Ayutthaya: Where Thailands Ancient Kingdom Still Lives
Behind the beaches and modern cities lies a fascinating world of ancient kingdoms, powerful kings, magnificent temples, forgotten cities and stories carved into stone. During our Thailand tour, we decided to discover a different side of the country.
We travelled to Ayutthaya......
This ancient city became one of the most unforgettable places we visited in Thailand.
A Journey from Bangkok to the Ancient Kingdom
Our journey to Ayutthaya began in the heart of Bangkok. Our driver picked us up from our hotel and we set off on an approximately 80 km journey towards Thailand's ancient capital. Due to traffic and road conditions, the drive took about two hours. As we continued our journey away from Bangkok, the city's busy streets slowly disappeared behind us. Modern buildings gradually gave way to quieter roads and more peaceful surroundings.Finally, we arrived at the ancient kingdom of Ayutthaya. We were ready to step into the past and explore its fascinating history, magnificent ruins and remarkable stories.
Our driver guided us to the entrance. After that, we continued our journey on foot. We walked through the ancient ruins ourselves. There was something special about exploring the old city this way. There was no need to rush. Every path seemed to reveal another piece of history. Every brick seemed to have a story.
The Ancient Kingdom of Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya was once one of the most powerful kingdoms in Southeast Asia. The city was founded in 1350 by King Ramathibodi I. For more than 4 centuries, Ayutthaya was the capital of the Kingdom of Siam. Siam was the former name of Thailand. We were ready to step into the past and explore the fascinating history, magnificent ruins and remarkable stories of this once powerful kingdom.During its golden age, it became a powerful centre of politics, culture, religion, trade and international diplomacy. The city grew beside rivers. Waterways surrounded and protected the ancient capital. The ancient city of Ayutthaya was built on an island surrounded by three rivers: the Chao Phraya, Lopburi and Pa Sak. These waterways provided natural protection for the capital and played an important role in transportation, trade and everyday life.
The location was also important for trade. Merchants and visitors arrived from many parts of Asia and the wider world. Ayutthaya became an international city. It welcomed traders from China, India, Persia, Japan and Europe. At its height, it was one of the most important cities in the region. Today, only the ruins remain. But these ruins are powerful. They allow visitors to imagine the magnificent city that once stood here.
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| Beautiful View From Top of The Temple |
Walking Among the Ruins
Exploring Ayutthaya is like walking through an open air museum. There are no walls separating you from history. Ancient brick structures stand beneath the open sky. Trees grow beside old temple walls. Roots slowly wrap themselves around ancient bricks. Some temples are partially destroyed. Others remain surprisingly impressive. The warm sunlight falls across the red brown ruins. Birds fly between the trees. The atmosphere is peaceful. It's difficult to believe that this was once a powerful royal capital.As we walked, we saw ancient stupas, temple remains, Buddha statues, old walls and enormous ruins. Some buildings have been damaged by time. Others were destroyed during wars. Yet the remaining structures still tell the story of Ayutthaya. The ruins are beautiful because they are not perfect. Their broken walls reveal their age. Their weathered bricks show the passing of centuries. The ancient city feels alive in a quiet way.
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Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon |
The Famous Buddha Head Among the Tree Roots
One of the most unforgettable sights in Ayutthaya is the Buddha head surrounded by the roots of a tree. It's one of the most recognisable images of Thailand. The stone Buddha head rests peacefully among the roots. Nobody knows every detail of how it came to be there. Over many years, the growing tree slowly surrounded the ancient statue.Today, the Buddha appears to be protected by the tree. The sight is both beautiful and mysterious. Visitors come from all over the world to see it. There is also a special tradition when taking photographs. The Buddha head is considered sacred. Visitors are expected to show respect. Many people sit or kneel so that their heads remain lower than the Buddha image. This small act reflects the importance of Buddhism in Thai culture.
The scene is unforgettable. Nature and history have become connected. The tree continues to grow. The ancient Buddha continues to remain. Together, they create one of the most beautiful images in Ayutthaya.
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| The Famous Buddha Head Among the Roots |
Temples That Tell Stories
Ayutthaya is home to many ancient temples. Each temple has its own atmosphere. Some are large and impressive. Others are quiet and hidden among trees.Wat Mahathat: The Buddha Head Among the Tree Roots
One of the most famous temples in Ayutthaya is Wat Mahathat. It's one of the most iconic and photographed sites in the ancient city. The temple was once an important religious and royal centre during the Ayutthaya Kingdom. Its large complex included impressive towers, Buddhist images, monasteries and beautifully decorated structures.
Today, much of Wat Mahathat lies in ruins. However, the remaining brick walls, ancient stupas, and weathered Buddha images still reveal the grandeur of the temple's past. The most famous sight is the stone head of a Buddha image peacefully surrounded by the roots of a growing Bodhi tree. Over many years, the tree roots gradually grew around the ancient Buddha head. Nature and history have now become beautifully connected.
No one can look at this remarkable scene without feeling a sense of wonder. The ancient Buddha has survived through centuries of change, while the tree has continued to grow around it. When visiting, it is important to remember that the Buddha image is sacred. Visitors are expected to show respect. Traditionally, people sit or kneel when taking photographs so that their heads remain lower than the Buddha's head. Standing among the ruins of Wat Mahathat, it's easy to imagine the magnificent temple that once stood here. The broken walls and ancient bricks may tell a story of destruction, but the Buddha head among the tree roots tells another story, a story of survival, nature and the enduring spirit of Ayutthaya.
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| Ancient Kingdom Ruins |
Wat Ratchaburana: A Temple of Royal History
Another remarkable temple in Ayutthaya is Wat Ratchaburana. Its tall central prang rises dramatically above the surrounding ruins, creating one of the most impressive views in the ancient city. The temple was built in 1424 by King Borommarachathirat II. It was constructed to honour his two elder brothers, who died while fighting each other for the royal throne. The temple was built at the site where the two brothers were cremated.
The central prang is the most striking feature of Wat Ratchaburana. Its design reflects the influence of Khmer architecture, with its tall tower rising towards the sky. The prang was surrounded by smaller structures and once formed part of a magnificent religious complex. Inside the temple, ancient murals were discovered in the crypt beneath the main prang. These paintings provide a glimpse into the artistic traditions and religious beliefs of the Ayutthaya period. Although centuries have passed, the remaining ruins still reveal the importance of this temple. The weathered bricks, tall prang, and surrounding structures create a powerful atmosphere. Standing among the ruins of Wat Ratchaburana, it is easy to imagine the magnificent temple complex that once stood here during the golden age of the Ayutthaya Kingdom.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet: The Royal Temple of Ayutthaya
Wat Phra Si Sanphet was once one of the most important temples inside the royal palace complex of Ayutthaya. Unlike many other temples, it was a royal temple and was used exclusively for religious ceremonies connected with the Thai monarchy. The temple was built within the grounds of the former royal palace. It was not a residence for monks. Instead, it served as an important spiritual and ceremonial centre for the kings of Ayutthaya.
The most famous features of Wat Phra Si Sanphet are its three magnificent chedis, which stand proudly in a row. These elegant bell-shaped structures were built to contain the ashes of members of the royal family. The temple once contained a huge Buddha image known as Phra Si Sanphet. The statue was covered with gold and was one of the most important sacred images in the kingdom. Sadly, the temple and the Buddha image were badly damaged during the destruction of Ayutthaya in 1767. Today, the three chedis remain among the most recognisable landmarks of the ancient city. Standing beside them, visitors can imagine the grandeur of the former royal palace and the power of the Ayutthaya Kingdom during its golden age.
The three large chedis are among the most famous structures in the ancient city. They stand proudly against the sky. They are symbols of the former Ayutthaya Kingdom.Wat Chaiwatthanaram: A Riverside Temple of Timeless Beauty
Wat Chaiwatthanaram is one of the most magnificent temples in Ayutthaya. Its tall central prang rises majestically above the surrounding ruins, creating an unforgettable sight. The temple was built in 1630 during the reign of King Prasat Thong. It stands beside the Chao Phraya River, adding to its peaceful and beautiful setting. The temple's design shows strong influences from Khmer architecture. The central prang is surrounded by smaller towers and numerous Buddha images. Together, they create a remarkable symmetrical layout.
The temple was not only a place of worship. It was also an important royal monument. Its design is believed to have represented Mount Meru, the sacred centre of the universe in Buddhist and Hindu traditions. Wat Chaiwatthanaram is especially beautiful in the late afternoon. As the sun begins to set, golden light falls across the ancient brick walls and towers. The warm sunlight brings the old ruins to life. Standing beside the ancient temple and watching the sunlight shine across its weathered bricks is a truly unforgettable experience. It is easy to understand why Wat Chaiwatthanaram is considered one of the most beautiful and impressive temples in Ayutthaya.
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| Ancient Stupa |
More Than a Tourist Attraction
Ayutthaya is not simply a place to visit, take photographs and leave. It is a place to think. The ruins raise many questions.How did people live here hundreds of years ago?
How did they build such impressive temples without modern technology?
What did the city look like during its golden age?
What stories disappeared when the city was destroyed?
Every ruin creates curiosity. The ancient city reminds us that powerful kingdoms can rise and fall. Great cities can become ruins. But history never completely disappears.
It remains in the stones.
It remains in the temples.
It remains in the stories passed from one generation to another.
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| Entrance of the Wat Yai Chai Mongkhol Temple |
The Fall of Ayutthaya
For more than 400 years, Ayutthaya stood as the capital of Siam and grew into one of the most powerful and prosperous kingdoms in Southeast Asia. During its long history, the kingdom experienced remarkable periods of wealth and cultural achievement. It also faced wars, political conflicts and struggles for power.
In 1767, Ayutthaya was attacked by the Burmese army. After a long and devastating conflict, the ancient capital was captured and destroyed. Much of the city was burned, and its magnificent temples, palaces and buildings were severely damaged.
The once powerful capital was eventually abandoned. The political centre of Siam later moved first to Thonburi and then to Bangkok, which remains the capital of Thailand today. The destruction of Ayutthaya was one of the most tragic events in Thai history. However, the kingdom did not completely disappear. Its surviving ruins continue to tell the story of a remarkable civilisation and allow visitors from around the world to walk through the remains of one of Southeast Asia's greatest ancient capitals.
A UNESCO World Heritage Treasure
Although the ancient city was destroyed, its remarkable ruins survived the passage of time. Today, Ayutthaya is one of Thailand's most important historical treasures. In 1991, the Historic City of Ayutthaya was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognising its outstanding cultural and historical importance. Its ancient temples, stupas, statues and ruins are now protected so that future generations can continue to discover and appreciate the legacy of this once great kingdom.A Different Side of Thailand
Our visit to Ayutthaya changed the way I thought about Thailand. Before visiting, I already knew Thailand was famous for its beaches, islands, food, markets and entertainment. But Ayutthaya revealed another side of the country. It showed us the Thailand of ancient kings.The Thailand of Buddhist temples.
The Thailand of international trade.
The Thailand of powerful kingdoms and remarkable architecture.
This is why I believe every traveller should try to discover Thailand deeply. Don't only visit the popular tourist attractions. Don't only spend your holiday beside the swimming pool. Don't only search for entertainment. Thailand has a much deeper story. Its history stretches back centuries. Its culture is rich. Its ancient cities are extraordinary. Its temples are filled with beauty and mystery.
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| Elephants Roaming Around the Temples. |
A Place That Reminded Me of Sri Lanka
For me, Ayutthaya had a special meaning. As I walked through its ancient ruins, I felt a strong connection to Sri Lanka. The temples, stupas, old city walls and remnants of a once great kingdom reminded me of the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. In Sri Lanka, powerful Buddhist kings built magnificent cities. They constructed enormous stupas, temples, monasteries, reservoirs and beautiful monuments. These ancient kingdoms were deeply connected with Buddhism. Buddhist beliefs influenced their architecture, art, culture and daily life.
Ayutthaya gave me a similar feeling. The ancient Thai kings also built impressive Buddhist temples and religious monuments. These structures were not only places of worship. They were also symbols of royal power, artistic achievement, cultural identity and the greatness of the ancient Thai civilisation. The ancient kingdoms of Thailand and Sri Lanka were not identical. Each developed its own unique civilisation, architecture, artistic style, language and traditions. They were separated by distance and developed in different parts of Asia.
Yet, there are beautiful similarities. Both countries have a deep Buddhist heritage. Both have ancient royal capitals. Both have magnificent temples and monuments. Both have ancient cities that continue to attract visitors from around the world. Walking through Ayutthaya made me think about how different ancient Asian civilisations could share similar values. Buddhism connected many of these kingdoms. The architecture may be different. The artistic styles may be different. But the devotion, creativity, skill and ambition of the ancient people are easy to recognise.
For travellers who love history, Ayutthaya and the ancient cities of Sri Lanka offer something truly special. They reveal the remarkable achievements of ancient civilisations and remind us that Asia has a history that is incredibly rich, diverse, and deeply connected.
Tips for Visiting Ayutthaya
📌The historic area is spread across different locations. Because of this, some visitors choose to explore by bicycle, tuk tuk, car or guided tour.
📌Wear comfortable shoes. You will be walking around ancient ruins and uneven paths.
📌Bring drinking water. Thailand can be hot, especially during the middle of the day.
📌A hat and sunscreen are also useful.
📌Start early if possible. The morning is usually more comfortable for exploring. The light is also beautiful for photography.
📌Always remember that many temple ruins are sacred places. Dress respectfully.
📌Do not climb on ancient monuments.
📌Follow local instructions.
📌Take your time. The best way to experience Ayutthaya is not to rush from one temple to another.
📌Stop occasionally. Look carefully. Imagine the city that once stood there.
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| Follow the Instruction.It's a Sacred Place |
An Unexpected Visit to Wat Phra Dhammakaya
We were especially curious to see the famous Dhammakaya Cetiya, the huge golden dome that has become one of the most recognisable features of the centre. We had hoped to attend a Dhamma sermon or perhaps experience a special Buddhist event, but unfortunately, when we arrived, the temple was closed and there was no ceremony or event taking place that day. Naturally, we felt a little disappointed because we had travelled there with the hope of experiencing the spiritual atmosphere of the temple during an event.
However, our visit still gave us a few unexpected and memorable moments. We were fortunate enough to speak with a monk for a few minutes and although our conversation was brief, it was a special experience for us. Sometimes, it's not the length of a conversation that makes it meaningful, but the moment itself. We also spent some time walking around and looking at the vast surroundings of the centre. The sheer size of the complex was difficult to appreciate at first. As we walked, we began to understand just how enormous this place really was.
Although we could not enter the temple or experience a Dhamma sermon that day, we were glad that we had made the journey. Travel does not always go exactly according to plan and sometimes the places we visit offer us something completely different from what we expected. After spending some time around Dhammakaya, we eventually made our way back to our hotel. It was a quiet end to a long day, but our visit to this remarkable Buddhist centre remained another interesting and unforgettable memory from our journey through Thailand.
Discover the Curious World
Thailand is famous for fun, adventure, beautiful beaches, busy markets and unforgettable entertainment. But there is another side to this fascinating country. Thailand is also a land of ancient kingdoms, spiritual traditions, breathtaking landscapes, delicious food, colorful festivals and fascinating history.
Ayutthaya is one of the best places to discover this deeper side of Thailand. With every step through its ancient ruins, the past seems to come alive. The temples, weathered bricks, magnificent stupas and silent Buddha images all tell stories of a powerful kingdom that once flourished here.
If you are planning a trip to Bangkok, make time to visit this remarkable ancient city. Go beyond the beaches. Go beyond the entertainment. Go beyond the busy markets.
Discover the temples. Discover the ruins. Discover the stories. Discover the ancient civilisation. Thailand is not only a place for fun. It's a place to explore. It's a place to learn. It's a place to wonder.
Discover Thailand deeply. Explore the Curious World.
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