I only allotted one day for the Ayutthaya leg of our trip. Our overnight train to Phitsanulok (Sukhothai) is scheduled to leave at 11:30 in the evening on the same day.

We initially planned to rent a locker at the train station to leave our bags while we explored Ayutthaya. Ultimately, we decided to get a room. We wanted to be able to take a shower after a full day of walking under the sun. And maybe sneak in a nap before our overnight train to Phitsanulok.

Be Informed

Three rivers surround the ancient capital city of Ayutthaya. There are some impressive off-island temples. Most of these places are far from each other for walking. There are bicycle and motorbike rentals in and around the old city.

We opted to hire a tuk-tuk to take us to the temples off the island of Ayutthaya. The base rate is THB 300/hour. Haggle. We had paid THB 1,000 for four hours. Ask to be dropped off at one of the temples on the island as your last stop. From there, you can go on foot to explore the other temples/ruins.

 

There are a lot of temples, ruins and other places of interest to see off the island of Ayutthaya. So it’s best to choose which ones you’d like to see beforehand. Most of the sites are open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Remember that some sites are functioning temples, and people go there to offer prayers. Taking photos is okay, but please be mindful and respectful. Bring a sarong as cover from the sun and, if needed, to cover your exposed shoulders and legs. Do not eat inside the temples, and never climb up the statues of Buddha.

Wat Yai Chai Mongkhol

The first time we went to Ayutthaya, the chedis and the statues of Buddha in Wat Yai Chai Mongkhol were garbed with saffron cloths. It was quite a sight. Only a few statues were draped with the bright cloth this time. It was still a sight to behold.

A reclining Buddha welcomes visitors to the temple. Seated Buddha statues surround the large chedi that dominates the compound. Steep steps lead up inside the chedi, where you can see more statues of Buddha.

Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan

It may not look like it, but Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan was built before Ayutthaya was established as the capital city. I did not have this temple on my itinerary, so we didn’t know what to expect.

The main draw of Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan is the immense 19-meter-high gilded seated Buddha. My sister and I gasped in amazement at the same time as we entered the hall housing the statue.

The walls, columns, and ceiling are ornately decorated. Look for the small seated Buddha statues encased in their chambers on the wall.

Wat Chaiwatthanaram

Some of the most intact structures in Ayutthaya can be found at Wat Chaiwatthanaram. You’ve probably seen images of the temple even before you’ve set foot in Ayutthaya.

Wat Chaiwatthanaram has been used countless times in brochures and travel ads to promote Ayutthaya and Thailand. Rightly so. It is one of the most picturesque locations in Ayutthaya.

Wat Phu Khao Thong

Wat Phu Khao Thong is known for its 50-meter high chedi. The chedi has been painted white. I prefer the time and weather-eroded look it had during our first visit, but that’s just me. It still is awe-inspiring. The steps leading up to the chedi were closed during our visit.

The Monument of King Naresuan the Great stands within a rotunda leading to Wat Phu Khao Thong.

Final Thoughts

We asked our tuk-tuk driver to drop us off at Wat Lokayasutharam, near the northwestern border of Ayutthaya Historical Park. From there, we plan to walk eastward to the other temples within the old city.

I remember spending almost all day in these same places during our first visit to Ayutthaya a few years back. This time, we only spent about an hour on each stop in our Off-Island Ayutthaya tour. It was enough time to enjoy these beautiful, historic places. Though I’d surely linger a bit longer had we more time.