Located around 76 km north of Bangkok, Ayutthaya is a city where tourists will feel like they are traveling back in time. It is because Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, treasures a lot of archaeological gems like Buddhist temples, monasteries, and ancient statues that have been well preserved to this day. Tourists are able to enjoy a sightseeing tour of ancient temples like Wat Chaiwatthanaram, Wat Lokaya Sutham (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), Wat Phra Si Sanphet, and many more. Aside from that, there are also some night markets that will add more excitement to your holiday with your loved ones. Make sure to stop by Chao Phrom Market, which offers Thailand’s local foods, clothing, and day-to-day necessities with authenticity.
One of the most popular way to get around Ayutthaya is by cycling, this is because most tourist attractions in this city is within a walking or cycling distance from one another. There are many cheap bike rental services you can find around Ayutthaya, with the average price of around 50 baht a day.
The top things to do in Ayutthaya include visiting the ancient ruins of the Ayutthaya Historical Park, exploring the Wat Chaiwatthanaram temple, admiring the Buddha head entwined in tree roots at Wat Mahathat, and taking a boat ride along the Chao Phraya River to see the city from a different perspective.
Other popular activities include visiting the Ayutthaya Elephant Palace and Royal Kraal, trying local street food at the night market, and taking a bicycle tour to explore the city's hidden gems.
The best time to visit Ayutthaya is during the cool and dry season, which runs from November to February. The weather is pleasant during this time, with lower humidity and temperatures ranging from 20-30°C. This makes it ideal for exploring the ancient ruins and other outdoor activities.
The hot season from March to May can be very hot and humid, while the rainy season from June to October can bring heavy rainfall and flooding, which may affect some of the tourist attractions.
A visit to Ayutthaya can be done in a day trip from Bangkok, but to fully explore the city and its attractions, it is recommended to spend at least 2-3 days. This timeframe will allow you to visit the historical sites, take a boat ride, try local food, and experience the most out of the city's culture and atmosphere.
The must-visit temples in Ayutthaya include Wat Mahathat, which is famous for the Buddha head entwined in tree roots, Wat Chaiwatthanaram, a stunning temple with Khmer-style architecture, and Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, which features a large reclining Buddha statue and beautiful pagodas. Other notable temples include Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Ratchaburana, and Wat Phanan Choeng, which is home to a revered Buddha statue.
When visiting temples and historical sites in Ayutthaya, it is important to dress modestly and respectfully. This means covering your shoulders, chest, and knees. Avoid wearing shorts, tank tops, and revealing clothing. It is also customary to remove your shoes before entering temples and other sacred sites. Wearing comfortable shoes is recommended as a lot of walking is involved when exploring the city.
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