless Buddhas. One… - Historic Site
Wat Phra Sri Sanphet
Built in the 14th century for private royal use, this was the city’s largest temple. Now little remains apart from brick foundations and three well-preserved 15th-century chedis, enshrining the ashes of several Ayutthayan kings. This is one of the only temples in the park that you’re… - Historic Site
Wat Ratburana
Opposite Wat Phra Mahathat and built in 1424, this wat is splendidly restored. The towering monuments (both rounded Khmer-style prangs and Sukhothai-style pointed chedis) have even retained some of their original stucco. King Borom Rachathirat II built the temple to honor his two… - Religious Site
Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon
Visible for miles around, the huge, brick chedi of Wat Yai is a long walk (or a short bicycle ride) southeast of ancient Ayutthaya (across the river and out of town). King U Thong founded the temple in 1357, and the white reclining Buddha near the entrance was built by King Naresuan.…
