Curator’s statement
One of my favorite places not far from Bangkok is Ayutthaya. It’s well known as the former Siamese capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I’m always excited to learn more about Thai history, and visiting Ayutthaya opened my eyes to the ancient world that once existed there. I still can’t imagine how people in the past were able to build such beautiful temples and Buddha statues. It truly fascinates me.
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You can travel from Bangkok to Ayutthaya in about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic, which makes it perfect for either a day trip or an overnight stay.
When I lived in Bangkok, it was incredibly easy for me to visit. At Wat Mahathat—one of the most famous temples—you’ll find the iconic Buddha head entwined in tree roots, one of the most recognizable sights in Thailand. I remember seeing thousands of visitors there.
Many tourists enjoy exploring the city by bicycle or taking a riverboat tour around the island to see the ancient temples from the water. These tours usually let you stop at different temples depending on the program. I’ve tried both, and they were incredibly relaxing. They made me feel as if I had stepped back in time, especially since boats were once the main form of transportation in the area.
I also tried elephant riding at the Ayutthaya Elephant Palace & Royal Kraal. The elephant took me around the city, and it made me feel like a queen from centuries past. It was so much fun, and the elephants are truly smart. I miss this place so much. You can even do some shopping in the area afterward.
Need to know
All the tourist attractions are quite close to one another, so it’s easy to get around. Many temples even offer free drinks, and sometimes free coffee as well. If you’d like, you can leave a small tip for good luck. The restrooms are usually clean, and some temples even have air conditioning inside.
One of my favorite places to eat is The Artisans Ayutthaya. I love enjoying a meal right by the river. My favorite dishes are the Charcoal Grilled River Prawn—huge and incredibly fresh—River Prawn in Spicy Soup, Rice with Charcoal Grilled Salted Fish, and for dessert, Mango Sticky Rice with Coconut Milk.
Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and wear a hat. One important thing to remember is that women are not allowed to enter temple buildings if they are wearing short pants or short skirts. You also need to take off your shoes before entering. These are important parts of Thai culture.
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Thailand page.
Travel Advisor
Sureeporn Khor
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