Built in the 14th century, Ayutthaya became one of the largest cities in the world at that time and with its beauty and prosperity, it was also known as the Venice of the East. In the 18th century, Ayutthaya was almost completely destroyed during the Siamese-Burmese war and today we can only see a few remaining ruins, but still cannot hide the beauty of its golden age. Below is a complete set of Ayutthaya travel experiences for one day, take advantage of the experience during your next visit to Thailand!
The best time to travel to Ayutthaya
The period from November to February is the most ideal time to travel to Ayutthaya. At this time, the weather in Ayutthaya is extremely pleasant with warm, clear skies. Very suitable for outdoor activities or exploring ancient temples.
How to get to Ayutthaya from Vietnam
To travel from Vietnam to Ayutthaya, you can start by flying from major cities like Hanoi, Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok. After arriving in Bangkok, there are many ways to get to Ayutthaya.
The distance between Bangkok and Ayutthaya is about 80km. You can choose the train from Hua Lamphong station with a travel time of about 1.5 - 2 hours, both cost-saving and bringing an interesting experience. If you prioritize convenience, you can take a bus or rent a car with a driver.
Transportation in Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya has many beautiful temples, sculptures and ruins scattered all over. So, you should visit the above places and then continue your journey freely to explore the rest of the city.
You can walk or bike to enjoy the scenery and Ayutthaya in the most peaceful and gentle way. But if walking and cycling are too tiring, you can take a tuk tuk, the most popular means of transport in Thailand. Go to Ayutthaya as early as possible because the weather gets hotter and hotter from noon to afternoon.
Bus
The bus is the simplest means of transport, very fast, only takes 2 hours, super cheap price 60K/way, you can go from Mochit bus station or take a 16-seat van from Victory Monument station.
Taxi
From the airport to Ayutthaya: from Don Muang airport to Ayutthaya is very close, you should take a taxi or bus number A1 to Mochit bus station and then from Mochit to Ayutthaya.
The Ayutthaya train station is located between Bangkok and Chiang Mai stations. From both Bangkok and Chiang Mai, you can easily take a train to Ayutthaya.
Ship
Take an Ayutthaya tour from Bangkok: if you don't have much time, you should book an Ayutthaya tour from Bangkok and return in a day. The tour price is also very cheap, you can choose a cruise tour on the Chao Phraya River or a bus tour.
Attractions in Ayutthaya
Wat Maha That
Wat Mahathat is one of the most famous temples in Ayutthaya that you should not miss when traveling here. Coming to Wat Mahathat, you will find an extremely mysterious place with a banyan tree root embracing the head of a stone Buddha statue. This may be the most attractive thing that makes visitors come to Wat Mahathat to admire. However, the actual image at Wat Mahathat will not be the same as on the advertising posters or pictures. That is because the head of this Buddha statue is much smaller than the media promotes.
Wat Ratchaburana
Wat Ratchaburana is the next temple that Phuot would like to suggest for your exploration schedule in the ancient capital of Ayutthaya. Wat Ratchaburana is a temple with a very unique architecture with a tower design in the shape of Mount Meru in India. Although there is nothing special. But Wat Ratchaburana has a main tower with a tunnel leading straight to the place where gold, silver and jewels are kept. Because of this great discovery, people discovered a rare treasure of more than 100kg. This is the remaining treasure after the Burmese people came here to destroy and take away the most valuable assets.
Ayutthaya Elephant Palace
Coming to Ayutthaya Elephant Palace, you will see many tall and muscular elephants. Elephants at Ayutthaya Elephant Palace have many males with long, beautiful tusks. At the same time, these elephants are dressed in royal clothes. If you have the opportunity to come to Ayutthaya Elephant Palace, experience the care and feeding services here!
Wat Phutthaisawan
Wat Phutthaisawan is a temple with an extremely large reclining Buddha statue. Although Wat Phutthaisawan does not have any unique features that attract tourists. But with just this reclining Buddha statue, Wat Phutthaisawan has contributed to the extremely developed tourism industry in Ayutthaya.
Wat Chaiwatthanaram
If you want to relax by the river and admire the ancient architecture of Ayutthaya, come to Wat Chaiwatthanaram temple. Wat Chaiwatthanaram is located next to the poetic Chao River with architecture designed like Mount Meru - the sacred mountain in Indian legend. Although it has been a long time, the architecture at Wat Chaiwatthanaram is still intact as the first day.
Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon
Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon is a temple without any ancient features. But when you come to Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon. You will find stupas with a tunnel leading to a place with many treasures and the remains of kings. With the journey to explore Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon. You will definitely have moments from breathless to the most exciting!
Wat Lokaya Suttha
When you come to Ayutthaya, you should not miss Wat Lokaya Suttha. Wat Lokaya Suttha is a temple with a statue of Buddha entering nirvana. This is the only Buddha statue that is considered to be intact after the fire sweep here.
Almost when you come to Wat Lokaya Suttha, you will see the walls with only jagged patches and the blackened house frame. You may be a little scared by the desolation of Wat Lokaya Suttha. But when you admire the Buddha statue. You will definitely realize that. No matter how many events have passed. This remaining Buddha statue is a heroic historical evidence showing the strong vitality of Thailand as well as its people.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet
Wat Phra Si Sanphet is a royal temple with stupas that hold the remains of the largest royal family in Thailand. When you come to this Wat Phra Si Sanphet temple complex, you will be overwhelmed by the large area considered the largest in the central area of Ayutthaya. Enjoy a cool stroll combined with a visit to this Wat Phra Si Sanphet temple!
Special festivals in Ayutthaya
Being a province with many temples and major religious sites, Ayutthaya holds many special festivals every year with the participation of thousands of tourists. Some of the most famous festivals in Ayutthaya include:
Loy Krathong Festival
The name “Loy Krathong” means “floating flower lanterns on the water”. It symbolizes the removal of worries, praying for good luck and expressing gratitude to the water goddess Phra Mae Khongkha. During the Loy Krathong festival, people and tourists will make krathongs by hand. Then bring them to canals, lakes or streams to release them, carrying both wishes and hopes.
Elephant Festival
The Ayutthaya Elephant Festival takes place in November, coinciding with the Loy Krathong festival and attracts both locals and international visitors. During the Ayutthaya Elephant Festival, you will discover how locals pay respect to elephants. There are also meaningful performances recreating historical events.
Ayutthaya Phansa Aquatic Festival
The Ayutthaya Phansa Water Festival is a traditional cultural event that takes place at the beginning of the Buddhist rainy season retreat. The Ayutthaya Phansa Water Festival marks the period when monks enter the rainy season retreat, staying in their temples for three months during the rainy season to focus on practicing and teaching. In addition, the Ayutthaya Phansa Water Festival also features activities such as art performances, floating markets with delicious local cuisine.
Cuisine
What to eat
When coming to Ayutthaya, you cannot miss the typical dishes of this land. Boat Noodles is a famous dish with a rich broth, which has been sold on boats since ancient times. In addition, Roti Sai Mai (cotton candy crepe) is a special, sweet and colorful snack. Fresh grilled seafood and spicy curries are also attractive choices for main meals. Enjoying the cuisine in Ayutthaya is not only a taste experience but also helps you understand more about the unique culture here.
Enjoy delicious cuisine in Ayutthaya
The best specialties in Ayutthaya
As mentioned, Ayutthaya not only has many beautiful tourist attractions but also many delicious specialties that are hard to resist. Some of the best dishes in Ayutthaya that Phuot Vi Vu has tried include:
- Roti Saimai : Roti Saimai is a thin crepe-like cake, rolled with spun sugar and fresh coconut.
- Kuay Teow Reua : A noodle dish originating from Ayutthaya and has long been a popular dish in Thailand. The noodles are prepared in a rich broth, cooked with meat and special spices.
- Pla Pao : Fresh fish marinated with spices and grilled in banana leaves. Served with white rice and special dipping sauce, creating an unforgettable rich flavor.
- Somtum : Papaya salad has a harmonious sour, spicy, and salty taste, suitable to eat with rice or fried dishes.
- Khao Mok Gai : Rice dish made with chicken and curry spices. The rice is cooked in chicken broth, which is golden yellow and very flavorful.
