Can you see history? Do you need time travel to see history? No. Just take a train ride from Bangkok to Ayutthaya, the medieval time Siamese (old name for Thailand) capital. You will see, feel, and experience history in person. If you are in Bangkok just for two days, and ask me how to best utilize your time, I would suggest you to visit this magnificent city in ruins. A day trip to Ayutthaya from Bangkok is as easy as it gets. But a few tips on how to plan the day can be helpful. So, here I’m sharing our Ayutthaya day trip experience in 2019 with tips on how to get the best out of your day.
Ayutthaya is widely considered as one of the three most important kingdoms of Asia in the middle ages. The other two were: Vijayanagar empire in India, and Ming kingdom in China. If you have visited Hampi (erstwhile capital of Vijayanagar) in south India or Khajuraho (click) in central India, it’s a very similar experience. But of course, the context and history are different.
I had seen pictures from Ayutthaya on internet before visiting. But witnessing them first hand was quite an extraordinary experience. Moreover, Ayutthaya does have a strong India connect. The city was named after an Indian city- Ayodhya, birth place of Lord Rama, a Hindu God. So, experiencing that centuries old link was always going to be a special feeling. I can never forget walking through the ruins of those hundreds of wonderful temples and other monuments. If its historic vibes were insightful on one hand, it also exuded a deep philosophical vibe.
If you love visiting historic ruins, do check out: Stepwells of India ||| Hauz Khas Village
Ayutthaya : Why so special?
Some cities are more important for their history rather than their present. Ayutthaya is a prime example of that. The Ayutthaya day trip gave me a lot of insight into medieval history and culture of south-east Asia. As expected, we witnessed the evidence of how ancient Indian kingdoms influenced the growth of medieval kingdoms of south-east Asia.
From its gigantic Buddhist monuments, one can easily guess how immersed the Kings were in Buddhist philosophy. Their unique architecture and marvelous monuments spread across the city attract millions every year. In fact, for its universal heritage value, UNESCO listed Ayutthaya as a World Heritage Site in 1991.
For more similar UNESCO sites, further reading options: Stonehenge and Bath ||| Gagron Fort
Ayutthaya History:
Year 1350 CE. King Uthong, who later came to be known as Ramathibodi-I, decided to move his court to a new place on an island. His decision was pragmatic, basically to avoid an epidemic. However, the island formed by the confluence of three rivers- Chao Phraya, Lop Buri and Pasak, proved to be strategic from defence point of view too.
So, he soon declared it as the new capital, and named it as Ayutthaya. It steadily gained prominence, and became one of the largest cities of its time. At its hey days, the city inhabited a million people. Ayutthaya remained the capital till 1767, more than 400 years, till the time the Burmese destroyed it.
It was only in 1969, the Thailand government started its renovation. So, the way we see Ayutthaya today is the result of that conservation effort.
For more Thailand destinations, have a look: Kanchanaburi Death Railway || Phuket
Ayutthaya Historical Park:
Today, of the larger Ayutthaya medieval city, 289 hectare area is under Thailand’s department of Fine Arts for conservation. This covers an area of 4 kms by 2 kms. They call this site as a historical park, and is also the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The well laid out city structure of yesteryears is clearly noticeable, and the impressive prangs (reliquary towers) stand as evidence of the past glory. Most of the important temples and monasteries are within this historical park. The three rivers and several moats and canals just add to the beauty of the city.
Our 2019 day trip to Ayutthaya from Bangkok
At the fag end of our Thailand trip in 2019, we had planned a day trip to Ayutthaya from Bangkok. We took a morning train (~10 AM) from Hua Lampong railway station. It was a nice comfortable train, and took about 2 hours to reach Ayutthaya.
Getting down in Ayutthaya, we hired a tuktuk (auto-rickshaw) for the day who showed us around the city. Since it was October, it was too hot to opt for a cycle, which I think is the best way to explore the Historical Park area.
To start with, we aimed to cover the Historical Park area in the day. Our plan included the six most important temples (listed below), and if time permitted, visit a few other attractions. We could easily accomplish this, and took the evening train back to Bangkok.
Our first stop was Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon. I still remember the first sight of the awe inspiring chedis (spires), whatever remained of that grand structure. Believe me, moving from one monument to another, the grandeur only got bigger and bigger through the day. Ayutthaya’s grandeur is indeed mesmerizing!
How to plan your Ayutthaya day trip from Bangkok
As this article is about a day trip to Ayutthaya from Bangkok, it’s pertinent to plan well so that one doesn’t miss out anything important. No doubt, Ayutthaya’s Historical Park is the main destination. However, planning well will enable one to explore a bit more.
In order to plan well, understanding the area is important. Please have a look at the main tourist destinations marked in the map. As mentioned above, Ayutthaya main city is on a river-island. The major temples within this island are: Wat Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana, and Wat Phra Si Sanphet.
And, beyond the river boundary: Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, Wat Phanan Choeng, and Wat Chai Watthanaram. Though there are about 400 temples in Ayutthaya, 41 of them have been renovated properly. However, most visitors consider these six as must-not-miss iconic temples.
Honestly, we didn’t plan our Ayutthaya day trip very well. Because we started 10 AM from Bangkok, which is too late; we got only about 5 hours to explore the city. In fact, one should reach Ayutthaya around 10 AM or before, so that they have more time on hand.
In any case, on an average, on a day trip to Ayutthaya from Bangkok, one should have 6-7 hours on hand. So, I would suggest visiting these six temples (mentioned above), plus the Ayutthaya floating market. Take a tuk-tuk or a taxi as you like, and hop-on & hop-off at these places.
Six temples not to miss on Ayutthaya day trip
Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon
We started our visit at this iconic temple built in 1357 by King U-Thong or Ramathibodi-I, perhaps because it was the closest to the station. One of the oldest, and most important temples, this served as a monastery where Buddhist monks resided. People called it Wat Pakaew in those days. By adding a large Chedi (pagoda) in 1592, King Naresuan renamed it as Wat Yai Chain Mongkhon. However, some people also refer the temple as Wat Chao Phraya Thai.
Being our first stop of the day, this remains thoroughly imprinted in our minds. The inverted bell-shaped 62-meter chedi reminds one of the victory of King Naresuan over his Burmese opponents. Actually, this was the first time we saw such an amazing grand architecture from medieval Thailand.
We did climb its steps up to the mid-point of the temple. The numerous small and big Buddha statues covered in yellow fabric were another highlight of the temple campus.
Wat Mahathat
Perhaps the most striking visuals from Ayutthaya is a statue of Buddha’s head engulfed by the roots of a banyan tree. In fact, this was the visual on internet that captured my imagination, and compelled me to decide to visit Thailand. However, the campus offers many more attractions like the pagodas and murals.
Built in 1374 in the reign of King Boromma Rachathirat-I, it housed the holy relic of Buddha. This lends it the utmost importance.
Wat Ratchaburana
Following the Khmer architectural style, its structure depicts a main prang representing the mount Meru as center of the universe and four Sri Lanka style stupas around it. Situated just opposite to Wat Mahathat, this impressive temple was built in 1424 by King Boram Ratchathirat-II.
It was at this place, King Boram’s two brothers had fought with each other for the throne, and killed each other! Such a melancholic memory of man’s hunger for power! They can kill their own family to win the throne!
In 1957, when thieves looted the vault of the shrine, lots of Buddhist tablets, mural paintings and gold jewelry were found inside the main prang.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet:
Originally, some of the structures of Wat Phra Si Sanphet were part of a royal palace built by King U-Thong in 1351. But later in 1448, when King Borom Trailokanat built a new palace to its north, he converted the site and old buildings into a holy site. His son King Ramathibodi-II built a number of chedis and a 16-meter high golden statue of Buddha.
This royal temple was meant for all royal rituals and ceremonies only. So, unlike other temples, there were no monk quarters in its campus. Its three chedis covered with gold contained the ashes of three Kings. The Burmese Army while sacking the city, took away the golden Buddha Statue (170 kg) from the temple. One can gauge the temple’s importance in Thailand from the fact that its three chedis are symbol of Thailand today.
At the peak of Ayutthaya kingdom, Wat Phra Si Sanphet was the largest temple in the city.
Wat Chai Watthanaram:
Situated on the bank of Chao Phraya river, this temple has the most wonderful setting in Ayutthaya. Built in 1630 by King Prasart Thong, Wat Chai Watthanaram is a treat to the eyes even today. The magnificent central Chedi resembles the Khmer architectural style of the era. It represents the mount Meru at the center of the universe, and four other smaller Chedis around it represent the continents. 120 Buddha statues spread across the campus is another important feature.
Wat Phanan Choeng:
Located at the confluence of Chao Phraya and Pasak rivers, this temple has a beautiful setting. Perhaps, it existed even before the first King of Ayutthaya, Ramathibodi-I; since around 1324! But not many buildings of that period remain. The temple and the statues that we see today are mostly from the period of King Naresuan. However, it houses one of the oldest Buddha statues (19 meter high) from its earliest time.
Some other major attractions in the city:
The six temples briefed above are good enough for a day trip to Ayutthaya from Bangkok. However, if you have more than a day, you can explore some more temples and other interesting places.
Other major temples:
- Wat Maheyong: For that experience of seeing a monument in wilderness
- Wat Lokayasutharam: Famous for the huge 37-meter long reclining Buddha statue
- Wat Na Phra Men: The only temple that survived the wrath of the Burmese at the time of fall of the city
- Wat Phuttaisawan: Famous for the murals from ancient times
- Wat Phu Khao Thong: Lovely surroundings with paddy fields and a lake
- Wat Phra Ram: Built in 1369 CE on the cremation site of King Ramathibodi-I.
Beyond the temples:
- Bang Pa-In Royal Palace: It’s used to be a royal summer palace, a little away (~20 kms) from Ayutthaya
- Floating market: A happening, interesting market on water
- Ayutthaya Night Market: Perhaps the only thing to do in Ayutthaya after dark. (Similar, but much smaller than the Chiang Mai Night Market)
- Million Toy Museum: If you love toys, especially old ones
- Foreign settlements: Japanese village | Portuguese village | French village
- Experience palm leaf weaving: a traditional craft from Ayutthaya (pla-taphian).
Ayutthaya day trip: Travel tips
Best time to visit:
Being a tropical country, Thailand is warm/ hot through out the year. However, November to March would be a little more pleasant than other times. If you are interested in festivals, here are two best options:
- Ayutthaya Aquatic Phansa Festival: July
- Thai New Year: April
How to reach:
- For a budget day trip to Ayutthaya, taking a two-hour train ride from Bangkok is the best option, as per me
- There are regular buses and mini-vans between Ayutthaya and Bangkok for the day trip
- If you prefer a more comfortable day trip, of course, you can always take a taxi from Bangkok to Ayutthaya
- Even there is a waterway between Bangkok and Ayutthaya; one can do the day trip by a boat cruise as well.
How to move around:
- Because we are talking of an Ayutthaya day trip from Bangkok, the best way is to take a tuk-tuk (for budget) or a taxi (for comfort)
- Similarly, motorcycles are also good to move around Ayutthaya on a day trip. But the afternoon heat will be a problem, if you are not there during Nov-Feb period.
- Cycle around the city, if you have more than a day, or have enough energy to cycle in the hot sun
- Walking is a possibility, for slow travellers; the area is not too big; so. it’s doable.
Where to stay:
As this article is about an Ayutthaya day trip, accommodation doesn’t matter. However, if you are staying back for a night or more, here are a few suggestions:
Nakara hostel || Baan Kong Homestay || Baan Luang Harn || Stockhome hostel || Baan Thai House || Busaba hostel || Zleepinezz hostel || Coffee Old City ||
Where to eat:
- Suggestions: De Riva Ayothaya || Kaffa Bistro Ayutthaya || Ban U Thong || Somtum Sukunya || Grand Chaophraya.
- As it’s really hot in the afternoon, it’s good to keep hydration levels up. Fresh juice and coconut water are available everywhere.
Concluding Note
Insight into history:
In hindsight, our day trip to Ayutthaya from Bangkok was as much pleasurable as educative. Ayutthaya gives an incredible insight into world history. Because Ayutthaya was not only a great Siamese city, but also a great world city. Traders and businessmen from the world over came here in search of prosperity. Along with wealth, the city was a center of spirituality and Buddhist philosophy too. Visiting this medieval city gives a sneak peek into the glorious past of Thailand. Its cultural heritage, architectural marvel and commercial connection with other world powers of the time come alive in front of the visitors’ eyes.
Being philosophical:
Through human history, civilizations have grown into prominence and perished in course of time. It’s among those few cities of the world which vividly present itself from the past. So, wandering around the historical park of Ayutthaya, I felt a little philosophical. That change is the only permanence in the world. Everything that goes up, comes down. Man must remain humble in front of the might of nature.
Future explorations:
I have always loved exploring ancient and medieval historic sites, be it in India, or elsewhere. However, on this Thailand trip, we actually missed out visiting Sukhothai, another great heritage site. We plan to visit Sukhothai soon, and other historic sites in Asia like Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Bagan in Myanmar. Similarly, cities like Athens in Greece and Cairo in Egypt are high on our agenda.
I hope this narrative on the Ayutthaya day trip from Bangkok is helpful to the aspiring traveller. If you want more tips, do write to us at stampedmoments@gmail.com.
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