Ayutthaya, Thailand
Duration: 3 days, 2 nights
Destination: Auytthaya, Thailand
Language: Thai
Currency: Thai Baht
- Sight Seeing 95%
- Food 90%
- Transportation 60%
- Activities 85%
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.
See ancient temples and ruins
Ayutthaya is the original capital of Thailand, during its time of the Kingdom of Siam, and filled with vast ruins of ancient temples. Some are still functioning, others have been dedicated to the Ayutthaya Historical Park. Visiting the temples and ancient grounds is the top attraction for tourists visiting the city.
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.
Watch sunset on the river while drinking fresh fruit drinks
The center of Ayutthaya rests in a meander of the Chao Phraya river, with plenty of riverside hotels and restaurants hosting patios to enjoy the slow tranquil scene. Sala hotel and restaurant sits across from Wat Phutthaisawan , with a large open-air dining patio to enjoy sunset and a high-end dining experience.
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Impossible Trains
It is impossible to see this moment, when all four trains going to and from National Stadium and Siam pass over the promenade at the same time.
I wanted to capture the moment when all four trains passed overhead, but the timing of the trains prevents this. So I waited. And I photographed each train pass by. Then, in post-edit, recreated a composition with all four trains entering and exiting the frame together.