We have already told you that Bangkok is the city we like most in Southeast Asia, but sometimes you have to do excursions, right? So if you have planned a trip to Thailand write this name: Ayutthaya, the most famous day trip from Bangkok. And if you are thinking about it ... know that it is very worthwhile. Next we will tell you everything what to see and do in Ayutthaya.
If you go to Ayutthaya from Bangkok, you will most likely do it by train, an experience. We can say that this is where the real journey begins: already at the station, if it happens to you like being at 8 in the morning, it will be your turn to respect the national anthem without moving a single head hair.
In addition, the first kilometers pass between the poorest neighborhoods in Bangkok, which are most likely never to be visited, the vision is impressive with the shacks on both sides of the road.
Already inside the train you find old women who offer you an exotic snack, curious children who look at you as if they had just run into a UFO, green landscapes that pass in front of your eyes and the air that enters through the eternally open windows caresses you the face (and your hair is a mess, why lie to us!).
Ayutthaya city, Declared a World Heritage Site in 1991, it was the capital of the Kingdom of Siam from 1350 to 1767, and lived glorious years: it was one of the most important shopping centers of the eighteenth century when a million people lived within its walls and had more than 400 temples. Her destiny changed in 1767 when the Burmese sacked and devastated her (the statues of the headless Buddhas are a clear legacy).
Who travels here does it for one reason: see the ancient ruins of its archaeological park. It is not as immense as Angkor, nor amazing as Bagan but without a doubt the ancient capital of Thailand offers a mix of unique Asian styles ... you can admire Khmer-style Prangs (towers) or bell-shaped (bell-shaped domes) so typical of Myanmar or Sri Lanka.
One of the things what to see in Ayutthaya is he Phra Mahathat (for friends, the Buddha between roots). His story is curious: the legend says that, during the sacking of the Burmese, a head of a beheaded Buddha ended up at the foot of a large tree that protected it with its roots. Since then it has remained that way throughout the years. The Rober, very distrustful, does not believe it or as a joke. But beautiful is ... true or not!
Other essential temples in the enclosure are the Wat Ratcha Burana, Wat Chai Watthanaram, Wat Si Sanphet, Wat Yai Chaya Mongkol, Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit.
Do you know more stuff What to see and do in Ayutthaya?
How to get from Bangkok to Ayutthaya?
Once in Bangkok the best way to approach is in train: you have to go to the train station of Hua Lamphong and take one of the many trains that in less than 2 hours and for about 15 baht will take us to Ayutthaya (it is not necessary to buy tickets in advance). Once we arrive at the Ayutthaya train station we will have to cross the river to get to the “center” (it calculates about 40 baht).
Here you can see the train schedules of the north line leaving Bangkok and passing through Ayutthaya (they are in Thai, but you can translate the page):
And these are the schedules of the northeast line that also make this journey:
If you prefer you can sign up for a tour from Bangkok. These are the two most recommended:
- Ayutthaya tour with visit to a floating market.
- Ayutthaya excursion with cruise
How to get around Ayutthaya?
We rent for 80 baht (€ 2 approx) 2 bicycles throughout the day. We spend a lot of heat, so don't forget to bring water! You can also visit the temples by scooter (200 baht / day), by tuk tuk (about 200 baht per hour) or by private car.
How much do Ayutthaya temples cost?
There is no single ticket that gives us access to all temples: some are free and in others we will have to buy the ticket (between 20-60 bahts).
