Visit Ayutthaya — The peaceful ancient capital of Thailand

Just 80 kilometers from Bangkok to the north by one-hour ride, Ayutthaya – an original Thai Capital city has been internationally recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. Now, let’s check out our Ayutthaya blog — A must-go destination and ancient capital near Bangkok of Thailand.

Chao Phraya, Lop Buri and Pasak are three picturesque rivers surrounding Ayutthaya where to stand the ruins of the old city preserving for more than 400 years from mid 14th century to the second half of 18th century.

Being located at the junction of Indian and Chinese trading routes, Ayutthaya had easily become prosperous in the past centuries. However, this city was intruded and destroyed by the Burmese in 1767.

After regaining the independence, Thai King decided to move the capital to Bangkok.

After witnessing numerous historical vicissitudes, Ayutthaya is now just ruins of the past but it is undeniable that its mysterious, attractive and superb beauty immerses visitors deeply in holy thoughts and feelings.

Unique architectures in ancient Ayutthaya always capture tourists’ attraction.

Ayutthaya includes: Wat Choeng Thar, Wat Suwandararam, Wat Phra Ram, Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Mongkhon Bophit, Wat Phutthatsawan, Wat Pra Sri Sanphet, Wat Worachettharam, Wat Lokaya Suttha, Wat Yai Chaimongkhon and Wat Chaiwatthanaram.

As Ayutthaya heritage scatters over a large area, it is not divided into different areas to administrate but each vestige is managed separately.

Wat Phra Si Sanphet – the biggest temple in the capital used to be the site of the Royal Palace. The remains are tall, huge brick columns and walls under the open sky.

Surprisingly, what remains deeply in visitors’s memmories is the Buddha’s head surrounded by roots of a tree in Wat Mahathat temple. This nice, pretty face brings a sense of peace and comfort for tourists.

Ayutthaya may be seen as unrestorable ruins under many people’s eyes. However, seeing the socalled place of relics, visitors probably realise that there used to be a wonder before the devastation of time and humans.

Additional information

You have to depart from Bangkok in order to get to Ayutthaya. Below are some transport suggestions:

• You can hire a taxi to take you there or get a tour to this city at any travel agents or hotels in Khao San Road – a well-known backpacker street in Bangkok.
• With about $1, you can buy a train ticket to Ayutthaya at Hua Lamphong gas station. It would take you approximately 2 hours to get to the target gas station.

Then you can hire a tuk-tuk to visit this ancient capital city which costs you roughly $18.

– By BTS, tuk-tuks or taxies, you can get to Mochit bus station and then take a bus to Auytthaya. The bus runs every 30 minutes.

– There are many minivans which run every 20 minutes are ready to take you to Ayutthaya from Victory Monument

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in Bangkok and from Bangkok you can refer to

• [SALE] Ayutthaya Day Tour from Bangkok: Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, Wat Mahathat and more
• Ancient Ayutthaya Tour: Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, Bang Pa-In Royal Palace & More by AK Travel
• Ayutthaya City Tour from Bangkok with Traditional Thai Dress and Tuk Tuk Ride
• Ayutthaya 2-Day Private Tour from Bangkok
• Ayutthaya Private Day Tour with Traditional Thai Dress from Bangkok
• Private Ancient Ayutthaya Full or Half Day Tour
• Private Car Charter Between Bangkok and Ayutthaya.

Are you finding more Ayutthaya travel guide: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Ayutthaya travel blog — The fullest Ayutthaya travel guide, what to do & How to visit Ayutthaya in a day?