Top 10 Things to Do in Ayutthaya

A vital learning center and occupation training hub that has developed the people in rural communities to be the skillful craftsmen that can live the life sustainably. Many craftsmanship and handicrafts trained at Bang Sai Arts and Crafts Center happened from the initiative of HM Queen Sirikit of Rama IX. Textile weaving, wood carving, silverware, lacquerware, porcelain, and so on are the valuable folk wisdom of Thailand which produced lots of splendid and fabulous pieces of art. And those products are sold at Chitlada Shop in all branches nationwide.     

Taking the tour in Ayutthaya, besides immersing in the old-time atmosphere from the numbers of the historical sites throughout the province. The tourist should not miss trying the taste of Ayutthaya, too. And the delicious highlight menu that anyone who visits Ayutthaya has to taste for once at least is “the river prawn.” And do not worry that you cannot find the right place to dine and enjoy the grilled river prawn since there are plenty enough restaurant in Ayutthaya served this menu. From excellent dining restaurant, riverside dining to the side street vendor. So, you can select by your sense.

Another top destination among the tourist who comes to visit the ancient city. Ayutthaya Elephant Palace & the Royal Elephant Kraal Village features the real experience with the elephant, the iconic animal of Thailand. The spacious area provides to the elephant and mahout to relax and rest, and any tourist can offer the food for the elephant or take the photo with them. And for safety, the barrier by robe separate the elephant from the visitors, as well as the mark to prevent the people from the entrance is the restrict area, too. Another area that is not less exciting to see with numerous of the highlighted activities included taking the picture with the elephant. In the weekends and public holidays, the talent show by the elephant with music entertains the tourist with the smile and laugh, especially the passing through the elephant’s belly for luck that offered for the visitors only Saturday, Sunday, and public holiday in the specific schedule. Starts from where only 8 elephants until now the Ayutthaya Elephant Palace has more than the hundred elephants under care with many significant projects to enhance the elephant in Thai society. For example, the breeding center to maintain the Thai breed elephant, Nursery for Youth Elephant, Elephant Stay which is the retirement home for the senile elephant, and the training center for the elephant followed the Roya Elephant Kraal, etc.

From the passion and love with collecting of toy day by day to the significant toy museum in Ayutthaya and Thailand. The Million Toy Museum by Krirk Yunphan, Thai lecturer and illustrator. The place will bring you back to the centuries ago with the vast number of toy and playthings displayed in the showcases. More than that, the antique and utilities of the old period that mostly is rare. Back to the childhood day with the playthings and toys that might vanish from your memory. 

A museum is on Rojana Road in Pratu Chai sub-district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayuthaya district. Chao Sam Phraya National Museum consists of 3 buildings, including a group of Thai houses, the Thai Arts Building, and Chao Sam Phraya Hall. Each one displays the utilities and belongings of the people in the old days and collections of art in the Ayutthaya Era. Chao Sam Phraya Nation Museum considered one of the most abundant of the precious objects which project the extreme prosperity of the Ayutthaya Kingdom in arts, culture, religion, and social very well. The museum opens to the public on Wednesday to Sunday between 9.00am – 4.00pm.

The private museum founded by the Thai ship boatbuilder, Thai Boat Museum features the broad array of the boat collection that used on the various occasion in Thai life. From the simple fishing boat to the vessel in the old days, also the imitations of the ship and the royal barges with the actual scale. Today, Thai Boat Museum collects hundreds of the boat that displayed within the classic Thai atmosphere with a detailed description by the guru. Though the Thai Boat Museum expands the reputation in worldwide the place is not the tourist attraction. Instead, it welcomes the visitor who would like to learn about history via the alternative channel.

Also known as ‘the Front Palace’ in the past, Chandrakasem Palace situated nearby the Pa Sak River (Khu Khue Na Canal) in Hua Ro sub-district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayuthaya province. The royal residence is the place recorded in the Chronicle that might be constructed in 1577 in the reign of King Thammarachathirat to be the residence of King Naresuan, his son when he relocated from Phitsanulok city to stay in Ayutthaya. King Naresuan used this palace as the high command in the battle to Hanthawaddy Pegu in 1586. Furthermore, the Front Palace also served as the royal residence for the eight remarkable kings and the viceroy of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, namely King Naresuan the Great, King Ekatotsarot, Prince Suthat, King Narai the Great, King Suriyenthrathibodi (or the Tiger King), King Thai Sa, King Borommakot, and Krom Phra Ratchawang Bowonmahasenaphitak (Prince Thammathibet) of the Ayutthaya. Chandrakasem Palace presently is the national museum where exhibits the archeological finds discovered in Ayutthaya. The venue is considered another vital learning center in Ayutthaya province and in Thailand that the tourist should not miss. 

Simplicity is might be a thing that someone looks from the journey in Ayutthaya. And one of the most favorite activity that the traveler, especially the foreigner likes to do to experience the simple way of life of the locals is wandering around the local marketplace. ‘Klong Sa Bua’ Floating Market is another interesting spot that will disappoint anyone who yearns for something we mentioned previously. Experience the classic Thai way of life nearby the river where you will meet lots of friendly local vendor, traditional and local Thai dishes that would be thrilled for the gourmet, and lots of domestic products for you to buy as a gift from someone you love or for your keepsake.

Also known as Nakhon Luang Palace, the location is in Nakhon Luang sub-district, Nakhon Luang district, Ayutthaya. The holy site that lasts long with Ayutthaya city is splendid beauty with the remarkable design of Thai and Khmer art. It assumed that Nakhon Luang Palace constructed in the period of King Song Tham and the highlight of the place is 30 prang style pagodas. The lookalike Khmer architectures created from the brick, not the laterite as the original one.

Moreover, the gallery around the pagoda is only the wall remained presently. Apart from that, there’s the replica of the Buddha’s footprint “Phra Buddhabat Si Soi” (the Four Buddhas’ Footprint) and “Nakhon Luang Palace,” the royal court in the tetrahedron design. Also, the Buddhist Monk called “Phra Khru Viharn – Kitjanukarn” invited “the Floating Moon Stone” from Wat Thep Chan Loi in Phra Chan Loi sub-district, Nakhon Luang district that is not far from the location to enshrine at this place, too.

Another must not miss destination for the trip in Ayutthaya. “Bang Pa-In Palace” is an old royal residence since the Ayutthaya Kingdom. The notable royal court is not far from the heart of the city and established by King Prasat Thong since the location is his place of birth. As the residence for the monarch, Bang Pa-In Palace is outstanding in the architectural design which the mixture of Thai, Chinese, and Western. So, that is to say, the place is the perfect landmark for the historic tourist and also the photo lovers and painter. The magnificent scenery with a relaxed and pleasant ambiance and the vast space. And worry-free for the tourist who comes with the children and seniority since the venue provides the golf cart for rent (THB400 / hour).

Additionally, the food and beverage for someone that might need something to fill your tummy. Well, Bang Pa-In Palace is such a great place to visit, indeed. However, as the royal residence, the visitor should be in the appropriated outfits that are avoiding the armless top, short pants, or skirt with higher than the knee level. And in case you are in the improper costume, there’s the sarung (wrapping fabric) to borrow with THB200 for the deposit and redeem when you return.

A must-visit when you take the trip to Ayutthaya. Explore the world heritage site covered more than 4sq.km of space. Ayutthaya Historical Park contains numerous remarkable historical places, such as the Old Royal Palace, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Phra Ram, Viharn Mongkolbophit, and more. The place you will touch the glory of Ayutthaya in the past where the former capital of Thailand for more than four centuries.

Travel to Ayutthaya

Taking a journey to Ayutthaya is so convenient since the location is just only 76 km away from Bangkok.

By Car :

By car, uses the road Bangkok – Pathumthani on the highway number 306 until the junction at Pathumthani Bridge. Then, you enter the road number 347 and road number 3309. Drives pass Bang Sai Arts and Crafts Center and then Bang Pa-In district to come to the city town of Ayutthaya.

By Train :

By train, the tourist can get on the train destines to the northern or northeastern region that departs from the railway station in Bangkok daily. The trip will pass by Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya at Bang Pa-In district and Pha Chi before separate to the route head to the north and the northeast.

By Public Bus :

By Public Bus, both regular and air-conditioned bus services are available for the tourist from Mo Chit Bus Terminal daily. Alternatively, the van departs from the Victory Monument, and Future Park Rangsit is also convenient for the trip to Ayutthaya, as well.