Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Ayutthaya Historic Sites
Historic Sites in Ayutthaya, Thailand
Ayutthaya Historic Sites
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Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins
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Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins
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Historic Sites • Historic Walking Areas
What travellers are saying
- mikeRipon, UK50 contributionsCaught the train from Bangkok then took the little ferry across the river to get a TukTuk to take us around the ancient city. Each site was unique and each had its own interest. A must do tripWritten 25 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ingrid K1,491 contributionsBeautiful, breathtaking temple complex! This is a must see if you are in Ayutthaya. You can buy the ticket on the spot and just take a slow walk around the grounds. We went with a local Thai guide. The first thing he told us was not to take pictures with the Buddha's head up, so we wouldn't be taller than his head. Be respectful People could borrow umbrellas to protect themselves from the sun. It is necessary to carry a lot of water because the sun is strong. It was necessary to follow the dress code, not to have bare knees and bare shoulders.
It is known for its historical value and the iconic Buddha head embedded in the roots of the tree.
The complex is large, in 45 minutes you can walk around it at a fast pace and take photos, for a comfortable walk and enjoy the complex I recommend a minimum of 2 hours. The site is full of ancient ruins that tell the story of the city's rich history. The atmosphere is tranquil, making it a perfect place for meditation. If you are interested in history, ruins and ancient sites, this is the place for you.
We saw many groups of people sitting on the lawn painting and drawing.
I have seen on some travel blogs the recommendation to rent a bicycle to get around Ayutthaya between the different monuments.
A tip for photographers: stay until sunset and the golden hour... The bricks will have a glorious warm colour and shots of the setting sun between the magnificent ruins will have soul. The temples are beautifully illuminated by lanterns and other lights. You can also see them during the day, they are very pretty.
This is one of the most important temples in the Ayutthaya Historical Park, which was once the spiritual and administrative centre of the ancient capital. It is famous for its historical value and the iconic Buddha head embedded in the roots of a tree. Its history dates back to the 14th century and was the centre of religious life in the Ayutthaya kingdom.
The remains of the temple include a large central stupa (prang) surrounded by the ruins of other buildings and Buddha statues. The architectural style is typical of the Ayutthaya period, with an influence of Khmer architecture.
The missing Buddha heads are one of the most interesting mysteries at this historic site. There are several theories that try to explain this phenomenon, for example that the most likely cause is the devastating period when Ayutthaya was attacked and burned several times. The sacking by Burmese troops in 1767, which was one of the most significant and devastating attacks, was when the city was completely destroyed. During the invasion, many statues were destroyed or damaged and their heads were often chopped off. Soldiers and looters often chopped off the heads of statues as trophies or out of religious intolerance. The heads were valuable because they were believed to contain spiritual power. These heads were either taken as trophies or sold on the black market for antiquities.
Wat Mahathat is famous for holding some of the relics of the Buddha. This temple was one of the most important spiritual centres in the kingdom of Ayutthaya and was considered an important place to keep relics of the Buddha, adding to its religious significance.
Relics of the Buddha were often kept in stupas (prangs) or chedis in Thai temples, and Wat Mahathat was no exception. The main stupa of this temple was supposed to be the place where the relics were kept. This tradition adds to the spiritual and historical significance of the temple, making it an important site for Thai Buddhists and tourists seeking spiritual and cultural experiences.
Wat Mahathat is part of the Ayutthaya Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This park includes several important temples and monuments from the period when Ayutthaya was the capital of Siam (now Thailand), between 1350 and 1767. The UNESCO listing ensures the protection and preservation of this historic site, helping to safeguard its cultural and historical significance for future generations.Written 12 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Ingrid K1,491 contributionsIt is a beautiful complex known for its numerous Buddha statues, especially the rows of seated Buddha figures surrounding the main chedi. These statues are iconic, often draped in saffron robes, creating a serene and impressive sight. The Reclining Buddha is one of the many notable statues, but as the temple is filled with a variety of Buddha images, it's easy to miss a particular one if you're not aware of it. Unfortunately we missed it... but never mind, next time.
Be sure to dress appropriately and be respectful of the place when you visit.
Unlike most of the historic temples in Ayutthaya, which are in ruins, here you can find the stupa, which is restored and open for people to climb. The complex is not as large as other more popular temples, but the place is still pretty and it was a great experience to climb to the top and enjoy the view. You can drop coins into a well in the middle of the stupa. The view from the top is amazing. Around the chedi you'll find rows of Buddha statues draped in yellow robes.
As everywhere in Ayutthaya, this is a photographer's paradise... and if you get the sunset or sunrise, the photos must be unbelievable.
There is a huge car park with plenty of room for buses.
To thoroughly walk, enjoy and learn about Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, you would normally need about 1.5 to 2 hours. This time will allow you to
- Explore the main chedi and its surroundings.
- Walk through the rows of Buddha statues and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
- Visit the reclining Buddha statue and smaller structures within the temple complex.
- Read the information boards or hire a guide to understand the historical significance of the temple.
This duration gives you plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere, take photos and learn about the site's history without feeling rushed.
Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon is a prominent Buddhist temple in Ayutthaya, Thailand. It was originally built in 1357 during the reign of King Uthong, the founder of Ayutthaya, to house monks returning from study in Sri Lanka.
The temple is famous for its large chedi (stupa), built by King Naresuan in 1592 to commemorate his victory over the Burmese in a legendary elephant duel. The chedi is one of the tallest in Ayutthaya and is surrounded by rows of seated Buddha statues.
Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon remains an active temple today, attracting visitors for its historical significance, well-preserved structures and tranquil atmosphere. It's a key attraction for those exploring the Ayutthaya Historical Park.Written 15 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - vishaw k75 contributionsIts okay, went in the evening. Three Chinese ladies were meditating in the background. Peaceful. Keep it for the last leg of the tour.Written 7 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- DHLuxembourg City, Luxembourg704 contributionsThe first thing you notice when entering this site is the large amount of rooster statues followed by the lion ones.
According to a legend, King Naresuan defeated a burmese prince in a cockfight and people now bring roosters to this temple as offerings. You can even buy some at the temple site itself or in lots of street shops.
The ruins of the chedi are surrounded by lion statues.
Part of colums are still standing in the ruins of the large viharn.
Wat Thammikarat remains an active temple.Written 5 January 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Superbunny1160 contributionsAn absolutely great day out. Easy to get to via train and hire a tuck tuck driver for a few hours. Wish I had more time as the town surrounded the park but you don’t know it when at each Wat you visit as it’s made up of a number different temples to visit. For less than a US$120 for the whole day including train, tuck tuck and entry fees it’s a cheap day out to see UNESCO heritage rated temples.Written 21 February 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- JamHamOlathe, KS763 contributionsSerenity must be the theme of this temple complex. It is so peaceful and quiet and well worth walking around and enjoying the beauty of the area. Definitely worth taking the time for a visit!Written 14 July 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Toru OSetagaya, Japan3,252 contributionsLocated close to Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan and lying along Pa Sak river. The museum used to be a settlement for Japanese mercenaries hired by the Siam government when fighting against the Burmese army. 200 to 800 of such mercenaries, their families, and servants lived in the enclave during the first-half of the 17th century.
The museum also has an adjoining restaurant and exhibit that showcases Japanese culture. Definitely a must-visit for Japanese people who are into history.Written 11 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - melkeetIpoh, Malaysia1,383 contributionsWe hired a Tuk Tuk, for a day, to visit all the ruins and sites off the island. This former Portuguese settlement, was on our route, so we decided to stop here. There was no one around when we reach this site. There was an area of excavation and a church named San Petro Church. There is a museum and an excavated pit of graves of buried Portuguese with the skeletons being preserved.
As you walk deeper, you will reach the river bank, with the Japanese village just across it. There was no entrance fee and we spend about 30 minits here.Written 30 June 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Dr. Ziauddin AhmedDhaka City, Bangladesh1,518 contributionsThis is ruin of an ancient Buddhist temple; this temple is still being offered devotion by the devotees. This is located next the Ayutthaya Rajabhat University and Si Sanphet Rd. This old temple is small but beautiful one.Written 12 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- phat_dawg_21Alpharetta, GA17,331 contributionsNot much to see here. We went past it in a boat and our guide explained what it was. We saw it again walking the riverfront. It is a quick, less than 10 minute, stop. There is some informative signage.Written 28 May 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.