Where Ruins Speak: Wandering Through Ayutthaya, Thailand

I woke up at 5 AM Bangkok Time. After having coffee at the hostel, I went to BTS Green/Sukhumvit Line Asok Station and headed straight to McDonald’s, the meeting place for the tour. I joined the group tour going to Ayutthaya. While waiting for the others, I grabbed a quick breakfast (hash brown, cheesy egg bun, and coffee) at McDonald’s, then went inside the van.

The historic ruins of Ayutthaya, Thailand’s ancient capital.

I shared the ride with four travelers from Hong Kong, two from Malaysia, and one from Indonesia. The trip took just about an hour—thankfully, traffic was light that day. Our cheerful tour guide, Cindy, gave us a quick orientation, going over the tour details, a few ground rules, and the list of places we’d explore. Just an hour and a half north of Bangkok, Ayutthaya welcomed us with its serene atmosphere and rich history.

Weathered brick structures and ruined Buddha statues.

Once the ancient capital of Thailand, it’s a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city—a place where crumbling ruins and majestic temples whisper stories of the past.

1. Bang Pa-In Summer Palace
The palace, once used occasionally for royal receptions and banquets, also served as a residence for King Rama IX. Located on Bang Pa-In Island along the Chao Phraya River, the complex features a captivating mix of architectural styles—European elegance, Chinese influences, Thai traditional elements, and neoclassical design. Every corner felt like stepping into a different era, making the place a visual and cultural feast.

2. Wat Yai Chai Mongkol
Built in 1357 AD, Wat Yai Chai Mongkol is a historic Buddhist temple that once served as a residence for monks who were ordained and trained in Ceylon—modern-day Sri Lanka. Its towering chedi and rows of serene Buddha statues offer a glimpse into Thailand’s deep spiritual and cultural roots.

Wat Yai Chai Mongkol is an iconic temple in Ayutthaya.

Statues of Buddha showcasing Thailand’s rich spiritual heritage.

3. Wat Phra Sri Sanphet
Before its destruction by Burmese forces in 1767, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet—once known as the Temple of the Holy and Splendid Omniscient—stood as one of the grandest and most revered temples in Ayutthaya. With its iconic row of towering chedis, it was part of the royal palace complex and served as a royal chapel.

Wat Phra Sri Sanphet signifies Thailand’s rich cultural heritage in Ayutthaya.

Among all the historic sites I explored, this one left a lasting impression on me—its grandeur, even in ruins, radiated a quiet strength that made it one of my favorite temples in Ayutthaya.

The grand entrance of a temple in Ayutthaya.

One thing that broke my heart in Ayutthaya was seeing elephants used for tourist rides. These gentle giants deserve better than to be paraded under the sun for entertainment. I truly hope more travelers choose kindness and say no to this practice. 🐘💔

Two elephants carrying riders with parasols, walking on a dirt path, surrounded by greenery and parked cars, in Ayutthaya, Thailand. — Riding elephants can cause physical and psychological harm to the animals, as they are not meant to carry heavy loads on their backs.

I just don’t understand how that still happens. These majestic creatures deserve to live freely in their natural habitats—not in captivity, not subjected to forced labor. Elephants, too, deserve our respect. I hope more travelers choose compassion over convenience and say no to animal exploitation.

4. Wat Lokaya Sutha
Wat Lokaya Sutha is one of Ayutthaya’s restored temple ruins, best known for its impressive reclining Buddha image that stretches over 37 meters long. Draped in a vibrant saffron cloth, the statue rests peacefully under the open sky—an awe-inspiring symbol of serenity amidst the remnants of a once-glorious kingdom.

The impressive reclining Buddha at Wat Lokaya Sutha.

As I stood before the reclining Buddha, I felt a quiet stillness settle over me. Even in ruins, the sacredness of this place remains untouched—a reminder that peace can be found even amid history’s wreckage.

Ayutthaya Historical Park and the iconic temple ruins.

I’m grateful for the chance to bond with my groupmates on the Ayutthaya tour—especially Diana from Singapore and Vincent from Hong Kong. Exploring ancient ruins and uncovering the stories of Ayutthaya together made the experience even more meaningful. It’s moments like these—connecting with people from different backgrounds while discovering a new place—that make travel so enriching and unforgettable.

My delicious lunch at a local restaurant in Ayutthaya, Thailand.

Nice to meet you all guys especially Vincent (Hong Kong) and Diana (Singapore).

At the end of our tour, we were dropped off at Jodd Fair Night Market, one of the most popular night markets in Bangkok, located near Phra Ram MRT Station. By 6 PM, the market was alive with a vibrant mix of locals and tourists, all eager to sample mouthwatering street food and browse through endless stalls of clothes, souvenirs, and quirky trinkets.

After some short conversation, I bid goodbye to the guys and then took the MRT to Silom Station.

The tour group with our tour guide.
Thank you, tour guide Cindy for this photo.

While on the train to Silom, a few things lingered in my mind—small truths that made me pause and reflect.

First, Ayutthaya is a place brimming with history and wonder, each ruin whispering stories from the past.

Second, I truly wish people would stop riding elephants for entertainment and instead focus on their conservation and well-being.

Third, even as a solo traveler, I found myself surrounded by kindness—strangers who smiled, shared stories, and made me feel less alone.

Lastly, this trip wasn’t just about exploring ancient temples; it was also about embracing compassion, culture, and the unexpected connections that make every journey unforgettable.

*** I went to Bangkok, Thailand, dated August 27-30, 2022. It was my first solo trip in the pandemic era.***