Ayutthaya: a day among the ruins of the old capital

Red-brick temples, headless Buddhas and a Buddha head wrapped in tree roots.

Area

Day trips

Start from

Bangkok

Distance

about 80 km

Time needed

1 day

Best season

November – February

Difficulty

Easy

Transport

Train or minibus from Bangkok; bicycle or tuk-tuk on site

Tickets & rules

Tickets at each temple

Why go

Ayutthaya was the capital of the Siamese kingdom for over four centuries. Its ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are spread across an island surrounded by rivers.

Highlights include Wat Mahathat with the Buddha head in tree roots, Wat Phra Si Sanphet and Wat Chaiwatthanaram.

The ruins are spread out, so cycling between them is the best way to explore. Many temples have headless Buddhas, damaged in the war of 1767, and rows of brick chedis.

At sunset, Wat Chaiwatthanaram on the riverbank glows orange.

The story

Ayutthaya was founded in 1351 and became a major trading city. It was destroyed in 1767.

The kingdom's survivors later founded Thonburi and then Bangkok.

At its height, Ayutthaya was one of the largest cities in the world, with traders from Europe, China, Japan and Persia. Foreign visitors described its golden temples and palaces.

In 1767 the Burmese army destroyed the city. The capital was moved, first to Thonburi and then to Bangkok.

Getting there

Take a train from Bangkok; the ride takes about 1.5–2 hours. Minibuses are also available.

Rent a bicycle or hire a tuk-tuk to get around.

A suggested plan

1. MorningTrain to Ayutthaya, rent bikes.
2. RuinsWat Mahathat, Wat Phra Si Sanphet.
3. SunsetWat Chaiwatthanaram.

Where to stay

Day trip or overnight in Ayutthaya.

Good to know

• Start early to avoid the heat.
• Bring water and sunscreen.
• Rent a bike near the train station.
• Take a boat ride around the island.