Have Perut Will Travel...: AYU Day Trip│Exploring Ayutthaya!

Ayutthaya

We picked you up again after disembarking from the train at Ayutthaya Station, exactly one hour after leaving Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal.

First order of business: securing our return tickets. The very helpful young man at the counter informed us that, miraculously, all second class tickets back to Bangkok were sold out — not just for the day, but apparently for the foreseeable future. Quite the welcome.

No matter. We were determined to make the most of our day.

Wat Mahathat

We took a tuk tuk to our first destination, Wat Mahathat, for what felt like a merciless fare of THB150. Still, spirits remained high.

Wat Mahathat sits in front of the old Grand Palace area, next to Pa Than Bridge. Believed to be one of Ayutthaya’s oldest temples, it was likely built during the reign of King Boromaraja I (1370–1388). As a royal temple, it once housed the Buddha’s holy relic and played a major role in the Ayutthaya Kingdom.

Seeing the ruins in person — especially the iconic Buddha head entwined in tree roots — was surreal. We took plenty of photos before walking along Naresuan Road toward our next stop.

Wat Ratchaburana

Wat Ratchaburana is one of Ayutthaya’s most popular temples. The first striking sight is the prang framed perfectly by the entrance of the royal vihara.

The central tower is among the best preserved in the city. Archaeologists discovered a crypt inside containing treasures across three levels — one of the most significant finds in Ayutthaya’s history.

Though smaller than Wat Mahathat, the temple had a charm of its own. Naturally, more photos were taken.

Boat Noodles at Pa Lek

With both temples explored, we strolled back along Naresuan Road in search of lunch. Pa Lek Boat Noodles came highly recommended, so we gave it a try.

From their tiny menu, we ordered: