Complete Guide To Thailand’s Famous UNESCO World Heritage Site

When contemplating a visit to Thailand, many vacationers may give attention to Bangkok, the lively Thai capital. However not far-off is the smaller metropolis of Ayutthaya, stuffed with wealthy historical past, beautiful sights, and a small-town really feel that’s refreshing after vacationing in adventurous Bangkok.

For these utilizing Bangkok as a home base for myriad day trips in the area, or for anybody on the lookout for an off-the-beaten-path exploration of Thailand, Ayutthaya provides a jam-packed itinerary.

Issues To Do in Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is filled with historic landmarks, breathtaking temples, and different issues to do and see.

18 Tour Ayutthaya Historic Park

Ayutthaya Historic Park is house to a number of notable Ayutthaya landmarks, all stemming from the previous metropolis’s roots in 1351 (although town could also be even older).

• Vacationers can stroll by way of the Historic Park totally free, although paid excursions/guides can be found.
• Some temples cost an entrance payment of round 50 baht ($1.44 USD)

Enjoyable truth: “Wat” in Thai means “enclosure”; a wat is a fancy of temples.

17 See The Buddha Head At Wat Mahathat

Wat Mahathat is one in every of many historic landmarks in Ayutthaya’s Historic Park, and this is without doubt one of the most prized websites. The previous royal temple was house to the Buddha’s holy relic and is without doubt one of the oldest temples within the metropolis.

• A spotlight at Mahathat is the ‘head of Buddha’ on the base of a tree (which scales a brick wall).
• Wat Mahathat entrance charges are 50 baht ($1.44 USD)

16 Go to Wat Chaiwatthanaram (By Boat)

One other noteworthy historic landmark in Ayutthaya Historic Park is Wat Chaiwatthanaram, the biggest wat within the Park. Technically, the Wat will not be a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Web site, nevertheless it holds historic and political significance.

Vacationers can attain Wat Chaiwatthanaram by highway or boat, and the positioning is often the final on a ship journey.

• Wat Chaiwatthanaram entrance charges are 50 baht ($1.44 USD)

15 Discover Wat Phra Si Sanphet

One other historic landmark to see at Ayutthaya Historic Park is Wat Phra Si Sanphet. The “Temple of the Holy, Splendid Omniscient” was a revered holy web site in its heyday and was thought-about the grandest of its period.

Wat Phra Si Sanphet is house to a large Buddha head regarded as from an enormous 52-foot-high statue that was destroyed through the Burmese-Siamese Struggle.

• Wat Phra Si Sanphet entrance charges are 20 baht ($.58 USD)

14 Tour Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon

Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon is a Buddhist temple that lies among the many different temple complexes in Ayutthaya Historic Park. As soon as a monastery referred to as Wat Pakaew, this web site contains a restored Buddha picture, a Buddhist temple, and a Chedi (pagoda) that memorializes King Naresuan the Nice’s reign.

• Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon entrance payment is 20 baht ($.58 USD)

13 Gaze At Buddha At Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit

Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit is a Buddhist temple that’s well-known for its gigantic Buddha statue, one of many largest in all of Thailand.

• Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit is free to go to

This historic landmark can be a busy fashionable temple that sees many worshippers every day.

12 Worship At Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan

One other iconic Buddha statue sits in Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan, and this one survived the destruction of struggle in surrounding areas. Many individuals come right here to worship in fashionable occasions.

• Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan entrance charges are 20 baht ($.58 USD)

11 Dive Into Historical past At Chao Sam Phraya Nationwide Museum

Ayutthaya’s Chao Sam Phraya National Museum showcases artifacts from the traditional metropolis. Three separate exhibition buildings showcase tableware and different antiques, pottery, and rotating exhibitions of historic Thai objects.

• Chao Sam Phraya Nationwide Museum entrance charges are 150 baht ($4.33 USD)

10 Get Whimsical At Million Toy Museum

A brief journey (whether or not on foot or bicycle) away from Ayutthaya Historic Park is Million Toy Museum, the place guests can see toys by way of time. The 2-story constructing options tons of toys, many in glass instances, making this a kid-friendly journey but in addition one which kids will get pleasure from.

• Million Toy Museum entry charges are 50 baht ($1.44 USD)
• The location additionally contains a backyard and cafe.

9 Embark On A Boat Tour Or River Cruise

A river cruise is a beautiful option to see Ayutthaya, together with a lot of its historic websites. A wide range of tour choices can be found, from full-day river cruises to brief boat excursions of particular sights.

Cruises can be found by way of numerous journey companies within the space, however adventurous guests also can organize a personal cruise with boat operators on the pier.

8 Cycle Via Historic Ayutthaya

Renting a bicycle in Ayutthaya is a wonderful option to get round, nevertheless it can be a method of seeing the sights. Guided bike excursions can be found for a payment, however vacationers also can lease a bicycle and set out on their very own.

• Bicycle leases usually value 40 to 50 baht (as much as $1.44 USD)

Plan a bicycle route in Google Maps earlier than departing to keep away from getting misplaced and be sure that the itinerary is adequate for journey time between websites.

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7 Take A Tuk Tuk Tour

Driving in a tuk tuk generally is a enjoyable expertise for vacationers of all ages in Thailand, and it is a handy option to get round. Contemplate hiring a tuk tuk for a day tour; most provide companies by the hour.

• How a lot is tuk tuk tour in Ayutthaya?
  A tuk tuk tour will value vacationers round 200 to 300 baht per hour; between $5 and $9 USD.

6 Greatest Time To Go

Like all of Thailand, Ayutthaya experiences a spread of climate circumstances in every season. Summers can contain excessive temperatures with frequent showers, clouds, and humidity.

Usually, April is the most well liked month in Thailand (summer season temperatures vary from March to June) whereas November by way of March is the good and dryest (although the priciest for vacationers).

Vacationers also can plan their journey to expertise festivals in several seasons. For instance, a November journey is good to expertise Loy Krathong, which celebrates water spirits and honors Buddha. April is a superb time to go to for Songkran, the Thai New 12 months, through the first full moon in April.

5 Greatest Methods To Get Round

Ayutthaya is generally walkable if vacationers plan to see the principle UNESCO World Heritage Web site and surrounding temples. Nevertheless, relying on the climate circumstances, it might be clever to take a bicycle or rent a experience.

• Is Ayutthaya a day journey from Bangkok?
  Sure—the journey takes about an hour or so by automobile.

• Is there a ship from Bangkok to Ayutthaya?
  Sure, vacationers can get from Bangkok to Ayutthaya by way of boat; the journey takes about three hours every means, and
  Thai River Cruise
  features a buffet lunch.

Vacationers also can use the prepare station in Ayutthaya to get round to different components of Thailand, together with Bangkok.

An all-inclusive boat tour from Bangkok to Ayutthaya will value about $63.44 USD (2200 baht) per grownup.

4 The place To Eat

Whether or not vacationers have a hankering for meals from house or wish to attempt iconic dishes that Thailand is known for, Ayutthaya delivers.

Breakfast

• Nong 9 bike & restaurant for morning smoothies and lattes.
• Jintana Service for handy vegetarian dishes (close to the prepare).

Lunch

• Tuk Restaurant ร้านข้าวต้มริมทาง for an inexpensive and filling lunch (however wait occasions might be lengthy).
• Earl Thai Restaurant for a wide range of Thai dishes in a cushty environment.
• Right here Kae Pork Satay หมูสะเต๊ะเฮียแกละ อยุธยา for mouthwatering skewers (finest to name forward to order to keep away from wait occasions)

Dinner

• เกรท Nice Steak & Thai Delicacies for “American consolation meals” and sandwiches.
• Eatory for Italian dishes in a unusual surroundings.

Drinks

• Bai-Plu for reside music occasions and drinks.
• BROWN ALE AYUTTHAYA for craft beer and cocktails.
• Planet Earth Bar & Restaurant for a full of life surroundings.

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3 The place To Keep

Lodging in Ayutthaya, like elsewhere in Thailand, might be supremely reasonably priced. Vacationers have loads of selections when it comes to location, price range, and facilities.

Finances-Pleasant Accommodations & Hostels in Ayutthaya

• Baan Mee Suk Ayutthaya
  begins at $14/evening and provides dorm-style bedrooms and a shared lounge space.

• Zleepinezz Hostel
  begins at $19/evening and is inside a five-minute stroll from the Historic Park.

• Klong Suan Plue Resort
  begins at $24/evening with comfort to the Historic Park, an on-site restaurant, and rustic ambiance.

Mid-Tier Lodging in Ayutthaya

• Baan Canalee
  begins at $53/evening and provides a pure ambiance (numerous greenery) and comfort to Ayutthaya Historic Park.

• บ้านไม้87 Ban Mai 87
  begins at $56/evening with balconies (river views), complimentary breakfast, and earned a Sustainable certification.

• Baan Luang Harn
  begins at $44/evening and is handy to Ayutthaya Historic Park, with on-site eating, outside areas, and a quaint allure.

Excessive-Finish Accommodations in Ayutthaya

• Sala Bang Pa-In
  begins at $265/evening and lies on a personal island with boat service on the prepared.

• Sala Ayutthaya
  begins at $192/evening and provides waterfront views, outside eating, and indoor swimming pools.

• Baan Pomphet
  begins at $135/evening and has an on-site restaurant/bar, gardens, and an out of doors pool.

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2 Suggestions To Know When Visiting

Thailand is an thrilling place to go to, however even smaller cities can have a buzzing ‘vibe.’ Count on cultural websites to be busy and at all times be careful for bikes and bicycles whereas strolling (or driving).

One perk in Thailand is the relative affordability of products and companies; even $100 USD can go far in Thailand, relying on what vacationers resolve to splurge on.

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Be aware that Ayutthaya is nearest to Bangkok, however fairly removed from tourist destinations like Phuket (where beaches abound).

1 How To Spend The Excellent Day In Ayutthaya

The proper day in Ayutthaya begins with a smoothie or latte from Nong 9 bike & restaurant, adopted by biking round Ayutthaya Historic Park to see the sights. After lunch, rent a river boat or a tuk tuk to discover extra of the realm in consolation.

Later, go to the Million Toys Museum or Chao Sam Phraya Nationwide Museum (relying on vacationers’ pursuits) earlier than eating out for dinner. Spend a quiet night on the lodge patio or balcony, soaking within the sights and ambiance.

FAQ

Q: Is a day journey to Ayutthaya price it?

Most guests to Bangkok discover plenty of things to do and see in the big city. However taking a tour to Ayutthaya is an affordable option to decelerate and see the sights.

• A taxi journey from Bangkok to Ayutthaya solely prices about ฿900, or simply over $25 USD.

Q: What’s the costume code for Ayutthaya Thailand?

Ayutthaya, Thailand doesn’t have a set costume code, nevertheless it is sensible to decorate modestly (cowl knees and elbows) whereas visiting temples.

Q: How lengthy to spend in Ayutthaya?

Ayutthaya’s high sights can be seen on a day journey from Bangkok, however the metropolis can simply take up two or three days, relying on vacationers’ pursuits. Plan for at the very least two days for optimum enjoyment.