Ayutthaya is one of Thailand’s provinces that many foreigners want to come to learn Thai history and view the beauty of the architecture or ruins of the old city, which are incredibly important to the Thai people. There are now several minimalist and modern cafés in Ayutthaya to attract both Thai and foreign tourists. The following are my top five ancient landmarks in Thailand’s Ayutthaya provinces:
1. Wat Chai Wattanaram
If you visit Ayutthaya, I strongly advise you to visit this location first, which is located in the Ban Pom subdistrict of Thailand’s Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province. It is the King Prasat Thong Kingdom’s old temple, which was erected in 1630, more than 300 years ago. It is highly attractive and popular with tourists since it is a filming site for the drama “Buppesanniwat.” It is open daily from 7.30 a.m. to 16.00 p.m. The admission fee for foreigners is 50 Baht.
2. Bang Pa In Royal Palaces
It is one of the ancient sites of Thailand’s Ayutthaya province, located in the Bang Pa In district. King Prasat Thong constructed it during the Ayutthaya era. Tourists can currently visit the palace every day between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. However, you must wear a police uniform and make no noise. The palace contains numerous fascinating features, such as Ho Hem Montien Thewarat, a stone prang imitation of a Khmer prang, Aisawan, Thipphaya-at Throne Hall, and others. There is a beautiful architectural style. The admission cost for foreigners is around 100 Baht per person.
3. Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit
It is situated in Thailand’s Pratuchai subdistrict, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District. It is one of the significant temples in Ayutthaya. Inside the temple, there is “Luang Por Mongkhon Bophit,” a bronze Buddha figure in the subduing Mara position. It is exceedingly beautiful, displaying the metal’s knowledge and the ability of Thai artisans during the Ayutthaya period. Tourists may buy local products, cuisine, basketry, souvenirs, and other goods at the market in front of the temple. It is free to enter and open daily from 07:00 to 18:00.
4. Chao Sam Phraya National Museum
It is located on 108 Rojana Road in Thailand’s Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. It is open from 9:00-16:00 Tuesday through Sunday. It is divided into 3 buildings: Thai House Buildings, Art Buildings in Thailand, and the Chao Sam Phraya Building. Each building would exhibit various artifacts from the past. Many notable art pieces from the Ayutthaya period that depict the Ayutthaya Kingdom’s golden history. Foreigners must pay an admission fee of 150 Baht.
5. Wat Niwet Thammaprawat Ratchaworawihan
It is situated opposite the Bang Pa-In Palace in Ban Len Subdistrict, Bang Pa-in District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province in Thailand. It is the sole Buddhist temple in Thailand, yet the architecture is Christian. The Gothic church embellished with exquisite colored sapphire is the temple’s highlight. It is open everyday from 09:00-17:00 without any entrance fees.
These are the top five ancient sites in Thailand’s Ayutthaya Province that you should not miss if you visit Thailand. However, if you plan to travel in Thailand, I strongly advise you to purchase travel insurance from Rabbit Care because if you suffer from any accident, disability, or bodily injuries as a result of visiting the historical site listed above in Ayutthaya, the insurer will cover your medical expenses and others under the travel insurance policy.
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