Ayutthaya Historical Park

This UNESCO World Heritage site comprises approximately 70 stunning temples and ruins, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and archaeologists. The vast expanse encompasses the historic Siamese capital city, featuring enormous Buddha statues set against a serene green backdrop that stands out against the scorching blue sky. You should visit to behold the splendor of what once was the Siamese capital of power and commerce. It is impossible not to be moved by it.

Wat Mahathat

Wat Mahathat was the royal ceremonial site for both religious and non-religious events before King Trailoknat replaced it with Wat Phra Si Sanphet, and is thought to be the spiritual center of the Early Ayutthaya Period. The temple has a Khmer-style prang (since collapsed) that was used to enshrine a tiny casket containing the Buddha's relics before Ayutthaya became the Siamese capital (now on display at Chao Sam Phraya Museum). Apart from the main prang, Wat Mahathat is home to the lone Buddha's head encased in the roots of an overgrown banyan tree, which has become a beloved Ayutthaya image. The Buddha's head is strictly guarded around the clock, and even the slightest act of disrespect (such as taking photographs while standing over it) will not be tolerated.

Wat Phra Sri Sanphet

Wat Phra Sri Sanphet is the largest temple in Ayutthaya, which served as the Royal Monastery from 1350 to 1448, situated on wide grounds within the walls of the former royal Grand Palace. The three distinctive chedis, which house the royal relics of three Ayutthaya Kings, are among the few remaining structures in the temple grounds, which are a must-see ruin site in and of themselves. Two mandapas for housing Buddhist literature and sacred artifacts previously existed on the empty space that presently stands between the three chedis. The concrete columns from the main chapel can still be seen to the east of the chedis. A wide cloister encircled the three stupas, with lines of smaller chedis positioned near the outside wall. The ruins of a smaller chapel with a now-headless Buddha image can be found at one end of the line created by the three chedis. It is fascinating to see how elegant curves may be made using regular bricks.

Wat Ratchaburana

The Khmer-style stupa (or prang) adorned with statues of the legendary god-bird Garuda, towering above a courtyard of chedis and a destroyed temple hall, seems like a tiny Angkor Wat. It was formerly one of Thailand's most magnificent temples. Ayutthaya's museum was built with funds raised from a handful of valuable artifacts recovered from drunken looters who attacked the temple in 1957. The rest of the collection is still on exhibit.

Wat Phra Ram

The picture of this 14th-century temple, reflected in the water of Bueng Phra Ram lake and silhouetted against a pink sky shortly after sunset, might just be Ayutthaya's most Instagrammable shot. With colonnades of chedis and vast galleries originally utilized by Thai royals and courtiers, it is one of Ayutthaya's most revered temples. The National Museum in Bangkok houses a massive carved sandstone Buddha footprint wrapped in ornate spirals and an exquisite wheel-mandala.

Wat Chaiwatthanaram

Welcome to a truly spectacular Buddhist temple on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, which served as an architectural model for a number of following Thai sites. The striking design has an elevated platform and eight tall chedis, all connected by secret tunnels with colorful paintings depicting Buddha's life. Around the location, there are 120 sitting Buddha sculptures. They were initially painted black and gold, but now have orange curtains, creating a serene, gorgeous image.

Wat Thammikarat

Wat Ratchaburana is located at the base of the Paa Than bridge in the Tha Wasukri subdistrict of the Phra Nakorn Sri Ayutthaya (Krung Kao) district of Ayutthaya province. It's just north of Wat Mahathat and close to the royal palace. Wat Ratchaburana is the oldest temple in the province and one of the royal monasteries erected during the Ayutthaya period.

Parts of the terrace, the portico's pillars, and a chedi surrounded by lion statues may all be seen. The dozens of vividly colored rooster figurines, assumed to be offerings brought by residents, are a source of fascination. The enormous bronze Buddha head and the golden reclining Buddha hidden in one of the houses to the right of the chedi are also noteworthy.