THE HISTORIC CITY OF AYUTTHAYA

If you are visiting Bangkok, then we would recommend that you put at least one full day aside to visit Ayutthaya. Just 90 minutes (80 km) north of the Thai capital, lies this truly intriguing historic city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is possible to take a day trip but we would suggest an overnight stay to allow you to experience the joys of both day and night. One word of advice….try and visit on a week day to avoid the crowds from Bangkok… who like to go on Saturday and Sunday!

About Ayutthaya:

The historic city of Ayutthaya, founded in 1350, was then regarded as the 2nd capital of the Siamese Kingdom. As a city it flourished between the14th and 18th centuries, when it grew to be one of the world’s largest and most cosmopolitan urban areas. Ayutthaya was strategically located on an island, surrounded by 3 rivers connecting the city to the sea. This site was chosen because it was located above the tidal bore of the Gulf of Siam (as it existed at that time), thus preventing attack of the city by the sea-going warships. The location also helped to protect the city from seasonal flooding.

The decline of Ayutthaya resulted when the city was attacked by the Burmese army in 1767 who burned the city to the ground and forced the inhabitants to flee. Sadly, the city was never rebuilt in the same location and today it is known as an extensive archaeological site.

Here’s 10 reasons to visit Ayutthaya:

Rich culture and history – Ayutthaya is an ancient city that was once the capital of Thailand and is home to many historical sites and temples, such as Wat Phra Si Sanphet (known as the Grand Palace), Wat Mahathat (the most photographed temple in Ayutthaya, due to a Buddha head entwined in the roots of a banyan tree), Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon (the central stupa is a must climb) and Wat Lokaya Sutha (known as the ‘Reclining Buddha’).
Beautiful architecture – The city is famed for its beautiful and intricate temples, many of which have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Scenic river views – The city is located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, offering picturesque views of the water and surrounding countryside.
Street food – Ayutthaya is known for its delicious street food, offering a variety of local Thai dishes to try.
Bicycle tours – Exploring the city by bicycle is a popular way to see the historical sites and take in the scenery. Make sure you plan your route to save time and energy.
Floating markets – Ayutthaya is home to several floating markets where you can shop for traditional Thai goods and try local foods.
Night markets – The city also has several night markets where you can find a wide range of goods and street food.
Local festivals – Ayutthaya is host to several festivals throughout the year, such as the Ayutthaya Historical Study Center Fair, which offers cultural performances and traditional Thai activities.
Relaxation – Ayutthaya offers a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere, making it a great destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Convenient location – Ayutthaya is located just a short train or bus ride from Bangkok, making it easy to visit as a day trip or as part of a longer itinerary. We travelled by car, which is a far more relaxing way of making the trip and seeing the sights.

How to book:

To make things easy. We recommend that you book via our partner Tour East, who are regarded as one of Thailand’s best destination management companies. Tour East can provide you with hotels, transfers and an experienced tour guide. This certainly makes travelling around hassle-free, safe and leaves you in the hands of people that know the destination.

About Us:

Select Representation is a travel sales & marketing representation company, headquartered in the UK. This experienced consultancy provides the perfect option for hotels & destination management companies (DMC’s) wishing to expand their business from the UK, Ireland, Belgium, Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Sweden and Iceland. We are also a founder member of Global Travel Representation Alliance.