Self-Guided Day Trip to Ayutthaya from Bangkok

King Boromracha II (1424-48) commissioned the construction of Wat Ratchaburana to honor his older brothers, Ay and Yi, who were killed in a duel over the throne’s succession. The walls and columns of the viharn still stand, along with several ruined chedis. The large prang, featuring intricate stucco depictions of nagas supporting garudas, is exceptionally well preserved.

Within the two crypts at the base of the prang, you’ll find fascinating wall paintings, likely created by Chinese artists who had settled in Ayutthaya. These artists were skilled at blending various artistic styles, including those of the Khmer, Burmese, Lopburi, and Sukhothai.

At the crossroads of the temple, two additional chedis house the ashes of the royal brothers, while a third commemorates Queen Si Suriyothai. She heroically dressed as a man and rode into battle on a white elephant to save her husband during a confrontation with the Burmese around 1550. Tragically, she lost her life in the process.

Wat Ratchaburana was built by King Borom Ratchathirat II at the site where his two brothers died in a duel over the throne of Ayutthaya. Following their deaths, he became the king. The temple, constructed during the early Ayutthaya period, features a central prang as its focal point.

In 1957, the temple’s vault was looted, and although the thieves were caught, many of the stolen items were never recovered. However, over 100,000 Buddhist votive tablets and more than 100 kilograms of gold jewelry were eventually found. The vaults inside the prang also featured murals depicting the Buddha’s previous lives, but these images have since deteriorated significantly.

Many of the gold artifacts and treasures found at Wat Ratchaburana are now displayed in the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum, which also houses an impressive collection of Buddha images and wooden door panels from various temples in Ayutthaya.

Wat Thammikarat is known for its striking mix of ancient ruins and architectural remnants. The temple’s origins date back to the early Ayutthaya period, and it stands out for its unique layout, which includes a large viharn and a series of chedis. The temple is most famous for its impressive prang, which was originally a Khmer-style tower, and the surrounding ruins, which offer a glimpse into the grandeur of the past. Despite being partially destroyed over the years, the site still exudes a sense of tranquility and historical significance.

One of the most notable features of Wat Thammikarat is the large, seated Buddha statue that greets visitors upon arrival. This statue, along with the other smaller Buddha figures scattered around the temple, creates a peaceful atmosphere for contemplation. The temple is also home to ancient stone inscriptions and decorative elements that tell the story of Ayutthaya’s early religious and cultural developments. Wat Thammikarat remains an important site for both local worship and tourists interested in exploring the ancient history of the Ayutthaya Kingdom.

Wat Phra Si Sanphet is not only the most beautiful temple in old Ayutthaya but also its most historically significant. Known as the King’s Temple, this site is famous for its three grand chedis and numerous smaller ones, making it one of the most striking landmarks in the ancient city.

Two of the large chedis, the eastern and central ones, were constructed in 1492 by King Ramathibodi II to enshrine the ashes of his father and older brother. The third chedi, built in 1530 by his son, King Boromaraja IV, houses the king’s own ashes.

All three chedis were looted by the Burmese, though they were unable to take the hundreds of small Buddha statues made of bronze, crystal, silver, lead, and gold, which are now housed in the National Museum in Bangkok. Additional smaller Buddha figures were also seized and placed in Wat Buddhaisawan and the western viharn of Wat Pho, both of which are now part of the National Museum collection. As you leave the temple, you’ll see the ruins of Wang Luang, the Grand Palace, to your left. Only the foundations remain, as the palace was destroyed by the Burmese.

Wat Phra Ram was constructed in 1912 B.E. by King Ramesuan at the cremation site of his father, King Uthong. Since King Ramesuan reigned for only one year, it is believed that the temple’s construction was completed either by his successor, King Borom Rachathirat I, or by King Ramesuan during his second reign.

The temple has undergone several restorations over the centuries, including during the reign of King Borom Trailokanath and later by King Borom Kot in 2284 B.E. The temple complex features a large prang and numerous chedis.

In front of the temple is a large pond, originally called ‘Nong Sono,’ now known as Bung Phra Ram. The earth from this pond was excavated for the construction of nearby temples, including Wat Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana, and the former Royal Palace.

Phra Mongkhon Bophit Temple is a revered Buddhist temple located in the heart of Ayutthaya, known for housing one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in Thailand. The statue, which stands over 9 meters tall, is a central feature of the temple and is a popular site for both worshippers and tourists. Originally built in the 15th century during the reign of King Borom Rachathirat II, the temple was severely damaged during the Burmese invasion in 1767. It was later restored in the 1950s, with the restoration of the Buddha statue being a significant part of the work.

The temple complex is home to a large open hall that houses the Buddha statue, surrounded by smaller chedis and a serene atmosphere that attracts those seeking a peaceful and spiritual environment. Phra Mongkhon Bophit is often considered a symbol of the revival of Ayutthaya’s religious heritage after its destruction. The temple continues to be a significant center for religious practice, with daily rituals and ceremonies conducted by monks and visitors coming to pay respects to the sacred statue.

Located on the eastern outskirts of Ayutthaya, Wat Yai Chai Mongkol (or Mongkhon) is an incredibly impressive temple, with its towering chedi rising from a square base and surrounded by four smaller chedis. A standout feature of the temple is the large reclining Buddha near the entrance.

Constructed in 1357 by King U Thong, the temple was originally assigned to monks of a strict order trained in Sri Lanka, and members of this order still reside there today. Before leaving, be sure to climb the stairs of the chedi for stunning views of the surrounding statues and gardens.

Restoration efforts that began in 1987 turned Wat Chaiwatthanaram from a looted ruin into one of the most popular attractions in the Ayutthaya Historical Park. Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, this expansive temple complex is one of Ayutthaya’s most impressive and offers a glimpse into the deep influence of Buddhism on Thai culture.

Constructed in the traditional Khmer architectural style, the complex features a central prang, or spire, standing on a rectangular base, surrounded by four smaller prang and eight chedi-like temples, also known as merus. The exterior of the merus once displayed reliefs depicting scenes from the Buddha’s life, though only fragments of these remain today. Sunset is a particularly stunning time to visit, as the warm light enhances the beauty of the structures.

Wat Lokaya Sutha, also known as the “Temple of the Reclining Buddha,” is one of Ayutthaya’s most iconic historical sites. The temple is best known for its massive reclining Buddha statue, which measures 37 meters in length and 8 meters in height. This awe-inspiring image, crafted from brick and covered with stucco, depicts the Buddha in a serene repose, symbolizing his entry into Nirvana. The statue’s graceful posture and the tranquil expression on the Buddha’s face make it a powerful representation of peace and enlightenment. Despite the surrounding ruins, the reclining Buddha remains well-preserved and continues to be a significant site of worship for locals and visitors alike.

The temple itself, though largely in ruins, still offers a glimpse into its former grandeur during Ayutthaya’s golden era. The remains of the central prang, surrounded by crumbled chedis and walls, suggest the scale and importance of Wat Lokaya Sutha in its prime. Situated near other historical landmarks, the temple is easy to include in a tour of Ayutthaya’s ancient city. Visitors often leave offerings or drape the reclining Buddha in saffron-colored cloth as a gesture of respect and devotion. The peaceful ambiance of Wat Lokaya Sutha, combined with its historical and spiritual significance, makes it a must-visit for those exploring Ayutthaya’s rich heritage.

Situated across from the Grand Palace, Wat Na Phra Men (also known as Wat Na Phra Meru) is one of the few temples that survived the destruction wrought by the Burmese. The exact date of its construction remains unknown; however, records indicate that it was restored during the reign of King Boromakot (1732-58) and again in the early Bangkok period.

The temple’s bot, the largest room in the complex, is both spacious and impressive, featuring intricate wood carvings on the gable and door panels. Interestingly, a large Buddha statue inside the bot is dressed in royal attire, which is an uncommon and striking feature.