Ayutthaya, or Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, was once the capital of Thailand and considered the most spectacular place on Earth with 1,700 temples and over 4,000 golden Buddha statues. In 1767, all this came to an end during the Burmese invasion, and the city was almost completely destroyed. The spectacular ruins that now remain have been granted World Heritage status by UNESCO.
Ayutthaya is located about 80 km north of Bangkok, and for as little as 60 baht you can go there by minivan from Victory Monument. To find the van zone, head out of the BTS station at exit 4 and ask your way.
Also read: No More Minivans from Victory Monuments
The Historical Park is huge, and some people rent bicycles on arrival. We hired a tuk-tuk, and the driver showed us a map of the park, and we told him what temples we wanted to see. We came here for the temples that appear in the movies Mortal Kombat and Kickboxer with Jean-Claude Van Damme. Yay! We visited six different temples, but there are over 20 impressive temples here.
Wat Chaiwatthanaram
Situated by the Chao Phraya River, Wat Chaiwatthanaram was my favorite temple in Ayutthaya. It was incredible walking around pretty much alone, taking in the Mortal Kombat atmosphere. The temple was constructed in 1630 by the King Prasat Thong, and the central prang (reliquary tower) is believed to contain relics of the Lord Buddha.
The Burmese mutilated all Buddha statues.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet
Another temple that appears in Mortal Kombat, Wat Phra Sisanphet is the largest and most significant temple since it was used as the royal temple and palace for several Ayutthaya kings.
Wat Phra Ram
Wat Phra Ram, right across from Wat Phra Si Sanphet, was built in 1369 on the site of the first Ayutthaya king’s cremation.
Wat Mahathat
The head of Buddha with tree roots growing around it at Wat Mahathat is the most iconic image in Ayutthaya. Pretty fascinating stuff!
An intact Buddha statue.
Wat Ratchaburana
Wat Ratchaburana appears in Kickboxer as “Stone City.” It’s also the third temple that appears in Mortal Kombat.
Wat Lokkayasutharam
The 37 meter long reclining Buddha at Wat Lokkayasutharam appears in Sagat’s stage in most of the Street Fighter games.
Be careful in the heat, and drink lots of water!
Map of Ayutthaya Historical Park.
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Cheers for that man. I’m planning on going there this August. Would you recommend booking the transport to Ayutthaya historical park from Bangkok prior or just on the day? I head the train is fine.
Hello Steven! You don’t need to book. Take the Skytrain to Victory Monument in Bangkok. There you’ll find minivans to Ayutthaya for only 60 baht. Have a nice trip!