Ayutthaya

Waarom Ayutthaya? The ancient royal capital (UNESCO): centuries-old temple ruins and the famous Buddha head cradled in tree roots.

An hour and a bit north of Bangkok lie the bones of a city that was once one of the largest and richest on earth. Ayutthaya was the Siamese capital for four centuries until Burmese armies razed it in 1767, and what remains - brick prangs, headless Buddhas, a single stone Buddha head cradled forever in fig-tree roots - is quietly haunting.

One night is plenty, and it works just as well as a day trip. But staying over lets you cycle the ruins at golden hour when the tour buses have gone.

Wat kun je doen in Ayutthaya?

Bij elke activiteit vind je meteen actueel aanbod, beschikbaarheid en prijzen — zo boek je voordelig vooruit.

• CultuurWat Mahathat - Buddha head in tree rootsThe iconic stone Buddha face entwined in banyan roots - Ayutthaya's signature image.
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• CultuurWat ChaiwatthanaramRiverside Khmer-style prang towers, spectacular at sunset.
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• CultuurWat Phra Si SanphetThe three restored chedis of the former royal temple.
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• AvontuurCycle among the ruinsRent a bike and roll between the temples of the old capital at your own pace.
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• CultuurBang Pa-In Royal PalaceElegant summer palace mixing Thai, Chinese and European styles.
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• NatuurSunset boat around the islandA relaxed longtail loop of the river that encircles the historic city.
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• EtenAyutthaya night marketRiverside stalls with boat noodles and the famous giant river prawns.
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• NatuurEthical elephant feedingMeet and feed rescued elephants at a welfare-focused kraal (no riding).
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• CultuurWat Yai Chai MongkhonTowering chedi and a long row of saffron-draped Buddhas.
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• CultuurWat LokayasutharamA serene 42-metre reclining Buddha in the open air.
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• ShoppenAyutthaya floating marketBoat vendors, snacks and cultural shows on the water.
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• CultuurWat RatchaburanaClimb into the crypt of one of the best-preserved prangs.
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• EtenBoat-noodle & river prawn tastingAyutthaya's specialty: rich boat noodles and giant grilled river prawns.
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• CultuurChao Sam Phraya MuseumGold treasures and artefacts recovered from the ancient temples.
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Getting there & getting around

The cheapest and most atmospheric way in is the ordinary train from Bangkok's Krung Thep Aphiwat / Hua Lamphong (roughly 1.5 hours, tickets from 15-65 baht); minivans and the tourist train are quicker. The historical park is spread out but flat, so rent a bicycle (about 50 baht a day) or a motorbike from a guesthouse, or hire a tuk-tuk driver by the hour (200-300 baht) to loop the main temples. A little cross-river ferry links the town to some outlying ruins for a few baht.

Where to stay

Most travellers base themselves on Ko Ratana Chai island around the Naresuan and Bang Ian Night Market area, where budget guesthouses and a growing number of stylish riverside boutiques sit within cycling distance of the ruins. It is a small, low-key town - do not expect nightlife beyond a riverside beer, which is rather the point.

The ruins & highlights

Don't try to see all forty-something temples. The essentials: Wat Mahathat for the iconic Buddha head in the tree roots (crouch down for photos - your head should not be above the Buddha's); Wat Phra Si Sanphet with its three restored chedis; and Wat Chaiwatthanaram, the Khmer-style riverside complex that glows at sunset and is worth timing your day around. A multi-temple pass saves a little over paying per site.

Food & the evening

Ayutthaya's signature dish is boat noodles (kuaitiao ruea) - small, intense bowls you order several of - plus the local giant river prawns (kung mae nam), grilled and pricey but memorable. The Bang Ian Night Market and the smaller riverside markets are the best evening grazing. Cap the day with a slow sunset river cruise past the floodlit temples, usually arranged through your guesthouse.

Waar slaap je in Ayutthaya?

Vergelijk in één klik de prijzen van meerdere aanbieders voor deze plek.

Aanbevolen: 1–2 nachten

One night is enough to explore the ruins by bike or tuk-tuk; it also works as a day trip from Bangkok.

In de buurt

BangkokCentral Thailand

KanchanaburiWest-Central Thailand

SukhothaiLower Northern Thailand

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