AYUTTHAYA HISTORICAL PARK

Ayutthaya Historical Park is one of Thailand’s most remarkable heritage sites.

The park preserves the remains of the old Siamese capital and former kingdom from the 14th to the 18th century.

This historical park is set on wide open grounds where you can roam around and see moats, ancient brick ruins, and towering ancient chedis.

Amongst the ruins you will find the grand royal temple of Wat Phra Si Sanphet that once stood within the grounds of the old palace.

The temple was badly damaged when Ayutthaya fell in 1767 to invading Burmese forces who burned, looted, and left it in ruins.

The three famous chedis survived, which is why they are still the best known part of the temple today.

Choose a clear day to visit to take good photos because dull days tend to wash out the color of the ruins. Sunrise is the best time to start for bringing out the warm tones of the brickwork.

You can then also visit the nearby active new temple of Vihara Phra Mongkhon Bophit. This is a busy and important temple for the locals and you will need to wear modest clothing before entering.

Other nearby attractions are Kum Khun Phaan teak house, and the Ayutthaya Elephant Palace and Royal Kraal.

See below for map and directions.

Taking an all day historical tour provided by tuk-tuk operators or a once off ride to each location is the easiest way to visit all of these attractions. You will see the tuk-tuk operators drive around Ayutthaya streets holding placards with pictures of the regular tourist attractions with set fee pricing. I suggest you swap mobile cell phone numbers with the driver so as to not lose each other between attractions.

See the map below.