Ayutthaya Activities

While Ayutthaya isn’t on most families’ lists as a destination, it offers children the chance to learn about Thailand’s fascinating past through ruins and relics as well as boasting elephants, cruises and a number of parks in which the kids can run around in. Just south of the city, you will find Siam Park which is an enormous theme park dedicated to children and their enjoyment.

Elephant Riding
It will be impossible for you and your family to walk around Ayutthaya without encountering the country’s national animal. Elephants can be found throughout the city decorated with paint and offering rides to children and their families. You will be able to ride an elephant round the beautiful Pha Nakhon Sri Ayutthaya Historical Park (with a trained mahout of course) and see the sights an alternative way. Children will not fail but be impressed by these magnificent animals. If an elephant ride leaves the young ones desperate for more, there are elephant camps which can be visited in the city for a day. Here you will get to see elephants close up as well as baby elephants and injured elephants. Visit www.elephantstay.com for more details.

River Cruises
There’s nothing like a cruise to excite children and Ayutthaya offers a whole host of cruises suitable for all ages. Many cruises offer hotel pickups, lunch and drop offs back at your hotel. Many cruises start from Bang Pa In Summer Palace and cruise along the Chao Praya river. Throughout the trip, your children will be able to get a glimpse into the city’s colourful past.

Siam Park
This adventure theme park is a great place to visit for the day. It is located in Bangkok and offers a wide array of rides, entertainment and refreshments which will keep the kids busy all day. There are roller coasters, merry-go-rounds, a water park and much more. The journey there will be more than worth it and will allow the kids to get rid of any excess energy they might have.

Ayutthaya is awash with cultural offerings which will guarantee to impress visitors of all ages. The city is historically significant and was once a great capital. Today, the city lies in ruins and it is these ruins that allow historians to trace back to the city’s golden period.

Chao Sam Phraya Museum
This museum is home to a collection of Buddha heads which are missing from their original sites. There are also a number of displays of relics found at different sites across the city such as the golden ceremonial objects from Wat Ratchaburana and Buddha images from other temples. It is a true testament to Ayutthaya’s golden era.

Wat Phra Mahathat
This stunning temple can be found across the road from Wat Ratchaburana. It is a large temple that was completely destroyed by the Burmese. There is a row of headless Buddha’s which goes some way to documenting the extent of the Burmese destruction. This sight is also home to the famous tree which has grown up around a Buddha head.

Wat Phra Ram
This temple boasts a large prang as well as several small chedis. Much of it is in ruins, as with most of the city, but it is not hard to imagine how spectacular this temple would have been in its prime.

Wat Phra Si Sanphet
This is the largest temple in Ayutthaya, which is famed for its row of chedis. It can be found in the grounds of the ancient Royal Palace and was once used for royal ceremonies. It used to boast a 16-metre Buddha, but this was destroyed by the Burmese. It is a must-see for history and culture buffs as it offers an insight into the cities ancient glory.

Wat Ratchaburana
This temple is home to an enormous prang which was recently restored to its original condition. It is possible to climb inside the prang for some excellent views and a chance to view an impressive exhibit. There is a small staircase which leads to two rooms which have not been restored, still housing a number of original paintings on their walls. In 1958, archaeologists discovered a number of golden statues and other relics, which can now be seen at the Chao Sam Phraya Museum.

Ayutthaya is home to a number of restaurants, each boasting their own uniqueness. Tourist options can be found in abundance, but while you are in this ancient city, it is highly recommended that you try some really authentic local food. There are many local street side restaurants that may lack in posh décor, but they certainly make up for this in their food. Along with these local eateries, you will find numerous street stalls offering delights such as noodles, soup and other Thai snacks. This is a great way to eat and you will certainly be eating like a local if you stop at one of these for a light bite.

If you would rather eat International cuisine, many of the hotels offer international buffets along with extensive menus offering food from around the globe. There are also a number of restaurants offering international fare including Indian, Italian and American.

Thailand is famed the world over for its food and many countries now offer a number of Thai restaurants. Nothing however is the same as the real thing. Some of the most-loved dishes include Tom Yum Kung (spicy soup with shrimps). Kang Kiew Wan (green curry soup) and Kang Gai (yellow curry soup with chicken and potato). Tom Kha Gai (mild coconut based soup with chicken) is a favourite with visitors as is Pad Thai (fried noodles with bean sprouts, peanuts, shrimps and vegetables).

You may also like to try some traditional Thai desserts. These include: Lod Chong Nam Krati (green noodles eaten with sweetened coconut cream), traditional coconut ice-cream and mango and sweet sticky rice.

Ayutthaya is a great place to head if you want to indulge in some shopping. There is an excellent night market on U-thong road, where you can pick up virtually anything including souvenirs, clothing and food. If you enjoy making your way round markets, there is a local market called Talad Hua Ror, which along with clothing and household items also sells local food produce. A visit to this market is an experience in itself, even if you don’t buy anything. For those looking for some traditional handicrafts, head to Bang Sai Folk Arts and Craft Centre, where you will be able to pick up some excellent carvings and other crafts.

Ayutthaya is not home to an abundance of outdoor pursuits, although it does offer some stunning outdoor areas and walking trails which will take you back in time. Golf is popular throughout Thailand and the surrounding are offers an excellent course. The top hotels all have gyms and pools while outdoor aerobics is always popular with both Thais and westerners.

Golf
The area immediately surrounding Ayutthaya offers a choice of large golf courses that are open to the public and provide golf equipment for hire. It is a great way to spend a sunny afternoon, especially as many of the courses are set among stunning backdrops.

Parks
Ayutthaya is home to a number of green areas and parks which are a great place to relax for an afternoon or escape the sun under a tall shady tree. The kids can have a run around and you can relax with a good book and watch the world go by.

Walking
Ayutthaya is a great city to simply walk around. History oozes out of every corner and there are stunning sights to see everywhere. While walking may be tiring in the heat of the day, mornings or early evenings offer a great opportunity to stroll around and marvel at some of Thailand’s oldest ruins.