Ancient Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya was founded in 1351 by King U Thong. The ancient city was claimed by the king to be the capital of his kingdom, also known as Siam. Today we know it as Thailand and the capital has moved down south to Bangkok. The ruins of Ayutthaya is a huge tourist attraction and with good reason. The ancient captial is reachable from Bangkok on a day tour. Prices ranges around 500-600 THB, including entry tickets and lunch. Here's a few of the central places to visit.

Buddha Head stuck in tree at Wat Maha That in Ayutthaya, Thailand

Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon was the great monastery of Ayutthaya. In 1357 two princes died and the king had the place built to function as a cremation site. Later the temple became home to buddhist monks from Ceylon (Sri Lanka).

Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon in Ayutthaya, Thailand

One of the most prominent and well-known sites of Ayutthaya is the Buddha head stuck in a tree. The head was once part of a sandstone Buddha image. The head fell off the main body onto the ground. Gradually it was trapped into the roots of the constantly growing Bodhi tree. The Buddha head is presumably from around 1600s. It's located at Wat Maha That ruins. Selfies allowed, but turn a bit sideways and don't cover any parts of the Buddha Head.

Buddha head at Wat Maha That in Ayutthaya, Thailand

The main feature of Wat Lokkayasuthram is the huge Reclining Buddha. It dates back to the early Ayutthaya period and stand incredibly well-preserved.

Reclining Buddha at Wat Lokkayasuthram in Ayutthaya, Thailand

Wat Phra Si Sanphet meaning Temple of the Holy was the most important monastery of Ayutthaya. The templed served as a model for the outstanding Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok.

Wat Phra Si Sanphet in Ayutthaya, Thailand

This 50-meter chedi, Wat Phu Khao Thong, was built through centuries. Both by the Thai and the Burmese. At the time of our visit, the construction still going which, unfortunately for us, denied us access to climbed the chedi.

Wat Phu Khao Thong in Ayutthaya, Thailand