Ayutthaya, a beautiful city in Thailand, was once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam. Founded in 1350, it played a significant role in Thai history and culture. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its stunning temples and rich cultural heritage.
Ayutthaya was a powerful city for over 400 years, known for its trade and diplomacy. It connected Thailand with countries like China, India, and even Europe. The city thrived until 1767 when the Burmese army invaded and much of Ayutthaya was destroyed. Despite this, many of the ruins still stand, telling the story of its grand past.
Ayutthaya is close to Bangkok, making it an excellent place for a day trip. It offers visitors a chance to see unique historical sites and learn about Thai culture. There are many temples, palaces, and museums to explore. Let’s dive into the incredible things you can do in Ayutthaya!
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Things to Do in Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya Historical Park
This Historical Park is one of the most iconic attractions in Ayutthaya, especially for history enthusiasts who visit this park. This UNESCO Heritage site covers a massive area and includes 67 majestic temples in Ayutthaya .
The park boasts the previous capital town of the Siam kingdom, Buddha statues, and green and grassy plots. This place is worth a visit and one of the unique things to do in Ayutthaya. You can take a virtual tour to this historical park.
Million Toy Museum Ayutthaya
The iconic Million Toy Museum exhibits millions of foreign and local toys and is a favorite place for children and adults alike. The location of the museum is easy to reach. This is a two-story building painted with bright blue and white colors and houses the personal toys collection of Mr.Kirk Yiuphan, a professor of children’s literature at the University of Srinakharinwirot.
The ground floor boasts local toys from Ayutthaya and other parts of Thailand whereas the upper floor showcases toys from all over the world. You can find here models of cartoon characters, dolls including Crayon Chin Chan, Dragon Ball, Doraemon, Hello Kitty, Scooby Doo, Superman, and Ultraman, etc.
The Million Toy Museum also offers activities like storytelling and art classes for children every Saturday and Sunday. In addition, some ancient utensils are also showcased in the museum. All this makes this museum one of the best things to do in Ayutthaya, and you can visit here from 9 am to 4 pm with a petty entrance fee. See their Facebook page for further details.
Chao Sam Phraya National Museum
This National Museum houses several unique and priceless treasures from Ayutthaya Temples. The Chao Sam Phraya National Museum was established in 1961 to show the articles excavated at Wat MahaThat and Wat Ratchaburana between 1957 & 1958. The museum consists of three buildings to show its treasures and is a beloved place for history buffs.
The museum showcases a large stone statue of Buddha from the Davaravati period along with different articles and artifacts excavated between 1957 & 1958. Thailand keeps 5 out of 6 such statues in the world. Similarly, you can see a bronze head from a Buddha image which shows ancient craftsmanship.
The wooden carved door panels of Wat Phra Sri Sanphet and Wat Hantra can be found here. There are many Buddha images in this main building, which attracts visitors. In addition, two rooms on the second floor exhibit golden objects of ancient times including the golden sword of King Intharacha.
This building also includes many Royal utensils and ornaments used by the monarchs and their families. Similarly, you can find here the ancient utensils and different equipment used by the ancient Siamese in their daily life.
The Chao Sam Phraya National Museum includes various images of Buddha, Avalokitesvara, Bodhisattva, and Ganesha. The objects in this museum belong to different periods of history from the 6th to 19th century.
Visit the Floating Market
The floating market is a local attraction showing Thai culture and one of the best things to do in Ayutthaya. This market is famous for its over 200 shops and food stalls and has become a tourist hub for local and international visitors alike.
The Ayutthaya Floating Market is a must-see when you visit Ayutthaya. It’s a lively place with culture, food, and unique items. Here, you can try a variety of delicious Thai dishes. From spicy noodles to sweet desserts, there’s something for everyone. Vendors cook right on their boats, making the experience even more special.
Besides enjoying the local cuisine, you can shop for souvenirs or other handicrafts. You’ll find beautiful handicrafts made by local artists. These make perfect gifts or keepsakes to remember your trip. The market is open from 9 in the morning to 7 pm.
Primarily, this market was established as a tourist attraction for preserving and demonstrating Thai culture and arts. The market offers true Thai culture through local people wearing traditional costumes, unique architecture, folk performances, and spending a simple life.
Street Food in the night market
Ayutthaya offers you the best street foods at a very low price. The street food includes noodle stalls in boats, coconut puddings, and hand-sized prawns. Street food is available almost all day. However, to taste the real local cuisine of Ayutthaya you should visit the Bang Ian Night Market or opposite Wat Mahathat, favorite places to enjoy the delicious street foods.
The food in the night markets offers you a variety to enjoy, you can delight yourself with flavored mango and sticky rice. As soon as the sun sets these markets put chairs to invite the local customers and the tourists as well. Besides the local cuisine, culture, and the antiquity of Ayutthaya city will spellbound you.
Relax with Thai Massage in Ayutthaya
Thai massage is famous for its magical and relaxing effects. Thai massage is proven to heal aches and muscle pain. This is an ancient practice and therapy found only in Thailand. The massage is given with hot salt in a clay pot, wrapped in herbal leaves. This helps soften muscles, restore vitality, and improve blood circulation in the body.
They offer Traditional Thai massage, foot massage, and oil massage. Mostly, massage sessions last for 90 minutes, making your body limber and relaxed. You can relax your body and mind with a Thai massage in Ayutthaya among one of the many massage parlors for $10 or less.
Rama Public Park
The historical Rama Public Park is located in the center of Ayutthaya. The park is 1 km long and full of trees and beautiful structures of smaller temples, pagodas, and chedis. You can rest in the shady trees and eat in peace and eat.
You can rent a bike to tour this park at your ease. The number of birds and small animals in the park gives a pleasant sensation. The park also offers many gardens, bridges, small ponds and lakes. Visiting Pama public park is one of the best things to do in Ayutthaya.
The Royal Elephant Kraal Village: Elephantstay
An elephant is a cultural symbol in Thailand, and you can see several references for elephants in Ayutthaya city. The Royal Elephant Kraal village was established in 1996 and houses over 80 elephants. They offer the best things to do in Ayutthaya by involving the visitors in different activities with elephants.
Elephantstay is working under a nonprofit organization and cares for old working elephants, aiming to provide these elephants a comfortable and safe retired life. The elephants enjoy eating, bathing, grazing, and love from the visiting people.
The Elephantstay is directly working for the benevolence and welfare of retired and non-working elephants. Here you can live with these animals while enjoying bathing, feeding them, and experiencing their ride. The experienced guides are helpful to the visitors in enjoying the company of these majestic animals.
Discover Bang Pa-In Royal Palace
Bang Pa-In Royal Palace, also known as the Summer Palace, is another fantastic place to visit. It has a fascinating history. The palace was first built in the 17th century by King Prasat Thong. Over the years, other Thai kings have restored and expanded it, making it a place full of historical significance.
The architecture of Bang Pa-In Royal Palace is stunning. The palace combines European and Thai styles, creating a unique and beautiful look. Walking through the palace grounds, you’ll see elegant buildings and lush gardens. The blend of styles makes it a picturesque place to explore and take photos.
Key Structures within the Palace
It would be best to notice several important structures within Bang Pa-In Royal Palace.
- Aisawan Thiphya-Art Pavilion: This pavilion is a classic example of Thai architecture. It stands gracefully on a pond and is perfect for taking beautiful photos.
- Phra Thinang Uthayan Phumisathian: This is another striking building in the palace. It showcases a mix of European and Thai architectural styles. The intricate design demonstrates the builders’ craftsmanship.
Take a Boat Tour Along the Chao Phraya River
Taking a boat tour along the Chao Phraya River is one of the best ways to see Ayutthaya from a unique perspective. As you glide down the river, you’ll enjoy scenic views of lush greenery, traditional Thai houses, and impressive temple ruins. The gentle rocking of the boat and the cool breeze make for a relaxing and memorable experience.
One of the highlights of the boat tour is seeing the temples from the water. You can spot the tall spires of Wat Phra Si Sanphet and the beautiful structure of Wat Chaiwatthanaram. These views are perfect for taking stunning photos that capture the essence of Ayutthaya.
There are different types of boat tours available to suit various preferences and schedules. You can choose from short tours that last an hour or two, or more extended tours that take up most of the day. Some tours offer guided commentary, where knowledgeable guides share interesting facts and stories about the sights you pass.
If you prefer a more personalized experience, you can rent a private boat. This option allows you to explore the river at your own pace and stop at specific spots that interest you. Whether you choose a group tour or a private one, a boat tour on the Chao Phraya River is a fantastic way to explore Ayutthaya.
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