Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. Its capital, Bangkok, is extremely popular among people from all around the world—including backpackers and package tour tourists—thanks to Thai cuisine, Thai massages, shopping, and more. Ayutthaya, Thailand’s ancient capital, is a very popular tourist destination that can be reached in about an hour and a half from bustling Bangkok. This time, we will introduce the highlights of Ayutthaya, a World Heritage Site. Please use it as a reference when you visit Thailand!
What is Ayutthaya?
Ayutthaya, Thailand’s ancient capital, is one of the most popular tourist destinations near Bangkok and is registered as a World Heritage Site. It was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1991. Ayutthaya was founded in 1351 by King U-Thong and prospered as the capital of the Ayutthaya Kingdom for 417 years until it was destroyed by the Burmese army in 1767.
There used to be a Japanese settlement here, and even today the area feels familiar to many Japanese, with some Japanese companies choosing it as their Southeast Asian base through industrial parks. In Ayutthaya, temples built during the prosperous Ayutthaya Kingdom remain scattered throughout the city. At night, several of these temples are beautifully illuminated, creating an enchanting scene. During the day, visitors can also enjoy elephant rides—an activity where you can explore the area on the back of an elephant—making the city enjoyable both day and night!
Name: Ayutthaya
Official Website: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/576/
Access to Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya is located about an hour and a half by car from Bangkok, the capital. For that reason, Bangkok becomes the main base for sightseeing. All means of transportation from Bangkok to Ayutthaya are via land routes. Options include minivans (rot tuu), trains, taxis, and tours.
Minivans depart from Mo Chit Bus Terminal. Access from Don Mueang Airport by taxi is also easy, making it convenient to go directly from there. The train is easy to use as well—the railway station is directly connected to Hua Lamphong Station, the southern terminal of the MRT subway.
Two Recommended Highlights of Ayutthaya
1. Wat Phra Mahathat
Wat Phra Mahathat is considered an important temple from the early Ayutthaya period and is said to have been built in the late 1300s. The famous Buddha head entwined in the roots of a tree is not the only notable sight—there are also many Buddha statues left damaged and headless, armless, or legless due to destruction by the Burmese army. These ruins remain as historical evidence of the Burmese invasions.
2. Wat Yai Chai Mongkon
Wat Yai Chai Mongkon was built in 1357 by King U-Thong, the first ruler of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, for monks who had studied in Sri Lanka. The main attraction is the 72-meter-tall chedi. It was built in 1529 by King Naresuan to commemorate his victory in a one-on-one battle against the Burmese prince. Visitors can also see rows of seated Buddha statues surrounding the chedi, as well as a large reclining Buddha similar to those found in other parts of Thailand.
◎ Summary
How was it? Ayutthaya is an ancient Thai capital easily accessible from Bangkok and registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site—making it a very popular tourist spot near Bangkok. It is a historically significant place, preserving the prosperity of the former Ayutthaya Kingdom as well as the destruction brought by the Burmese army. While Ayutthaya can be toured easily on a day trip from Bangkok, the sight of its magnificent temples illuminated at night is remarkably beautiful. If you have time, consider staying overnight to fully enjoy everything Ayutthaya has to offer!