5 Things To Do In Ayutthaya, Thailand
If you’re after a break from the hectic buzz of Bangkok, then why not hop on a train for 2 hours to the beautifully authentic, Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya gives you a glimpse of Thailand’s history with its abundance of ancient temples and its rich history that should keep you busy for a whole day. It’s also home to great local food with its night market that’s on every night of the week.
Here are a few places you should definitely check out if you find yourself there for the day.
Wat Phra Mahathat
This beautiful red-bricked temple is one of the biggest and most significant in Ayutthaya as it houses the Buddha's holy relic and has a rich history dating back to the 14th century. In 1767, when the Ayutthaya kingdom fell, it was severely damaged by fire and abandoned, but amazingly you can still see the Wat in all its glory today.
Before you go into the temples, there are a few market stalls that sell the typical Thai baggy pants that you can purchase if you need to cover up before you enter.
Wat Phra Mahathat is inside the historical park, which is now a world heritage site. As you walk around the vast temple, you’ll probably see a big group of people gathered around a tree. If you can get close enough through the sea of people you’ll see the famous Buddha’s head entwined in the tree’s bark. It’s one of the most iconic images in the whole of Thailand - so be sure to get a picture of it.
A word of warning: like anywhere in Thailand it can get very hot and humid. The temple doesn’t offer a lot of shade so be sure to carry an umbrella and plenty of water with you as you walk around.
There are many more temples in the area that are worth a visit, such as What Chaiwatthanaram, Wat Phra Si Sanphet and Wat Ratchaburana. You can take a tuk-tuk around each temple - if you don’t feel like walking in the heat.
Address and opening times:
Nai Mueang, Mueang Nakhon Si Thammarat District, Nakhon Si Thammarat
Open: 8am till 6pm - everyday
Entry fee: 200 baht entry for foreigners
Etiquette: Ladies need to cover their legs and shoulders
Ayutthaya Night Market
Ayutthaya’s night market is small, but thriving with great food, crafts and clothes stalls. It’s located right near the river bank and is close to another night market called Bang Lan that offers even more delicious food.
The market is packed with great local delicacies from tasty insects, pad thai to delicious sweet coconut crepes. You can also try a range of European and Indian foods too. It’s a great place to taste a range of different dishes very cheaply as most range from 35 to 60 baht each. You’ll see a pad thai go from fresh raw ingredients to the wok, straight to your plate. With each stall you’ll see generations from the same family cooking their regional specialties, which gives the market a really lovely, friendly atmosphere.
After you’ve filled your stomach you can take a browse of the local crafts stalls and pick yourself up some cheap souvenirs and clothes.
Address and opening times:
Bang Ian Rd, Tambon Tha Wa Su Kri, Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
Open: 7 days a week, 5pm till 10pm
Coffee Old City
Although Ayutthaya is small, it’s packed with great little eateries and restaurants if you wanted a sit-down meal or a taste of the local coffee. If you find yourself in need of a refreshingly cool smoothie or a cheap bite after trekking around Wat Phra Mahathat, then just across the road from the ruins is Coffee Old City.
The menu boasts a wide selection of typical Thai food such as fried rice, pad thai and spicy soups like tom yum (or tom yam). It’s especially great if you’re vegetarian. The cafe, as its name suggests, is also very good for a quality cup of local coffee and traditional Thai tea.
It’s a great little spot to sit out and admire the temple ruins across the road - a must if you’re in the area.
Address and opening times:
Wat Maha That,13000 Ayuthaya, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
Open: Monday to Saturday, 8am till 5.30pm
Facebook: Old Coffee Old City
The Jim's Cafe
If you’ve just got off the train, then take a short stroll across the river to The Jim's cafe for a much needed boost before you go on your ancient trekking adventure.
The owner called Jim, funnily enough, used to live in Sydney, Australia for a while before returning to his hometown of Ayutthaya. You can see that he’s brought some Aussie influence with him in the amazing flat whites and quality beans he uses.
If you fancied something different from the traditional Thai sweets, then The Jim’s Cafe will feed your sweet tooth with its range of cakes and pastries. A must try is their strawberry cheesecake and red velvet cake.
Address and opening times:
12 Bang-Ian Road, Horratthanachai Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
Open: Open daily, apart from Tuesday’s from 9am till 7pm
Facebook: The Jim’s Cafe
Basic Space Coffee
Basic Space is a hidden gem as it offers a taste of hipster-style chic that is anything but ‘basic’. It has a really modern and artistic feel to it that you can’t help but feel at ease in. You could easily spend hours in here reading a book or doing some drawing - as you see drawings on the wall from other customers.
You can tell the owner takes coffee seriously as you can buy a selection of different brews and coffee blends. I tried my first Thai iced coffee here and it didn’t disappoint.
If you’re peckish, you can also grab some simple but filling food, from Thai omelettes to khao pad pu (crab fried rice).
Address and opening times:
Hua Ro, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
Open: Daily from 7am till 4pm
Facebook: Basic Space Coffee
