Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya, Thailand: A Lost Capital of Splendor and Spirit

In the 17th century, Ayutthaya stood as the world’s largest city, the proud capital of the Siam Kingdom for more than 400 years. Positioned at the confluence of three rivers, it was a marvel of urban planning, featuring a grid of roads, canals, and moats. Though devastated by a Burmese invasion in 1767, today the city’s timeworn monasteries, Buddha statues, and towering prang (temple spires) still whisper stories of its grandeur.

Ayutthaya rose to prominence after Angkor’s decline, becoming Southeast Asia’s key center of global trade and diplomacy. Its royal court welcomed envoys from the Palace of Versailles, Japan, and imperial China. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ruins lie entwined with the gnarled roots of jujube trees – believed by Siamese kings to bring luck.

Despite its ruined state, Ayutthaya is far from lifeless. Buddha figures remain cloaked in saffron robes, temple altars glow with lotus offerings, and monks continue to bestow blessings. The 67 temples uncovered so far range from brick remnants to the vast Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, whose main chedi (stupa) still pierces the skyline.

A popular highlight is Wat Mahathat, home to the iconic Buddha head ensnared in tree roots. Nearby, the northwest prang features some of the city’s earliest surviving murals.

Wat Phra Si Sanphet, once part of the Royal Palace complex, is another must-visit. Its three chedis safeguard the ashes of ancient Siamese kings, offering a powerful sense of sacred history.

To fully explore the sprawling site, consider hiring a local “Kermit” tuk-tuk – uniquely styled, colorful rickshaws – or join a guided cycling tour that takes you past old city walls and shaded parks.

Reaching Ayutthaya is easy: it’s a two-hour ride from Bangkok by road or train. For a more regal experience, follow in the footsteps of Siamese royalty and take a boat cruise from Bangkok. The journey begins at Bang Pa-In Palace — a surreal blend of neoclassical European and traditional Thai architecture – before boarding a rice barge to float down the Chao Phraya River. Along the way, you’ll spot Catholic steeples from a centuries-old Portuguese village.

Encircled by three rivers, Ayutthaya sits like an island. Although foreign merchants weren’t permitted to settle inside the city, distinct villages nearby housed Japanese, Chinese, and French communities. You’ll glimpse them as your boat approaches the ancient capital.

When to Visit Ayutthaya

The ideal time to explore Ayutthaya is between November and early April, when the weather is dry and comfortably warm, averaging around 29°C (84°F). December and January are the coolest, rarely dipping below 20°C (68°F).