Exploring the ancient temples of Ayutthaya on a memorable day trip from Bangkok.
I woke up at 5 AM, excited for a day trip to Ayutthaya’s ancient temples. After having coffee at the hostel, I took the BTS Green/Sukhumvit Line to Asok Station. I 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.
My Ayutthaya Journey
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.
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.
Our Ayutthaya day tour brought us to several of the most iconic temples and historical landmarks of the ancient capital.
Bang Pa-In Summer Palace
The palace, once used occasionally for royal receptions and banquets, also served as a residence for King Rama IX. The complex on Bang Pa-In Island sits along the Chao Phraya River. It showcases a captivating mix of styles—European elegance, Chinese influences, Thai traditions, and neoclassical design. Every corner felt like stepping into a different era, making the place a visual and cultural feast.
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 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.
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.
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. 🐘💔
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.
Wat Lokaya Sutha
Wat Lokaya Sutha is one of Ayutthaya’s restored temple ruins, known for its rich history and architectural charm. It 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 temple’s highlight is the impressive reclining Buddha, stretching over 37 meters long. Draped in vibrant saffron cloth, the statue rests peacefully under the open sky—a serene symbol amidst the remnants of a once-glorious kingdom.
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.
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.
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. I took the MRT to Silom Station.
On the train to Silom, a few things lingered in my mind. Small truths made me pause and reflect.
Reflections from My Ayutthaya Journey
Ayutthaya is a place brimming with history and wonder, where ancient temples and ruins whisper stories from the past. I wish people would stop riding elephants for entertainment and focus instead on their conservation and well-being.
As a solo traveler, I felt surrounded by kindness. Strangers 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 each journey unforgettable.
*** I went to Bangkok, Thailand, from August 27 to 30, 2022. It was my first solo trip in the pandemic era.***
