The Historic City of Ayutthaya

I love watching watching documentaries about ancient cities—their mysteries, their cultures, and the stories they tell through the remnants of their architecture. So when I had the opportunity to visit Bangkok, I couldn't let the chance to actually stand in the ruins of a city that once flourished pass me by. 

As someone deeply fascinated with history and ancient ruins, exploring Ayutthaya was a must for me.

About Ayutthaya

The ancient city of Ayutthaya, just an hour or so from Bangkok, offers a fascinating window into Thailand’s rich past. The Ayutthaya Historical Park comprises the remains of different grand temples, palaces, and monuments.

Admission to most temple ruins is free. However, the major and popular ones charge an entrance fee of 50 THB, while the less visited ones for 20 THB. You can also purchase a multi-entry pass for 220 THB, which can give you access to six famous temples (Wat Chai Watthanaram, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Phra Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Phra Ram, and Wat Maheyong).

Wat Phra Si Sanphet truly took my breath away. Completed in 1448, it is said to be where the most important ceremonies were held, and it also served as the royal family's private chapel. The three main chedis house the ashes of three Ayutthaya kings..

Wat Mahathat or the Temple of the Great Relic was a temple close to the Royal Palace. Built in 1374, it is one of the oldest and most significant temples in the history of Ayutthaya as it housed the Buddha's holy relic.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Ayutthaya was once the proud capital of the Kingdom of Siam from 1350 until it was attacked and burned to the ground in 1767 by the Burmese army.

Despite the scorching heat, I really enjoyed my entire time there.  I found myself imagining what life was like and what stories unfold within those walls.

How to Get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok

If you ever find yourself in Thailand, a visit to Ayutthaya is highly recommended and definitely worth your time. It’s easily accessible from Bangkok, whether by train, bus, or car, and the city offers a range of historical sites to explore.

By Train

Trains to Ayutthaya depart from Bangkok’s Bang Sue Railway Station. The journey takes about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the train type. Tickets are very affordable, ranging from 15 to 200 THB (Php25 - 345) based on the class of travel.

We opted for a third-class, non-airconditioned train for 20THB. The trip took a little more than an hour. First and Second-class airconditioned trains are also available at a much higher price. Trains run regularly throughout the day, making this a flexible and scenic way to reach Ayutthaya.

By Bus or Minivan

Buses and minivans to Ayutthaya depart from Mo Chit Bus Terminal. Travel time is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, but can take longer when there's a traffic buildup during rush hours. Fares range from 50 to 100 THB.

Minivans are slightly faster than buses and offer direct routes to Ayutthaya. They are also available from Victory Monument and Khao San Road, making them a good choice if you’re near these areas in Bangkok.

By Car/Grab

Ayutthaya is about 80 kilometers north of Bangkok. You can hire a private car or take a Grab there. This can be the most comfortable and convenient way to go to Ayutthaya but it can definitely cost you more. 

By Booking a Tour

If you are not into DIY, a convenient and cost-effective choice is to book a tour with Klook. With this, you don’t have to worry about the itinerary and transportation—everything is taken care of for you. All you need to do is head to the designated pickup point. From there, you're all set to explore and enjoy your adventure without the stress of dealing with getting lost or getting ripped off by drivers who take advantage of tourists. 

Plus, there will a tour guide who can explain the history at every stopover. It’s a stress-free way to travel so you can focus solely on the fun. 

Tips for Exploring Ayutthaya

Bicycle and Tuk-Tuk Rentals

Once in Ayutthaya, bicycles are a popular way to explore the city. You can rent one at 60 THB per day. The temples within Ayutthaya Historical Park are relatively close to each other, especially those in the central area, making it easy to explore several sites on foot or by bicycle.

You can also hire a tuk-tuk for a few hours or the whole day to take you between sites. Rates vary and may depend on your negotiation skills. But in our case, since the sun was unforgiving for biking, we hired a tuktuk for 500 THB that's good for 4 hours.

What to Wear

While active temples have a strict dress code (shoulders and knees must be covered, and shorts, tight, or revealing clothing are not allowed), you can wear a more relaxed attire as long as it remains modest and not too revealing when exploring the ruins. Yes, shorts and sleeveless are allowed.

Wear a breathable fabric and choose light-colored clothes since they absorb less heat.

At Wat Mahathat. The smiling Buddha's head entwined within the roots of the banyan tree is one of the most iconic images in Ayutthaya.

Protect Yourself from the Sun

The heat can be intense, so it’s important to protect yourself from the sun, especially during the midday. Wear a sunscreen. Bring a hat and sunglasses. Use an umbrella (you can borrow the ones provided at the entrance of each temple). Stay hydrated.

Wat Ratchaburana was founded in 1424. It housed some of the greatest treasures uncovered in the city.

Be Respectul

Keep in mind that even though most structures are in a ruined state, these places are considered sacred and rules are still in place. 

Left: Wat Ratchaburana's well-preserved Kmher style prang. Top-right: Wat Lokayasutharam (reclining Buddha), which is nearly 42 meters long and 8 meters high. Restoration/maintainance was in progress when we were there. Bottom-right: Decapitated Buddha statues.

And lastly, ENJOY!

Our trip to Ayutthaya was a truly unique experience that allowed us to go back in time and explore the grandeur of a lost kingdom.

For anyone who loves history and the beauty of ancient architecture, Ayutthaya gives you an experience that’s both incredible and enriching.

And with Cebu Pacific now flying direct from Davao to Bangkok three (3) times weekly, it’s easier than ever to experience this historic destination firsthand.