Ayutthaya can be found about 80 km north of Bangkok, Thailand’s capital. This historic city has been considered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991.
First, we can address this site’s history, one that started when, many centuries ago, Thai people migrated to south from China. After the establishment of other kingdoms, the Thai founded in 1350 the Kingdom of Ayutthaya (or Siam) with a homonymous capital (Ayutthaya).
A vast territorial unit was then constituted, one that kept expanding itself for 400 years, almost reaching the total area that today constitutes modern Thailand.
The justification for Ayutthaya being one of the largest and richest cities in Asia has a lot do with its location and seaport. It’s located on an island, amidst the broad and reach plains of the Chao Phraya River (and 2 other rivers), halfway between China, India and Malaysia. This was the place where items such as teak wood, ivory, silk and handicraft were traded.
Back then, the city was splendorous and was inhabited by 1 million people… There’s an estimation that indicates that the city was the home of around 1500 temples and 4000 statues.
But such golden period ended in 1767, when the Burmese army entered the city. The Kingdom’s capital was looted and reduced to ashes, with the Buddhas being beheaded. What once was the hub of the Siamese authority for so many years ended up shattered, to the point where it no longer could house the government. Then, a new capital was established in Thonburi. Only later, in 1782, Bangkok assumed such role, located on the opposite side of the river that baths Thonburi. Due to this, this ancient capital is known by locals as the ancient Bangkok.
Given how historically important it is, I definitely recommend visiting Ayutthaya. It was extremely important for what we know today as Thailand. If you happen to be in Bangkok, you can easily go there by taking the train. It doesn’t take much time and it’s so cheap. I did that way!
Nowadays, a visit to Ayutthaya offers several temples (called wat), museums and an elephant park. Here are some places that you shouldn’t overlook.
Wat Yai Chaya Mongkol
This temple is actually a former royal monastery. During the Ayutthaya kingdom, it was a very important location for the royal family’s education, as well as of several important figures.
It portrays the victory of King Naresuan, whom Thais consider to be a real hero. During the loot of 1767, this temple became a fortress. Much more recently, it was overhauled, and right now is one of the country’s most mesmerising temples.
Climbing its stairs is something interesting, as we are provided with the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery and walk right next to temple itself, side by side with Buddha statues with their yellow mantle, the stupas and the enormous statue of a reclined Buddha.
Wat Maha That
This temple can be found right in the heart of Ayutthaya and was one of the kingdom’s most prominent. This was the spot where Buddha’s relics were consecrated, working as well as the residence of the Supreme Patriarch of the Thai monks and as an important centre of Buddhism.
Currently, we can only see its foundations.
Right next to it, we can spot the immensely famous Buddha head in tree roots. There are records stating that when the Burmese army invaded the city, Buddha images were beheaded and, with time, a tree grew around one of them.
Wat Wiharn Phra Mongkhon Bophit
Whenever a king died, a place had to be chosen to conduct the cremation process. This palace was built on the spot that held such cremations.
A 12-meter Buddha statue, which was originally located outside, was placed within a roofed structure. That’s the temple we can see today.
Wat Lokayasutharam
This monument is a reclining Buddha statue made of cement, with a width of 37 meters. It used to be encircled by a temple, of which only the foundations remain.
Wat Ratchaburana
This is a Buddhist temple, built on the spot where 2 brothers passed away (they killed each other) in a fight for the kingdom throne.
Currently, besides the temple’s ruins, it is also possible to visit its 2 towers and some incredible stone engravings. There’s a crypt inside the temple, from where you can catch the murals on the walls.
Wat Phra se Sanphet
This temple was part of the royal palace complex, in which important royal ceremonies were held. The ashes of one of the kings and his 2 sons can be found in its 3 stupas. This is the former capital’s biggest temple.
Claudia says
The history of Ayutthaya is so interesting! I had to re-read the part that you said it was inhabited by 1 million people before 1767 just to double check ! Crazy how it all changed after
Catarina Leonardo says
Hi Claudia 🙂
So glad you liked! Really amazing…
Kim-Ling says
So much interesting information! The Budda head in the trees at Wat Maha That is so intriguing! What were the murals like in Wat Ratchaburana?
Catarina Leonardo says
Hi Kim-Ling 🙂
So good you like my information! The work is amazing.
Heather says
Fascinating history. I really regret not hopping on a train to visit Ayutthaya while I was in Bangkok. Just a reason to return. Your description of Ayutthaya is very detailed and would be handy for travelers to have while visiting the site. Bookmarking this for a future trip, thanks!
Catarina Leonardo says
Hi Heather 🙂
I´m really glad that you like this post! I agree with you, this is a great reason to return.
Jenna says
Sounds like some very interesting spots to visit! I can see why it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with all the fantastic and historic spots to explore. The crypt and the stone carvings at Wat Ratchaburana sound really intriguing and it’s nice the area is easily reached by train!
Catarina Leonardo says
Hi Jenna 🙂
Ayutthaya is really a amazing place to visit. So much things happened there…
Siddhartha Joshi says
It’s just impossible to image a city of 1M people such a long time back… Ayutthaya really must have been a massive and impressive capital city! I’ve never been to Thailand but adding to my itinerary whenever I do visit…
Catarina Leonardo says
Hi Siddharta 🙂
I agree with you… is really amazing. I hope you like 🙂
Mags says
I absolutely fell in love with Thailand when I was there last year. Unfortunately I didn’t make it to Ayutthaya, but now I can’t wait to get back.
Catarina Leonardo says
Hi Mags 🙂
Like me. I want to return soon.
Brianna Simmons says
Thailand has such a fascinating history. These temples have changed little and seen so much.
Catarina Leonardo says
Hi Brianna 🙂
Really has. Beautiful landscape and culture.
Jenn and Ed Coleman says
Ayutthaya was the next place we could have visited if we had just one more day in Thailand. We really wanted to do a bike tour through the old ruins so we could see even more. It’s amazing how a capital city can be reduced to ruins. The only counterpart in western culture I can think of is Carthage.
Catarina Leonardo says
Hi Jenn and Ed 🙂
Carthage is a really interesting place also. Maybe next time in Thailand you go to Ayutthaya 🙂
Jen Joslin says
I love visiting places with historical significance and ancient ruins, so Ayutthaya definitely fits the bill! I can’t believe we haven’t been there yet considering how many times we’ve been to Bangkok. Thanks for sharing details about the history of the city and temples. Incredible that a million people lived there in the “golden period.” You’ve convinced me that we need to make the trip there!
Catarina Leonardo says
Hi Jen 🙂
I hope you like my other posts! I always write about some history. Next time you visit 😉
Vicky and Buddy says
It makes me so sad to read about temples being desecrated by invaders. I saw beheaded Buddha statues in Siem Reap as well. The history of Ayutthaya is very interesting and I hadn’t known anything about it. Thanks for the detailed history!
Catarina Leonardo says
Hi Vichy 🙂
Yes, is really sad to know that there were son many interesting things that were destroyed…
I´m so glad that you like!