Taking the train for a slow-mo outing to the former capital of Ayutthaya🚂

Ayutthaya is a perfect one-day outing near Bangkok, a place to which you can easily keep returning for more inspiration.

Apart from its historic World Heritage Sites, trendy new shops, accommodation, and eateries are currently helping breathe new life into the old town. A two-hour journey by train from Bangkok is more than worthwhile.

  • One day in Ayutthaya
    • Pay respect to the iconic Buddha head in the tree roots of Wat Phra Mahathat.
    • Explore the main prang of Wat Ratchaburana, home of the hidden great crypt.
    • Visit Wat Phra Ram for its towering Khmer-influenced prang and the public park in front.
    • Admire the splendour of the ruins of Wat Phra Si Sanphet.
    • Enjoy cold drinks at the pha khao ma themed-café, Baan Khaoma.
    • Relish grilled freshwater prawns at the riverfront Baan Pomphet Restaurant.

Getting around in Ayutthaya From the station, you can hire a tuk tuk either for the whole trip or to each spot. Bicycles and motorcycles are also available for rent at affordable prices.

You can take the train to Ayutthaya every day. The first train from Hua Lamphong leaves at 5:20 a.m., and the last train from Ayutthaya station leaves at 8:45 p.m.

🔖Admission fee is 220 Baht. You can buy the tickets at any of Ayutthaya’s ruins.

The ticket is good for 30 days and enables you to visit six temples (Wat Phra Si Sanphet and the old palace, Wat Phra Ram, Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Mahathat, Wat Chaiwattanaram, and Wat Maheyong). Note: Only one visit to each temple.

This programme focuses on attractions within the old city. If you have time, visit as many as you can. They are all unique after all.

⭐️Wat Phra Mahathat

Wat Phra Mahathat is home to an iconic image from Thailand – a Buddha head entwined in the roots of a banyan tree. This important temple is located in the heart of the former capital’s ruins. Its Khmer-influenced prang – stupa – was built during the early Ayutthaya period.

  • Wat Phra Mahathat

⭐️Wat Ratchaburana

The main prang of Wat Ratchaburana once contained a secret crypt with immense treasures before a sizable amount was plundered. Luckily, more valuables; such as, swords, crowns, and votive tablets were later discovered at the crypt by authorities. You can see the recuperated treasures at the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum. . The temple was constructed on the royal cremation site of two princes who died battling each other on elephant back.

  • Wat Ratchaburana

⭐️Wat Phra Ram

Wat Phra Ram is fronted by a large pond, so it’s very easy to spot. The temple is home to a large prang – Khmer-influenced stupa – that was typical of royal architecture in the early Ayutthaya period. In addition to its historical significance, Wat Phra Ram is a recreational area for Ayutthaya residents. When the city of Ayutthaya was established, soil under the pond was dug out to strengthen the foundations of the palace buildings and temples.

  • Wat Phra Ram

⭐️Wat Phra Si Sanphet

Situated within the royal palace grounds, Wat Phra Si Sanphet was a royal temple, the equivalent of Wat Mahathat in Sukhothai and Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok.

It was the largest temple in the city and where royal ceremonies were held. Its three bell-shaped chedis that used to be linked by a phra mondop structure contain the ashes of three Ayutthayan kings. It’s not too difficult to imagine how magnificent this temple once was.

⭐️Baan Khao Ma Cafe

As the name suggests, you can find pha khao ma, the checkered loincloth, which is so typical of Thai fabric, at this café. The pha khao ma has been used to decorate the Café’s interior, including tablecloths and coasters. After time spent outdoors, you definitely need a rest in a cool, cute cafe!

  • Baan Khao Ma Cafe
    • 📍 Tambon Phai Ling, Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
    • ⏰ Open daily from 8:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

⭐Baan Pomphet Hotel and Restaurant

This contemporary hotel and restaurant is aesthetically designed to express Thai elements through a modern structure. Located on the waterfront where the Pasak River meets the Chao Phraya, it is a good place to both dine and stay in style while in Ayutthaya.

Their menu is extensive, and the grilled freshwater prawns are the star among the tasty dishes. This chic hotel and restaurant is highly recommended.

  • Baan Pomphet Hotel and Restaurant
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