Travel Planning Archives - Page 8 of 8

If you're looking to explore more of Thailand's history, visit Ayutthaya. Dating way back to 1350, this city is home to many of the country's historical sites. From golden buddhas to century-old temples, there's plenty to explore! And whether you're a history buff or are simply curious about Thailand's rich history, Ayutthaya is a great place to visit. To make your visit memorable, here are the top 14 things to do at Ayutthaya. 1. Visit the Historical Wat Chaiwatthanaram Temple Source: Guide to Thailand Temples are all over Thailand, so it makes sense to visit one when in the country. And Ayutthaya is no exception! So when visiting this historical city, don't forget to visit Wat Chaiwatthanaram. Restored in 1987, it quickly became one of the most popular attractions in the city. Made in the conventional Khmer style, the temple has a central prang with a rectangular base. The main complex sits among four tinier prangs and eight chedi-like temples. And inside the building are fragments of scenes portraying the life of Buddha. You can find this temple at Ayutthaya Historical Park, situated in a massive complex. And the best part is, it's located next to the Chao Phraya river, giving you a stunning view alongside the temple. Finally, the best time to visit is in the afternoon, giving you a spectacle of the sunset and glowing buildings. Location: Tambon Ban Pom, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District 2. Stop By at the Wat Ratchaburana Temple Source: Guide to Thailand Another must-visit temple in Ayutthaya is the Wat Ratchaburana. Made between 1424 and 1448, King Boromracha II dedicated the temple to his older brothers. And even after some time, this temple's columns and walls stand proudly. Inside the temple, you'll see some intricate wall paintings from that era. Experts believe that these were likely made by Chinese artists who stayed in the city. And they had the talent of harmonizing various styles, ranging from Khmer to Burmese. So, it's certainly a sight to see! Moreover, the place has two chedis located at the crossroads house. And this is the area where the King's brothers are. Aside from that, there's a third one commemorating Queen Si Suriyothai. She's a fearless woman who saved her husband during the battle with the Burmese. Overall, if you're in the mood to learn more about Thailand's history and want to bask in the gorgeous scenery, stop by at Wat Ratchaburana. Location: Wat Ratchaburana, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 3. Go Across Wat Mahathat Temple Source: This Island Life To make your visit to Wat Ratchaburana worthwhile, visit the nearby temple of Wat Mahathat. You can find it just across the road, and you can go on foot. Here, you can find one of Ayutthaya's most popular attractions: the Buddha face in a tree's roots. It's a stone Buddha situated among the roots of a tree. But besides this, the central prang of this temple is one of the most gorgeous in the historical city. So, don't miss out and drop by Wat Mahathat! Also, the place recently got restored since its top portion broke off. During the process, workers found a secret chamber among the temple's ruins. Inside these, they discovered treasures. These include a golden casket holding a Buddha relic and expensive tableware. Although you can't see these treasures, Wat Mahathat is definitely worth the visit. Overall, to make your trip more memorable and enjoyable, visit Wat Mahathat and Wat Ratchaburana. Location: Wat Mahathat, Naresuan Rd, Tha Wasukri, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 4. Travel Back to the Past at Chao Sam Phraya National Museum Source: WOWabouts If you're looking to take a break from visiting Temples, go to the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum. It holds precious artifacts and pieces of jewelry that survived the battle against the Burmese. And the best part is that this museum keeps on adding something new to the collection. For instance, in recent years, there have been many discoveries like gold from Wat Mahathat. Most of these things end up in the Chao Sam Phraya museum for locals and tourists alike to marvel in. Aside from that, there are many stone Buddha heads and other discoveries on display. Either way, there are plenty of things you can explore in this museum. Also, even if the place is small, it is filled with artifacts that history buffs and ordinary tourists alike will surely enjoy. So when in Ayutthaya, don't forget to pay a visit to the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum. Location: Chao Sam Phraya National Museum, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 5. Immerse Yourself in Battle Scenes At Wat Suwan Dararam Source: Trazy.com One of the most immersing temples in Ayutthaya is Wat Suwan Dararam. Situated near Pasak River and Chao Phraya River, this place is famous for its paintings. These mostly depict the different battles Thailand has undergone over the years. However, the most famous painting in this place is that of the battle of King Naresuan. It portrays the monarch sitting on top of an elegant elephant as he fights against the Burmese. Aside from that, there are plenty of Buddha paintings as well. The main Buddha image that Wat Suwan Dararam displays is the Emerald Buddha, which you can find in Bangkok. Also, it's a relatively small temple, so you can easily squeeze this into your itinerary. So when in the city, don't forget Wat Suwan Dararam! Location: Wat Suwan Dararam, Tambon Pratuchai, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 6. Experience Royalty at Chan Kasem Palace (Museum) Source: TravelTriangle If you're wondering what it feels like to be royalty, visit Chan Kasem Palace. It's an enclosed complex situated near Pa Sak and Lopburi Rivers. And this place was the official residence of King Naresuan. Going here gives you a better insight into how Thai royalty lived, all while giving you a gorgeous view! However, the buildings are reconstructed versions of the old palace. The first ones got burned down by accident during King Boromakot's time. But today, the palace complex has become a museum with several exhibits for you to explore. Moreover, it lets you understand more about Ayutthaya Kingdom's history. Here, you can see artifacts of the past kings. Location: Chan Kasem Palace, Tambon Pratuchai, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 7. Pay a Quick Visit to the Foreign Quarter Source: PlanetWare During its glory days, the city of Ayutthaya was a popular destination for foreigners. As it drew settlers worldwide, the foreign quarters were made. Many of these quarters are close to each other. That means you can visit anything from old French to the Dutch quarters. Also, since the place is under European influence, you can find Catholic churches here. The oldest one is the St. Joseph Church, constructed in 1666 and still proudly stands today. You can find this in the French quarters. Aside from that, the historical city also attracted the Japanese. Located across the European quarters, you can also explore this area. Finally, if you're looking to visit the foreign quarters in Ayutthaya, it's best to use a bike. After all, the place is huge and houses several country factions. And for your convenience, you can rent out a bike in the area. Location: Foreign Quarters, 30 Mu 11 Tambon Samphao Lom, Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 8. Explore Ayutthaya on Water Source: WAUG A recent trend that many locals offer tourists is boat tours. Most boat tour packages let you sail across the island. Through this, you can see the city's historical sites from a different perspective. Not to mention, it's a convenient way to explore Ayutthaya, saving you from all the walking. Most of the boats are large and can carry groups of tourists with ease. Although it differs, most boat tours include stops at famous temples in the city. These include Wat Chaiwatthanaram and Wat Phanan Choeng. However, if you're not keen on joining other tourists, you can also book a private boat and driver. You can find boats on the pier and negotiate from there. Regardless, the best time to go on a boat tour is in the afternoon. It gives you a gorgeous view of the sunset, giving your day a picture-perfect end. Overall, this is a unique way to explore the historical city, so it's worth the shot! 9. Explore Chao Phrom Market Source: Smart Travel Are you looking for the best way to live like a local in Ayutthaya? Then pay a quick visit to the Chao Phrom Market. It's one of the biggest markets in the city and never fails to impress! This place is never closed, and there's plenty of things to explore here. From souvenirs to live fish, Chao Phrom is a must-visit. Also, many stallholders in the area offer fresh produce. So if you want to try out what the locals eat, buy your ingredients from their market! And as a tourist, it's nice to see that is since it's a local market, the prices here are low. So grab the best deals and visit Chao Phrom Market. Most stores and stalls here open during the daytime, and many stays open non-stop. But it's best to visit here during the day. Moreover, if you're planning on visiting here, make sure you have a guide with you. After all, since it's a local market, there's bound to be many people here. So for your safety, bring someone with you. Location: 3 9 U Thong Rd, Tambon Ho Rattanachai, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 10. Visit the Ayutthaya Floating Market Source: Ayutthaya Floating Market No visit to Thailand is complete without visiting a city's local floating market. And this one from Ayutthaya promises a unique experience. From friendly guides, gorgeous scenery, and unbeatable deals, there's plenty to discover! Aside from that, stalls here are situated on wooden walkways that make it convenient to shop. Moreover, you have a vast selection of boats for hire. There are many moving throughout the river, so you can always call for one. But what makes this Ayutthaya attraction a must-visit is the unique sights for you to see! From locals feeding grass to water buffalos and fish—you can never go wrong with the Ayutthaya Floating Market. Overall, this floating market allows you to explore and shop in one area! So, make sure to visit! Location: Ayutthaya Floating Market, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District 11. See Contemporary Ayutthaya at the Bang Pa-in Palace Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand If you're tired of seeing temples and ruins and want to see something modern, go to Bang Pa-in Palace. Aka, the summer palace, this royal complex is among the best-kept compounds in the city. The buildings follow different architectural styles, like conventional Thai or Chinese structures. But there are also newer ones, such as a two-story mansion and Ho Witthunthassana. The latter is a three-story tower used for watching for royal elephants. Either way, visiting Bang Pa-in Palace in Ayutthaya is a great way to see the more recent structures of the city. Location: Bang Pa-In Royal Palace, Ban Len, Bang Pa-in District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 12. Bond with Gentle Giants at Elephant Stay Source: Elephant Stay Thailand is famous for elephants, so it only makes sense to meet some while in the country. Although not as prominent as in Bangkok, there are places with elephants in Ayutthaya. And the most popular one is Elephant Stay. Here, you can look after an elephant for a couple of days. You can feed, bathe, and ride an elephant safely at Elephant Stay. Originally a non-profit organization, they devote themselves to conserving and supporting retired elephants. Also, it doubles as a breeding program, rescue, and rehabilitation. The minimum booking for this place is three nights, including an elephant you must look after. Here, you'll stay in an air-conditioned bungalow with a private bathroom. But it's best to book fast since there are only eight of these on the property. Either way, a stay at Elephant Stay guarantees fun and a one-of-king experience. Location: Royal Elephant Kraal and Village 74/1 Moo 3 Tumbol Suanpik, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13. Reminisce Your Childhood at the Million Toy Museum Source: Go Ayutthaya In a city filled with ancient temples, ruins, and artifacts, the last thing you'd think of is a toy museum. However, if you're looking to relive your childhood, this hidden gem is worth the visit. It's been around for a while and is famous among locals. Although its name suggests otherwise, there are thousands of toys on display at the museum. This two-story establishment houses many traditional toys from Thailand and across the world. From toy cars to retro McDonald's toys, there's nothing you can't find here! The place was founded by Krirk Yoonpun, a professor and famous author in the country. You might bump into him during the weekends as he read stories to the kids who visit the museum. Location: 45 Moo 2 U Thong Rd, Tha Wasukri, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 14. Witness Traditional Culture At Wat Na Phra Men Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand Finally, when visiting Ayutthaya, don't forget to stop by Wat Na Phra Men. Unlike most of the temples destroyed by the Burmese, this one survived. Instead, the Burmese used the temple as their base. Sitting in the middle of the temple is a massive Buddha statue made from gold. And though it's not the most significant structure in Ayutthaya, it's worth the visit. After all, this is where most locals observe their traditional customs. Location: Wat Na Phra Men, Tambon Lum Phli, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya What You Need to Know When Visiting Ayutthaya To make your trip hassle-free and enjoyable, here are things you must know when going to Ayutthaya: Going to Ayutthaya - Best Time to Visit The ideal time to visit the historical city is around November to January. These are the times where the weather is a little cooler and less humid than usual. With this, you can walk around or go cycling comfortably. However, the country has struggled due to air pollution in recent years. So even if November, December, and January are a little colder, the visibility isn't the best. For this reason, remember to wear a face mask when visiting Ayutthaya during these times. What You Need to Pack for Ayutthaya Regardless if you're traveling alone or with the family, here are a couple of things you need to bring with you when visiting Ayutthaya: Durable walking or hiking shoes: You'll need to walk a lot when visiting this historic city. So make sure to bring a comfortable and sturdy pair of shoes. Jackets: If you're planning on visiting the off-seasons (rainy months), then bring a jacket with you. Light and breathable clothes: Thailand gets hot—fast. And Ayutthaya is no exception. To help make going around more comfortable, bring breathable garments with you. Water bottle: Since you'll need to do a lot of walking or cycling, bringing a water bottle with you is essential. After all, it keeps you hydrated and energized. Backpack: When visiting Ayutthaya, you'll need to bring a bag with you. It helps you carry more things when exploring different areas in the city, like water bottles and food. And this is especially essential if you're going on extended trips. Best Way to Get to Ayutthaya Ayutthaya is a mere 85 km away from Thailand's capital, Bangkok. So getting to the historical city from your hotel in Bangkok should be a breeze. You can go to Ayutthaya from Bangkok by bus or car, but tourists' most efficient and cheapest way is by train. To make the train journey more enjoyable and memorable, take a trip departing from Hualamphong train station. It follows a scenic route where you get to see a broader side of the local charm. Moreover, the trip will only last you around 80 to 120 minutes. Exploring Ayutthaya: How to Get Around? When in the historical city of Ayutthaya, there are three ways for tourists to get around. These include the following: Walking - The best way to marvel at the historical sites in Ayutthaya is by walking. And you can go to many of the attractions in the city on foot as most of them are near each other. The only issue is that you have to endure the scorching heat, which is unavoidable. Biking - For more extended explorations, I recommend cycling. Doing so gives you more time to go around different areas without breaking a sweat. For instance, if you're thinking of going to the foreign quarters, going by bike is ideal. After all, that place is enormous. You can rent out a bike in the area. Scooters - If you're looking to explore the outer rim attractions of Ayutthaya, like the Portuguese settlement and Japanese village, going by scooter is ideal. Cycling through these vast areas can be tiring. Frequently Asked Questions Q: Is it worth it to visit Ayutthaya? A: If you love history or are just a fan of beautiful structures and surroundings, Ayutthaya is 100% worth it. Also, it gives you a chance to explore Thailand's rich history more in-depth. You can get here from Bangkok by riding a bus, train, or mini-van. Q: What's Ayutthaya famous for? A: Ayutthaya is popular for its historical sites. After all, the city was founded way back in 1350. You can find several attractions here, including temples and museums. Q: How many days do I need when visiting Ayutthaya? A: Although this is subjective, generally, staying at least two nights in the city is ideal. This gives you sufficient time to go around the historic town and its many sites. However, if you're looking to bask in the ruined city more, three nights should suffice. Final Thoughts Take a break from the busy city of Bangkok and delve into Thailand's history in Ayutthaya. And adding the 14 things to do in Ayutthaya above makes your trip more enjoyable, rewarding, and convenient! From historic temples to Elephant centers, there's plenty to explore in Ayutthaya.