"Starting with an Ancient City" Ayuthaya by idy

Ayuthaya Travel Guide: 688 reviews and 2,161 photos

Wat Maha That, Ayutthaya, Thailand - Ayuthaya

Off the plane, on to the train ...

Exited Bangkok International Airport and made my way to Don Muang Railway Station, where an ordinary diesel train took me 76 kilometres south to the ancient city of Ayutthaya.

Leaving the Ayutthaya Railway Station, I found a pier where boats ferried passengers across the Pa Sak River for a few baht. I hopped on.

Landed on U-Thong Road on the other side. U-Thong Road is the main road that circles the city centre (perhaps only considered the "centre" to visitors). According to the map, if you followed the road, you'll find yourself back at the same spot. Although I would've liked to put this theory to the test, time was short. (Definitely something to do next time, though! ^_^ )

In the city: Impressions

Phra Thinang Wehart Chamrun, Bang Pa-In

Founded in 1350, Ayutthaya was the Thai capital for 417 years until it was destroyed by the Burmese in 1767.

Visitors to the city mainly come to see the numerous magnificent monastery ruins and palaces in the district. Most of these are within walking/cycling distance for those staying in the city centre.

The city is bright and hot, dusty and drowsy. Strolling along streets lined with short buildings and small shops, you may be surprised to stumble upon visages of the city's glorious past (in the form of small ruins), like hidden gems. Of course, these are child's play compared to sprawling sites like Wat Maha That and Wat Ratchabururana, but they really are one of the city's most unique features.

With Ayutthaya as a base, visitors can make day trips to visit the monkeys at Lop Buri, feel like a princess for a day at the Bang Pa-In Royal Palace, and even put their bargaining skills to the test in Bangkok.

The Statistics

Latticed stairway of Baan Lotus

Length of stay: 1.5 days, 1 night
Weather: Bright and sunny (almost swelteringly so), rained once in the late afternoon.
Accomodation: Baan Lotus
Expenditure: Approximately 780baht
Went:
1. Wat Yai Chaimongkhon
2. Wat Chaiwatthanaram
3. Tuk-tuk night tour of various wats
4. Chao Phrom Market vacinity
5. Bang Pa-In
6. Wat Ratchaburana
7. Wat Maha That

Pros and Cons

In a nutshell:Sleepy and glorious at the same time!

Last visit to Ayuthaya: May 2004
Intro Updated Jun 28, 2005
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Reviews (12)

Fry me some pad thai, please. - Ayuthaya

Where else for authentic local fare? Restaurants (2)

At the market, you'll come across any number of food vendors selling a variety of local food, including mango salad, pad... more travel advice

For Watters: Wat Ratchaburana Things to Do (6)

Two royal brothers Chao Ai and Chao Yi, in a fight for the throne, engaged in single-handed combat on elephant back and... more travel advice

For Watters: Wat Maha That Things to Do (6)

Wat Maha That, or the Temple of Great Relic, is a sprawling temple located in front of the grand palace that was built... more travel advice

Wat Chaiwatthanaram, Ayutthaya - Ayuthaya

For Watters: Wat Chaiwatthanaram Things to Do (6)

Wat Chaiwatthanaram covers a large compound located to the west of the city on the riverbank opposite the city. It was... more travel advice

Comments (5)

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balhannah Nov 24, 2009 at 12:35 PM

Real good tips, D! I loved Ayuthaya, and would like to go back and see more. Like your accommodation tip, and seeing Ayuthaya lit up at night must be beautiful.
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debtravers Jan 10, 2007 at 4:27 AM

Nice pages here, visiting for the first time in April, I can't wait!
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BluBluBlu Aug 9, 2005 at 1:29 AM

Nice page...as you say, Ayuthaya is grand but yet sleepy. Good tips & photo's. Happy travels!
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qwere53 Jun 23, 2005 at 9:51 AM

baan Lotus's really e place! e ladies @ e guesthouse, who speak fairly good english, r very friendly. Dont judge e book by it's cover. e entry seem run down but e inside's totally different. It's absolutely clean n comfy. A * guest house.
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chiabh Jun 16, 2005 at 5:28 AM

nice page... yet to update mine for my visit to ayuttaya...chia