Whether you choose to stay overnight in Ayutthaya or prefer a day trip from Bangkok (BANGKOK TOP ATTRACTIONS), exploring the ancient city is convenient and accessible. Most hotels in Bangkok and local tour operators offer affordable packages to Ayutthaya, with transport included. These tours typically handle all the arrangements, including pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation. If you're heading out in the morning, be ready by 7:00 AM. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. (KULLU MANALI INDIA SIGHTSEEING).
Bang Pa-In Palace
Known as the
Summer Palace, Bang Pa-In Palace is usually included in most Ayutthaya tours.
Located in a large garden setting, visitors can choose to walk the long paths
or rent a buddy cart for an affordable ride.
You’ll need to rent a Thai wrap-around long skirt, a requirement for proper
dress code. A refundable deposit is collected, and your money will be returned
when you return the skirt.
Start your sightseeing in Bang Pa-In Palace by viewing the various sections, from
the lake to areas once used by Thailand’s former royal family. Photography is
not allowed in most indoor spaces, and some sections are restricted to external
viewing only.
The Bang Pa-In tour can easily take over an hour. Outside the palace, you’ll
find street stalls selling Thai food and drinks, where you sit back and rest your legs (VENICE ITALY TOUR).
After the Burmese invasion in the 18th century, the temple was largely
destroyed, leaving behind headless Buddha statues and crumbling structures.
Yet, it remains one of the most visited temples in Ayutthaya due to its deep
historical significance.
The most iconic feature of Wat Mahathat is the Buddha head entwined in the roots of a bodhi tree. Its origin remains unclear, but the image has become a powerful symbol of Ayutthaya and a favorite among visitors and photographers alike.
Wat Na Phra Men Temple, located by the Lopburi River, is one of the few structures in Ayutthaya that survived wartime destruction. Dating back to the Ayutthaya period, the temple is notable for its well-preserved architecture. Its main highlight is a large Buddha statue, covered in gold leaf, seated inside the ordination hall.
Scattered throughout the temple are various deities, including the rare “Nine-Faced” Buddha, known for its believed protective powers. A small sermon hall to the right features the Phra Khantharat Buddha image, surrounded by other divine figures.
Wat Lokayasutharam is famous for housing the largest reclining Buddha in Ayutthaya, measuring 32 meters in length and 8 meters in height. The Buddha’s reclining posture represents his entry into Nirvana. The temple grounds also contain smaller stupas and remnants of ancient ruins. A significant Buddhist site in Ayutthaya, Wat Lokayasutharam is often included as part of most Ayutthaya tours or as a concluding stop.
A popular way to return to Bangkok from Ayutthaya is by cruising down the Chao Phraya River. The journey typically includes a buffet lunch serving authentic traditional Thai dishes. While dining, you can enjoy views of the riverbanks, apart from catching sight of temples and landmarks you have visited earlier in Ayutthaya. The upper deck offers wider views, including glimpses of Thai riverside homes and local daily life.
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