Hello, "Ayutthaya," our ancient city in the past.


Hello everyone, today I'm here to share a review after a long absence. I've been busy lately and haven't had time to go on a trip. Luckily, AirAsia had a promotion, so I decided to take advantage of it. After getting the promo tickets, I planned with my friend where to go that was convenient and not far from Bangkok. In the end, we decided on this place: "Ayutthaya," our ancient city in the past.



Embarking on a journey from Krabi Airport with AirAsia to Don Mueang Airport in the early hours of the morning. This was my first time experiencing such an early flight, but it presented a unique opportunity to witness a breathtaking sight: the sun rising above the clouds. The spectacle was truly mesmerizing. After a flight of 1 hour and 15 minutes, the plane touched down at Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok.


Leaving Don Mueang Airport for Ayutthaya: A Train Journey

Departing from Don Mueang Airport, we boarded a train at Don Mueang Station, securing tickets for the onward journey to Ayutthaya, the primary destination of this trip. The remarkably affordable tickets promised a one-hour travel time. As the train approached Ayutthaya Station, the whistle's shrill cry signaled the commencement of our adventure. Let's embark on this journey together to discover the hidden gems of Ayutthaya.




We have arrived at… "Ayutthaya" the ancient city



Due to the circular layout of Ayutthaya's tourist attractions, the most convenient way to get around is by renting a motorbike. Rental shops are readily available near the train station, offering a variety of brands and prices. The average daily rental fee is 200 baht, with a citizen ID card required as a deposit. With a map in hand, you're ready to explore the historical sites.


Ayutthaya Tourist Map from www.tourismthailand.org


Wat Mahathat

This is the first starting point. It is an ancient temple with an uncertain history. Some say it was built in 1917, while others say it was built in 1927. However, it took a long time to build. During the reign of King Songtham, the prang collapsed almost halfway to the Garuda level. The original prang of the temple was built of laterite, but for some unknown reason, it was not repaired to its original state during that reign. Later, King Prasat Thong restored it to a height of 25 wa, but it collapsed again during the reign of King Rama V. Later, during the reign of King Rama VI, soldiers were sent to help build the top of the prang with teak wood, and it was declared the national prang. The prang of Wat Mahathat remains there to this day. Information: https://th.wikipedia.org




The highlight of this temple is the sandstone Buddha head from the Ayutthaya period in the roots of a banyan tree near the wihan of Wat Mahathat, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. This temple is one of the most visited and photographed places in the Ayutthaya Historical Park, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.



Wat Ratchaburana

Located north of Wat Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana was a royal monastery during the Ayutthaya period. The temple consists of a main prang surrounded by a covered walkway, a viharn on the east side, and a ubosot on the west side, all aligned on the same axis. Wat Ratchaburana is famous for the discovery of a large number of gold artifacts in the crypt of the main prang. Visitors can also view early Ayutthaya period murals inside the crypt. Wat Ratchaburana is a popular tourist destination. Source: https://watboran.wordpress.com


The Temple of Wat Phra Si Sanphet

Located within the ancient palace grounds, Wat Phra Si Sanphet served as a Buddhist temple without resident monks, dedicated to hosting significant royal ceremonies and housing the ashes of deceased monarchs. Comparable to Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram within the Grand Palace in Bangkok, today only brick and stucco ruins and three towering chedis remain as prominent landmarks. Despite its current state, the temple continues to captivate visitors, offering a glimpse into the grandeur and magnificence of Ayutthaya during its reign as the capital. Constructed as the royal temple of the palace during that era, Wat Phra Si Sanphet stands as a testament to the city's rich history and cultural heritage.


After visiting three temples, the scorching heat was almost unbearable. By noon, our energy was waning, and we needed to refuel before continuing our exploration. Since we were in Ayutthaya, we couldn't miss the opportunity to try the famous boat noodles, a local delicacy. So, we stopped for a bite to eat.


Full of energy, let's continue!


Wat Chaiwatthanaram

Located in Ban Pom Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River on the island of Ayutthaya. Wat Chaiwatthanaram is a temple with an architectural style unlike any other temple in Ayutthaya. And because the Fine Arts Department has been carrying out restoration work until now, tourists can still see the outline of its magnificent beauty, which visitors should not miss.


Notes:

  • I am ready to translate sentences or phrases from Thai to English.
  • Please provide the text you want me to translate.


It's time to check in. I want to take a shower and sleep for a while. This is my first time staying in a hostel because it's cheap. This time I chose to stay here.

Yimwhan Hostel and Cafe



Visiting Ayutthaya? Look no further than this amazing accommodation! The friendly owner provides excellent advice and information, and the rooms are both spotless and beautifully decorated.

A café is conveniently located below the rooms, perfect for those who enjoy relaxing. This place offers the perfect combination of comfortable accommodation and a delightful café experience.


Website http://yimwhan-hostel-cafe.h0tel.website/


There are many more places to go. Let's continue to Ayutthaya Floating Market, a new tourist attraction. It is located on an area of 60 rai, in the same location as Ayutthaya Elephant Camp next to Wat Maheyong. It can be called the largest floating market in Ayutthaya. It is an ancient-style retro market surrounded by nature in a traditional Thai style and waterways. It is divided into zones. Ayutthaya Floating Market has up to 249 shops, including 50 food boats, 40 more Thai community flea markets, and 159 other shops. There is a bridge along the river to choose products from groups of villagers from different districts or a variety of OTOP products. Ayutthaya Floating Market, a new tourist attraction. It is located on an area of 60 rai, in the same location as Ayutthaya Elephant Camp next to Wat Maheyong. It can be called the largest floating market in Ayutthaya. It is an ancient-style retro market surrounded by nature in a traditional Thai style and waterways. It is divided into zones. Ayutthaya Floating Market has up to 249 shops, including 50 food boats, 40 more Thai community flea markets, and 159 other shops. There is a bridge along the river to choose products from groups of villagers from different districts or a variety of OTOP products. Information: http://www.paiduaykan.com



Wat Yai Chaimongkol

Considered the most historically significant and popular tourist destination in Ayutthaya, Wat Yai Chaimongkol attracts a large number of visitors. The temple is renowned for its historical significance during the Ayutthaya period, its remarkable architecture, and the tallest pagoda in Ayutthaya. Behind the temple lies the shrine of King Naresuan the Great, where devotees come to pay their respects.



Before entering the accommodation, there is one more thing that should not be missed when arriving at Wat Yai Chaimongkol. The famous trend we will not miss

Shredded Chicken Noodle in front of Wat Yai Chaimongkol

Delicious, spicy, really lives up to its reputation. Most importantly, it's very cheap.



This concludes my review of tourist attractions in Ayutthaya province. This is just a fraction of the many tourist destinations in Ayutthaya. I have only selected the most prominent ones, as visiting every temple would be overwhelming. This trip offered many new and exciting experiences.

My favorite thing to do is to ride the train. It's a feeling that I can't describe. Every time I travel to a new place, I have a different experience. I'll tell you about my next trip when I get back. In the meantime, please follow my page.

https://web.facebook.com/PKimage/


Expenses for this trip...

The cost of a plane ticket from Krabi to Bangkok is 750 baht.

The train fare from Don Mueang Station to Ayutthaya Station is 20 baht.

Free train tickets are available from Ayutthaya Station to Don Mueang Station.

Food cost 300 baht.

The motorbike rental fee is 200 baht, 100 baht per person.

Accommodation fee 900 baht per person 450 baht



Comments