Ayutthaya

Capital of the kingdom of the same name for over four centuries, Ayutthaya was one of the most powerful and cosmopolitan urban centers in Southeast Asia. Today, its UNESCO-listed ruins bear witness to the past grandeur of this riverside city, destroyed in 1767 by Burmese armies.

A royal heritage at the heart of rivers

Founded in 1350 by King U-Thong, Ayutthaya quickly became the capital of a kingdom that dominated central Thailand until the late 18th century. Located at the confluence of three rivers, the city was surrounded by water, making it both a natural fortress and a major commercial crossroads.

At its height, it hosted traders from China, Persia, Portugal, Japan, and Holland, and was compared to Venice or Paris by European travelers.

Must-see sites

Ayutthaya’s temple ruins are easily explored by bike or tuk-tuk:

Wat Mahathat: famous for the Buddha’s head entwined in banyan roots.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet: former royal temple with its three iconic stupas.
Wat Ratchaburana: crypt decorated with frescoes and panoramic views from the prang.
Wat Chaiwatthanaram: majestic temple on the west bank, ideal at sunset.

An atmosphere between past and present

Ayutthaya is not frozen in time: monks, recreated floating markets, and street stalls coexist with the ruins, creating a unique ambiance, both contemplative and lively.

Practical information

Access: train from Bangkok (1h30–2h), minibus, or boat for a river excursion.
Recommended duration: 1 to 2 days.
Getting around: bike, tuk-tuk, or walking in the historic park.
Climate: hot and humid, bring a hat and water.

Conclusion

Ayutthaya is a journey through time, where majestic ruins tell the story of a vanished kingdom, still alive in Thai memory. Ideal for history lovers, religious architecture enthusiasts, and photographers.

Ayutthaya - พระนครศรีอยุธยา

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, or simply Ayutthaya, is the capital of the Ayutthaya province in Thailand. Founded in 1350, the city is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

It was looted in 1569 by the Burmese and destroyed in 1767.

Like Sukhothai, monuments and temples are scattered over a large area. What is striking in Ayutthaya is that most Buddha statues have been vandalized, with heads cut off and taken away.

Wat Mahathat – The Temple of the Great Relic - วัดมหาธาตุ พระนครศรีอยุธยา

This temple is located in the center of the ancient city of Ayutthaya and was built by King Borommaracha I in 1374. Initially known by another name, it underwent transformations during the reign of Ramesuan starting in 1384.