Ayutthaya/Ayutthaya (Thailand) - attractions

In December 1991, ancient monuments Ayutthaya has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Most of the most interesting and significant sights are the ruins of already inactive temples and palaces. The degree of their destruction or restoration varies greatly, but the work on preservation and restoration is constantly continuing. There are also existing temples among the attractions, some new, some already quite old. The ruins remained after the invasion of the Burmese, who purposefully destroyed Ayutthaya, trying to level the richest and largest city in the world at that time with the ground. There are many interesting monuments and statues in excellent condition among the ruins, but do not be surprised that there are many statues without heads: Buddhists believe that the spirit is in the head, and therefore the enemies purposefully cut off the statues of the head, and sometimes even the hands. There are also several museums in Ayutthaya that you can visit if you want to deeply know the history of these parts.

Most of the facilities are located in the heart of the city within the island and are included in the Ayutthaya Historical Park. The island is divided into an old and a new town. It is in the old part of the city, with almost no residential buildings, that ruins and temples are located. Some interesting places are located outside the island along its perimeter or in the distance. The sights visited from Ayutthaya also include the Bang Pa-in Palace, although it is not part of the ancient city (located 15 kilometers away).

You can see the most significant sights within the island in one light day if you start early in the morning. For a more thoughtful acquaintance and photographing of the island, the surroundings and the Bang Pa-in Palace, it is worth setting aside two or three full days.

The island has a fairly small size, and the old town in the longest dimension has a length of only 3 kilometers. Therefore, it is possible to bypass some of the monuments even on foot. In most cases, tourists prefer to see the sights by hiring a tuk-tuk, renting a motorcycle or bicycle.

Tuk-tuk is a great option if you are traveling in a group. Local tuk-tuks can accommodate up to 6 people (although for comfortable trips it is better to limit yourself to four passengers). Payment for trips is hourly, and it is better to immediately specify the number of hours, in which case you can bargain and get a discount for a large number of hours. In general, local tukers are not very willing to bargain and charge 300 baht in one hour. An eight-hour day can be traded for 2000 baht (currency of Thailand, exchange rate).

It is much more economical to explore the city and the surrounding area on a rented motorcycle. Rent will cost from 150 baht per day and 250 baht per day. You can also rent a bicycle for trips within the island, but visiting attractions outside it under the scorching heat will be a dubious occupation.

It is better to start the inspection early in the morning (from 6 o'clock, however, some attractions open only at 8), when group tours from Bangkok and Pattaya have not yet arrived. In the evening, from 16 to 18 hours, the number of tourists also decreases. Keep in mind that it gets dark early in Thailand, at 18-19 hours.

Visiting most of the ruins is free, but visiting the most interesting ones will have to pay 50 baht for each. You can bypass the territory of paid temples along the outer perimeter and take pictures for free (the walls are almost everywhere not high), but to enter inside, you will have to buy a ticket at the entrance. Ticket kiosks are organized at some entrances, and in some places an usher is simply on duty. It is almost impossible to pass the "hare".

In Ayutthaya hotels you will not find free city maps so familiar to popular resorts. Sometimes you can get printed or copied cards of poor quality. Therefore, it is better to take care of this issue in advance and print the card in advance. Several good map options are presented on our page "Map of Ayutthaya". Our interactive map is also presented there, which can also be printed by switching to the print page mode.

And now you can get acquainted with a short guide to the main attractions of Ayutthaya.:

Attractions on the island of Ayutthaya

• Wat Phra Si Sanphet Temple

  

  These are the ruins of the largest temple in Ayutthaya. First of all, it is known among tourists for three chedi (stupas) located in a row, which are the hallmark of the city. It is worth visiting this monument to see chedi with your own eyes and take a picture. These chedis were heavily destroyed by the Burmese, and now you will see them restored. Of course, in addition to chedi, there are many more interesting ruins here.

  This place is also known for the fact that a 16-meter Buddha statue was kept here, covered, according to legend, with 340 kilograms of gold, but, of course, the Burmese destroyed everything, and the gold was melted down.

  Photo by Wat Phra Si Sanphet.

  Practical Information

  🕐 Working hours: from 8:00 to 18:00.

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: entrance fee, 50 baht.

  🚶 How to get there: Wat Phra Si Sanphet on the map

• Wat Phra Mahathat Temple

  

  The temple, without which no visit to Ayutthaya is complete, and there are always a lot of tourists here. On the territory of this temple is the famous stone head of the Buddha, woven into the branches of a tree. You can safely take pictures of this head and take pictures with your back to it (in existing temples, taking pictures with your back to the Buddha is prohibited, but this is a monument, not an active temple), however, you should show respect and kneel while taking pictures. In general, the temple is quite large and there is a lot to see and photograph.

  Photo by Wat Phra Mahathat.

  Practical Information

  🕐 Working hours: from 8:00 to 18:00.

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: entrance fee, 50 baht.

  🚶 How to get there: Wat Phra Mahathat on the map

• Wat Ratburana Temple (also Wat Ratchaburana)

  

  In this temple there is a very beautiful and well-restored prang (prang is a temple built in the form of a tall tower in Cambodian style). The most interesting thing is that there is a secret in this prang: you can climb a steep staircase to the very top, go inside the temple, go down the stairs to one room, and then even lower to another. In these rooms you can see the original (not restored) images on the walls. The lowest room is very small, and it's not worth going down there more than two at a time. On the stairs, when climbing up the prang, you should be very careful.

  Photo by Wat Ratburana.

  Practical Information

  🕐 Working hours: from 8:00 to 18:00.

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: entrance fee, 50 baht.

  🚶 How to get there: Wat Ratburana on the map. Don't be surprised that the Thammikarat temple is listed on the google map in this place. In fact, there is an error on the map, and we have indicated the correct location of the temple.

• Wat Thammikarat Temple (also Wat Thummikarat)

  

  A place worth visiting. The temple is functioning and therefore free, however, on its territory there are ancient ruins mainly in the form of columns and pagodas. The temple was built before the capital of Siam was founded on this site. At the entrance to the temple, you can see an unusual black Buddha and several other interesting sculptures. In general, in general, the place is interesting and worth a visit.

  Photo by Wat Tammikarat.

  Practical Information

  🕐Working hours: during daylight hours, usually from 8 to 17 o'clock.

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: free.

  🚶 How to get there: Wat Thammikarat on the map. Do not be surprised that on the google map the position of this temple is indicated elsewhere. This is a map error, we have indicated the correct position of the temple.

• Wat Phra Ram Temple

  

  Like many other structures of Ayutthaya, this temple is built in the Khmer style and its main structure is called prang, i.e. a high temple in the form of a bashi. It was built on the site where the cremation ceremony of King Utong took place in 1369.

  The condition of the prang is very good, but mainly due to the restoration. Unfortunately, unlike Wat Ratburana, it is impossible to get inside the temple, although it is possible to climb up. From above there is a good view of the surroundings. There are quite a lot of other interesting ruins and remnants of Buddha sculptures around the temple, which are in worse condition, but have retained a bit of originality.

  To say that it is impossible to leave Ayutthaya without visiting this temple may be wrong, but in general, this is a very interesting and worthy place to visit.

  Photo by Wat Phra Ram.

  Practical Information

  🕐 Working hours: from 8:00 to 18:00.

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: entrance fee, 50 baht.

  🚶 How to get there: Wat Phra Ram on the map

• Wat Lokayasutharam

  

  This place is called the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, which is usually translated as the temple of the reclining, resting or reclining Buddha. The Buddha is really not just lying here, but as if he just lay down to rest for a while and therefore supports his head with his hand. Quite a significant place from a tourist point of view, and it is worth a visit. The ruins of the temple do not differ in a wide variety of architecture, and all that remains here is only the statue of the reclining Buddha of impressive size. The length of the statue is 38 meters, and the height at the highest point is 8 meters. This Buddha is the second largest reclining Buddha in Thailand after reclining Buddha in Bangkok.

  Practical Information

  🕐Working hours: during daylight hours.

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: admission is free.

  🚶 How to get there: Temple of the Reclining Buddha Wat Lokayasutharam on the map

• Viharn Viharn Phra Mongkol Bopit

  

  This viharn, in our opinion, is not of great interest, and is similar to many other rooms of modern temples. Of course, this may be wrong, because each temple is unique in its own way, but we did not find any special signs for tourists who distinguish this viharn from other temples. During the destruction of Ayutthaya, it was almost completely destroyed, and what you will see now is almost a new rebuilt building. A large bronze Buddha is kept inside. And yet, in fairness, it should be said that this place is very revered and visited by the locals.

  Practical Information

  🕐Working hours: during daylight hours, usually from 8 to 17:30.

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: admission is free.

  🚶 How to get there: Viharn Phra Mongkol Bopit on the map

• Chedi Phra Chedi Suriyothai

  

  This white-gold stupa is not very remarkable in appearance, except perhaps only for its size. There is a modest park around the stupa. It was built in honor of the former queen, and the park is dedicated to the first heroes of Siam. You can skip this place, but if you drive by, you can stop here and take a walk in the park.

  Practical Information

  🕐Working hours: during daylight hours.

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: admission is free.

  🚶 How to get there: Chedi Phra Chedi Suriyothai on the map

• Wat Borom Phuttharam Temple

  

  These are quite good ruins of the temple with free admission. The temple was built in 1688-1703.

  Speaking of the entrance. If you decide to visit them, you may not be able to find the entrance to the monument right away, although the ruins are located right by the road and are clearly visible from behind the fence. Access to the ruins is possible from the parking lot (or courtyard, whoever you like) of Rajabhat University and is not at all similar to the entrance to the temple, so search or ask and you will find everything.

  Practical Information

  🕐Working hours: during daylight hours.

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: admission is free.

  🚶 How to get there: Wat Borom Phuttharam Temple on the map

• Wat Suwan Dararam Temple

  

  This functioning temple is located some distance from the ruins of the old city, and therefore, if you do not have enough time, you can skip it. There are no ruins in it, and besides the interesting architecture (the temple building is made with bends resembling the shape of a boat) there is not much for tourists to see here. But there are very few of them (tourists) here and you can get some rest from them in the temple.

  Photo by Wat Suwan Dararam.

  Practical Information

  🕐Working hours: during daylight hours.

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: admission is free.

  🚶 How to get there: Wat Suwan Dararam Temple on the map

• Wat Worachettharam Temple

  

  Modest ruins of a temple built in 1605-1610. It was built as a cremation ground for King Naresuan, who died in battle with the Burmese. It is an unremarkable attraction for an independent visit, but you can look here on the way to the reclining Buddha in the Lokayasutha temple.

  Practical Information

  🕐Working hours: during daylight hours.

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: admission is free.

  🚶 How to get there: Wat Worachettharam Temple on the map

• Wat Worapho

  This is a small operating temple-monastery. It is often confused with the nearby ruins of Wat Worachettharam, believing that they are one and the same. In fact, they are located nearby, just a few ruins are attached to the Worapho temple. In principle, there is nothing for tourists to do and look at here, only if you look in passing.

  Practical Information

  🕐Working hours: during daylight hours.

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: admission is free.

  🚶 How to get there: Wat Worapho Temple on the map

• Bung Phra Ram Park

  

  There are several ponds and minor ruins in this park. In principle, there is nothing special here, and you can skip this place, but if you are staying in Ayutthaya for a few days and you will have a lot of free time, you can take a walk in this park. During the rainy season, this park is sometimes very much flooded with water and turns almost into a lake.

  Practical Information

  🕐 Working hours: around the clock.

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: admission is free.

  🚶 How to get there: Bung Phra Ram Park on the map

• Phet Fortress

  

  Once, in the 15th century, this fortress was one of the main defensive fortifications of the city. Originally in the 14th century it was built of wood, and later rebuilt of brick. From a tourist point of view, the place is not very interesting, because there is nothing here except a section of a brick wall about 20 meters long. The only thing you can see here is a good view of the river at the confluence of Chao Phraya river and Pasak (Pa Sak river)

  Practical Information

  🕐 Working hours: around the clock.

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: admission is free.

  🚶 How to get there: Phet Fortress on the map

• Main Market Chao Phrom Market

  This is the main market of the city, and, one might say, a kind of tourist attraction. This is not at all the same market as in tourist cities. It sells not souvenirs and tourist trinkets, but goods for the local population. You can find a lot of things here, including very inexpensive clothes. Of course, you won't find branded items here, but for everyday wear, clothes will do just fine. There are also many places on the market where you can eat very cheaply and quite tasty. The fruit and grocery market is located here.

  Practical Information

  🕐Working hours: Chao Phrom market is open during daylight hours, and after 18 hours there are almost no traders here.

  🚶 How to get there: Chao Phrom Market on the map. The market is quite large, but you need to be able to find it: the rows of the market go deep into the narrow aisles between the buildings.

• Ayutthaya Night Markets

  Several small night markets start operating in the city at night (after dark at 18:00 and until about 21:00). Sometimes they change their position. In such markets, you can have a good dinner in the evening (although the conditions will not be at all tourist, but the food is delicious), buy fruits and all sorts of trinkets.

  Practical Information

  🕐Working hours: Night markets start working at nightfall (usually at 18-19 o'clock), and almost finish working by 21 o'clock.

  🚶 How to get there: One of the night markets of Ayutthaya on the map. You can find out where the nearest night market is located from the hotel staff.

• Ayutthaya Museums

  There are several museums in Ayutthaya dedicated mainly to the history of the city and Thailand in general. There is also a private museum dedicated to the history of boats in Thailand, and even a museum of a million toys:

  • Museum of boats of Thailand (Thai Boat Museum). This private museum has a collection of exhibits telling about the history of boats in Thailand from ancient times to the present. Among the exhibition samples are both full-size small traditional Thai boats and models of large liners and barges. Thailand Boat Museum on the map. Site http://thaiboatmuseum.com/
  • National Museum Chao Sam Phraya National Museum. This national museum houses the few surviving artifacts found in the ruins of temples and palaces of Ayutthaya, as well as much more. The museum is quite large and is one of the three largest museums in Thailand. There are items and statues made of bronze and stone, wood products, ceramics, wood carvings, jewelry, etc. If you have enough time, you should definitely visit this museum, and do it better before you start exploring the ruins. The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 16:00. Entrance fee: 150 baht. Chao Sam Phraya National Museum on the map.
  • National Museum Chantharakasem National Museum. Another fairly large museum. Contains several exhibitions: King Rama IV (clothes, household items and personal belongings are presented at the exhibition); exhibition of art objects (various images and statues of Buddha are presented); Deputy Government Bld exhibition (divided into five categories: art and architecture of Ayutthaya; ceramics of the kingdom; ancient weapons; Buddhist shrines; life by the river in old town). The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 16:00. Entrance fee: 100 baht. Chantharakasem National Museum on the map.

Attractions outside the island

• Wat Chaiwatthanaram Temple

  

  Wat Chaiwatthanaram is one of the most interesting places outside the island. It was built in 1630 almost with the "Angora" scale, and certainly in the "Angkor" style. Those who have visited Angkor will definitely notice the similarity with the famous Khmer temple complex here. This temple was a royal temple, it was used for ceremonies, as well as for the cremation of members of the royal family. In the 18th century, the temple was destroyed and looted, and restored only in 1992. Now you can see quite well-restored ruins.

  Practical Information

  🕐 Working hours: daily from 8:30 to 17:00.

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: 50 baht.

  🚶 How to get there: Wat Chaiwatthanaram Temple on the map on the map. To get to the temple, you should cross the canal at the post a little north of the temple, and immediately after the bridge turn left.

• Wat Phra Na Men Temple (also Wat Phra Na Mane)

  

  This temple complex combines modern temples and ancient ruins dating back to 1503. What is good, the remains of the old temple were almost not destroyed and are well preserved in the original. A particularly interesting attraction in the temple is the Buddha statue made of black stone.

  In general, it is quite an interesting place to visit, and it should be included in your program of sightseeing of Ayutthaya's country attractions.

  Practical Information

  🕐Working hours: from 8:00 to 17:00.

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: Entrance to the temple complex is free, you should pay 20 baht donations for entering the temple premises.

  🚶 How to get there: Wat Phra Na Men Temple on the map on the map. Wat Na Phramain is written on the sign and sign at the entrance to the temple.

• Wat Phanan Choeng Temple (Wat Phananchoeng Worawihan)

  

  This is a very old temple, and at the same time very well preserved. No one knows exactly how long ago it was built, but it is known that it was built before Ayutthaya became the capital. Despite its venerable age, the temple does not look old and dilapidated at all, but rather modern. In addition, it is a functioning temple.

  The territory of the temple is quite large, and now there are several buildings located here, including an active monastery. The oldest bronze statue of Buddha in Ayutthaya (made in 1325) is kept here. You can see it in the prayer hall.

  Photo by Wat Phanan Choeng.

  Practical Information

  🕐 Working hours: daily from 8:30 to 17:00.

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: you must pay 20 baht for entering the temple (in a small booth at the entrance / entrance).

  🚶 How to get there: Wat Phanan Choeng Temple on Ayutthaya map. You can get to the temple from the river by boat (during a tour of the river) or by boat-ferry from the other side of the river from the island. By land, you can reach the temple via a bridge along Rochana Road.

• Wat Phu Khao Thong Temple

  

  The main object of this attraction is a very impressive white chedi. Built by order of King Ramesuan (King Ramesuan) in 1387. It is very unusual in shape due to the square base on which the chedi itself is erected. Its height is also impressive – 80 meters. You can climb almost to the very top of it, and enjoy a good view of Ayutthaya. Nearby there is a functioning temple and several less noticeable ruins. And a few hundred meters away there is a statue of King Naresuan, the one who proclaimed the independence of Ayutthaya.

  The place is quite interesting and worth a visit. The only drawback is the remoteness from the city.

  Practical Information

  🕐 Working hours: daily from 8:30 to 16:30.

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: admission is free.

  🚶 How to get there: the position of Wat Phu Khao Thong on the map. The temple is located somewhat away from the city, 3 kilometers to the north.

• Wat Yai Chai Mongkon

  The temple was built in 1357 by King Ramathibodi (King Ramathibodi) as a place for meditation of monks who returned after a journey to Sri Lanka. And in 1592, by order of King Naresuan, a large pagoda was erected on the territory of the temple in honor of the victory over the Burmese. Later, during the invasion of the Burmese in the XIII century, the temple was severely damaged, but the pagoda remained almost intact. Unlike many other ruins, this temple was not abandoned, and it is still in operation.

  This place is very interesting and beautiful, and just a must-visit.

  Practical Information

  🕐 Working hours: daily from 8:00 to 18:00.

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: 20 baht.

  🚶 How to get there: Wat Yai Chai Mongkon on the map

• Settlements

  On the south side of Ayutthai there are three places that can be described as theme parks or museums. These are the Japanese Settlement, the Portuguese Settlement and the Danish Settlement. They are dedicated to and characterize the life of small closed settlements that existed in these places in the past.

  Japanese settlement on the map

  Portuguese settlement on the map

  Danish settlement on the map

• Bang Pa-In Palace

  

  Bang Pa-In Palace, in general, is not a landmark of Ayutthaya and is located far enough from the city (about 20 kilometers), but it is most convenient to combine a visit to the palace with a trip to Ayutthaya or get to it from Ayutthaya.

  The palace is also known as the Summer Palace, as it was a summer palace for members of the royal family.

  It was built in 1632, damaged by the Burmese in 1632 and rebuilt in 1850. Now it appears to visitors in a completely different way than after the restoration in 1850, as it is constantly being updated and repaired. You will not see any ruins and ruins here. Now it is a beautiful palace, surrounded by greenery and pleasing with fountains. Lovers of antiquity and history have nothing to do here, but those who like to take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful gardens, sit by the lake in the shade of trees, and explore the beautiful buildings in which the kings lived will like it here.

  Practical Information

  🕐 Working hours: daily from 8:30 to 17:00.

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: 100 baht (3.06 USD).

  🚶 How to get there: Bang Pa-In Palace on the map. The palace is located on the way between Bangkok and Ayutthaya about 60 kilometers from Bangkok and 20 from Ayutthaya.

  From Bangkok, the palace can be reached by bus from Mochit North Bus Station. The bus departs every 30 minutes and takes about 2 hours on the way. It costs about 50 baht.

  You can get from Ayutthaya by minivan, which do not periodically depart from the bus station on Naresuan road.

  The cheapest way to get to the palace is by train. It takes 12 baht by train from Bangkok's Hualamphong Station to Bang Pa-In Railway Station, and even less from Ayutthaya. Most of the 38 trains departing from Bangkok to the north stop here every day. From the Bang Pa-In railway station, the palace can be reached on foot in 15-20 minutes or for 60 baht by tuk-tuk.