The Wondrous City of Ayutthaya

Many moons ago, the Kingdom of Thailand was known as Siam, and its first capital was the Sukhothai, located in the North. Its second capital was known for its enormous monasteries and splendid towers, and was located not far from Bangkok. This capital was Ayutthaya, and it flourished from the 14th to 18th centuries in the country’s central plains. There are plenty of sites to see and many history lessons to be learnt. Embark upon this cultural and historical journey and learn facts about Ayutthaya you didn’t know before.

The 5 UNESCO-listed Temples

After a 2-hour drive to Ayutthaya, the first stop is the ancient temple of Wat Phra Sri Sanphet. Considered the spiritual center of Thailand for years now, this temple is a commonly sought-after attraction in Ayutthaya. Located within the grounds of the Royal Palace, this temple is essentially the royal monastery, and a model of the royal temple of the Emerald Buddha (also known as Wat Phra Kaew in Thai).

The next stop is the Wat Phra Mahathat temple, which is one of the oldest and most significant of them all. This temple housed the Buddha’s holy relic and therefore, has cultural and spiritual significance. Look out for the stone Buddha head entwined within the tree roots at this temple.

Get off at the temple of Wat Ratchaburana next, which shows off multiple gold artifacts and a large number of Buddha images. Next in line is the Wat Lokaya Sutharam, a temple most famously known for its 42-meter-long reclining white Buddha. The final temple is Wat Chaiwattanaram, which rests peacefully on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Learn about its history and the unique architectural style it portrays.

The Chao Samphraya National Museum

After a pit stop for lunch at Krungsri River Hotel, you will make your way to the Chao Samphraya National Museum. This is where many important artifacts like Buddha relics can be found inside the crypt of Wat Mahathat. Further, golden treasures, like the golden headgear, the golden sword, and golden sculptures are housed in this museum. Be stunned by the cultural and historical significance this museum has with the city of Ayutthaya.

Needless to say, this full-day trip to Ayutthaya is culturally, historically, and spiritually uplifting. Learn everything there is to know about this city from your professional tour guide who will feed you with historical facts and ancient stories about this little city throughout your journey. With a small group of less than 8 members and air-conditioned coaches taking you to and from the attraction, focus all your energy on sightseeing the marvelous city of Ayutthaya.