Ayutthaya, Thailand

Best…

1. Wat Pom Raman – Best place to get San Yant tattoo

Far outside of the city center, Wat Pom Raman provides traditional Sak Yant tattoo ceremony. Ajarn use a modern tattoo gun to apply the tattoo rather than the traditional bamboo rod. Map

2. Wat Mahathat – Best cultural activity

The temple ruins are right in the center of the city, next to the historical park. Explore the ancient construction and see the Buddha head embedded in the Banyan tree. Go early to avoid mid-day heat.  Map

3. Sala Ayutthaya Eatery and Bar – Best place to eat

Open-air patio seating right on the Chao Phraya river with a view of Wat Phutthaisawan Temple across the river. Excellent fresh fruit smoothies and grilled seafood. Map

Stay in a really cool guesthouse

The Sixty guesthouse sits across the street from Wat Mahathat, the highlight of ancient temples in the city, with a view of the ruins from the second floor balcony, where guests can enjoy morning coffee and biscuits while taking in the view.

Ride an elephant

Across from Vihara Phra Mongkhon Bophit, there is an elephant park where visitors can ride an elephant on a short tour of the city, and shop the gift shop filled with elephant themed souvenirs. 

Get a Sak Yant tattoo

Sak Yant (“Sak” meaning tattoo and “yant” a mystical diagram) is a special tattoo performed by monks (or by dedicated tattoo artists under the direction and supervision of a monk) meant to act as a form of talisman or protective prayer which serves to protect the bearer when they remain pure, or true, to their beliefs. The tattoo is inked in a designated area of the temple, then the person will kneel in front of the monk at the head of the temple for a special blessing to seal the Sak Yant.