Head among the branches at Wat Phra Mahathat
What they say about "any time in the past was better" can be understood when one sets foot in Ayutthaya , which was during 417 years the capital of the ancient kingdom of Siam.
Because those almost five centuries were the apotheosis of splendor. The delusion of magnificence . A glorious and wealthy era in which even 33 kings different held power, 3 palaces were built and more than 400 temples they were raised.
Although, on the other hand, it was also the stage in which the city became the scene of more than 70 wars . The last of them, the 1767 , would bring with it the looting of the city by the Burmese and, unfortunately, its subsequent abandonment.
So now, when you first look at the lavish ruins of ancient Ayutthaya —declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO—, you cannot help but close your eyes for a moment and let your imagination fly. Allowing fantasy to recreate those centuries of great ostentation today claimed by ourselves, its 21st century visitors.
Trip to Ayutthaya: we tour the ruins of the ancient capital of Siam
To do this, there are those who decide to go to the old capital of Thailand on a day trip from bangkok , which is only 80 kilometers away. A very effective option if you have little time in the country. Others, however, dare to dedicate something more to it —which deserves it, and a lot—, and stay for a few nights.
Be that as it may, the visit to Ayutthaya It is, without a doubt, a basic and essential stop on a trip to Thailand.
ON TWO WHEELS OR ON THREE?
By bike or tuk-tuk ? Because these are, without a doubt, the means of transport more effective to move through the historic zone -and the one that is not- of Ayutthaya . Many companies in the area offer the first option: renting a bike is as simple as deciding which offer to bet on. For the second, the easiest thing will be for you to wait until the horns of those peculiar motorcycles - those of Autthaya, in addition, have a streamlined shape of the most original—call you from any of the roads. Then it will be a matter of haggle, bargain, and jump on the bandwagon.
Where to start? By ruins that are part of the historical complex . And while the tuk tuk on duty takes you quickly and with music at full volume to the first of the temples, a couple of curious facts: Ayutthaya -What does it mean “impenetrable city” — it came to encompass in its day even beyond the territories they occupy today Laos, ** Cambodia ** and Myanmar . At that time, in the middle of the 16th century, it was an important commercial port and maintained very productive relations with both the Louis XIV of France , as with other traders from Europe and Asia.
Another curiosity? During those years it was known as “The Venice of the East” , since it was located at the confluence of three rivers: the Chao Phraya, the Lop Buri and the Pasak . The city was thus completely surrounded by water, forming an island that was structured by canals.
Spirituality overflows Ayutthaya
ROUTE THROUGH THE TEMPLES AND PALACES
And in the middle of that island, the incredible Wat Phra Si Sanphet , the perfect temple for you to start exploring the terrain. Its three stupas are possibly the most iconic image in all of Ayutthaya. They were raised in XIV century and gave shape to the largest religious enclosure of all those in the city, which also had a Buddha of 16 meters covered by 250 kilos of gold . Gold that the Burmese would later melt down and disappear…
And here, a note: if looking at them in the light of day allows you to look at their details, seeing them illuminated at nightfall is pure fantasy.
And you don't have to walk far —don't worry— to reach another worthwhile temple: the Wat Ratburana, 15th century. Here you must pay attention to your prang (a kind of high tower, similar to a capital, usually overloaded with decoration), which is one of the most outstanding in the city. The most striking thing is that it is decorated with carvings of lotuses and mythical creatures , key details to understand the architecture of Ayutthaya, which is quite reminiscent of the Khmer style.
and next to Ratburana , a classic —and probably the reason why the vast majority of tourists decide to visit Ayutthaya—. Its about Wat Phra Mahathat , the temple of the famous Buddha head. There must be few people on the face of the earth who have not at some time seen that popular image of Buddha's face wrapped in roots.
The most famous head in Thailand and one of the most popular in the world
Little or nothing is known about how and why did that head end up there , although it is true that the Burmese made the sad decision to behead most of the Buddhas scattered around the old capital: hence there are whole rows of headless figures in their temples.
Be that as it may, what is clear is that her popularity means that the queues to be photographed in front of her are absolutely terrifying. To contemplate it relaxed or, much better, in solitude, do what you would do before any other tourist attraction: go to the temple very early.
CROSSING THE RIVER
It's time to make yourself understood again with the tuk tuk driver: the ideal thing at this point is that you start exploring too what surprises await beyond the island . And we are going to be honest with you: with the heat that it usually does in this corner of the world, it is better to save yourself the occasional walk.
And it turns out that there are also some famous temples on this side. The best of all? That some are even still active. This is the case of the Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon monastery , one of the most spectacular. First thing in the morning, before it even opens its doors to visitors, dozens of monks gather to pray in its main hall. Sneaking up behind them, sitting in a corner and feeling up close the energy emanating from their songs and prayers is a different and beautiful experience.
Afterwards, it will be time for you to explore the enclosure, in which its beautiful Reclining Buddha seven meters long. After climbing some stairs that reach the bell-shaped chedi —the only one there, come on— you get spectacular views of the place.
The tallest golden Buddha in Thailand is the one at Wat Phanan Choeng
But if what you want is to contemplate the Tallest golden Buddha in Thailand a, you will have to go to the Wat Phanan Choeng , the temple that also houses other 84 thousand figures of Buddha covering the walls.
Wat Chai Wattanaram , for its part, has another attraction: the huge central prang built in Khmer style. A perfect place to watch the sunset . What more could you want?
Well, to ask, let's ask for a cruise. For example, in one of the boat rides that take place at dusk on the river (Watch out for mosquitoes, repellent is recommended). In addition, when contemplating the illuminated temples on both sides of the river while enjoying a dinner based on the most delicious thai food , you will forget everything else.
Wat Surwannawat
FED UP WITH RUINS?
And since not everything is going to be temples and monasteries and ruins... Why not visit a market? the of Ayutthaya It is especially touristic, quite far from the more traditional environment, and occupies an entire area set up for this purpose, partially built on the water.
Ayothaya Floating Market It opens daily from 9 in the morning until 8 in the afternoon and has a good handful of stalls. crafts, clothes and, of course, food . oh! And Thai massage stalls.
Ayothaya Floating Market
In a pavilion at the back of the enclosure they usually carry out traditional music and dance shows several times a day. Also Theater displays in which, dressed in typical costumes, the actors recreate some of the most important historical moments of the city. And watch out, because sometimes they even go beyond the stage and the performances —with special effects included— reach the market stalls themselves.
A fun way to learn a little more about Ayutthaya, "the impenetrable city" of Thailand. The ancient capital of the kingdom of Siam.
Wat Chaiwatthanaram