- Introducing Ayutthaya and Mahamudra: Thailand’s Historical Heritage
- Ayutthaya Tour: Discover History by Bus
- The Buddha’s Head at Pamaha Temple: A Solemn Historical Experience
- History lesson: the story of the boom and bust.
- Enriched Soda: How to Cool Down in the Heat
- Home study: history and bonding time
- Overall: A blend of history and therapy
- Sensible Private Summaries
Introducing Ayutthaya and Mahamudra: Thailand’s Historical Heritage
Thailand is one of Southeast Asia’s leading tourist destinations, and its mix of history and modernity – Bangkok’s temples, Chiang Mai’s culture and Phuket’s beaches – is expected to attract some 39 million visitors by 2023. An ancient UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ayutthaya is located about 80 kilometers north of Bangkok and was the center of the Ayutthaya dynasty between 1351 and 1767. The main temple in the Ayutthaya Historical Park is Wat Phra Mahathat, symbolized by the Buddha’s head buried in a tree. For more information, visit the official websites ofthe Tourism Authority ofThailand andthe Tourism Authority of Ayutthaya. You can also get travel information on the Get Your Guide website. From Bangkok, you can take the Thai Railways or buses. On this tour, we visited the Ayutthaya Temple, learned about its history and enjoyed rich desserts.
Ayutthaya Tour: Discover History by Bus
We planned a family trip to Thailand and decided to visit Wat Phra Mahathat in Ayutthaya. We took a bus from Bangkok (about 2,500 baht per person) and departed from our hotel at 7am. According to our research, Ayutthaya was founded by King Uthong in 1351 and was a thriving trading post in Southeast Asia. Tip: Choose a tour with an English-speaking guide for a detailed historical explanation. For independent travelers, we recommend taking a minivan (about 100 baht for a 1-hour ride) or the Thai Railway (about 100 baht round trip) from the Mo Chit Bus Terminal. During the rainy season (July), bring a folding umbrella in case of sudden rain. This bus tour is a great way to get a taste of history.
The Buddha’s Head at Pamaha Temple: A Solemn Historical Experience
Arriving at Wat Phra Mahathat, the Buddha’s head buried in the tree comes into view. According to the guide, when Burma invaded in 1767, gold leaf and treasures were stolen, leaving only the heavy Buddha head buried under the Bodhi tree. Out of respect for Buddhism, photographs should be taken below the Buddha’s head, but some tourists have been warned for taking photos while standing. According to my research, this temple was built in the 14th century and was the religious center of Ayutthaya. My family and I took a low-key photo and were impressed by the solemn atmosphere. Tip: The best time to take photos is right after the temple opens at 8am, as it’s quieter. Admission is 50 baht (about 200 yen). Wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees – this Buddha’s head speaks to me of the weight of history.
History lesson: the story of the boom and bust.
The temple’s hidden scriptures and ruined Buddha statues tell the story of the rise and fall of dynasties. The golden statues and mossy brickwork reflect the destruction by the Burmese army (1767) and the age of nature. According to my research, Ayutthaya Historical Park covers an area of 289 hectares and preserves 33 temples and more than 400 Buddha statues. I toured the ruins with my family and listened to the guides and children talk about the history of the dynasty. Tip: Take an audio guide (150 baht) or a guidebook to better understand the site. Wear comfortable walking shoes and don’t forget to drink plenty of water. The ruins brought me closer to Thai history.
| total credits earned by student | specificities | Position: | suggestion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buddha’s head on a tree | 14th century, buried under a linden tree. | 50 baht | fire from a low point |
| Cheddi (name) | Corrugated tiles, traces of a dynasty. | including through | Learn about history on a guided tour. |
| Buddhist statue complex (esp. in Yuan dynasty) | Golden bark, moss | including through | Wear a hat to protect yourself from the sun |
Enriched Soda: How to Cool Down in the Heat
On the way home, I picked up a lychee soda (about 100 baht) at a small cafe near the temple. The sweet and sour texture and refreshing flavor of the soda was perfect for the clean, quality lychee. It gave me a break from the hot (32°C) weather and the sweaty queue for the Buddha’s head photo. The food stalls and cafes in Ayutthaya sell a variety of drinks made from local fruits. I had a soft drink with my family and the kids loved it: the cafe was clean and right at the exit of the temple. Pay in cash (small bills) to avoid being duped. These snacks added to my trip.
Home study: history and bonding time
Ayutthaya Temple is a history lesson – children are interested in the history of the Buddha statues and families talk about the rise and fall of dynasties. Our research shows that Ayutthaya had contact with Japan, and that there was a Japanese village in the 17th century. Tip: If you go with children, bring a simple history picture book. Our family bonded through this tour.
Overall: A blend of history and therapy
Wat Phra Mahathat has a solemn Buddha’s head and the refreshing smell of lychee soda. I would love to visit the Chaiwatthanaram Temple again with my family to learn more about its history Tip: The budget per person for the visit and meals is approximately 3,500 baht. Note This information is based on personal experience and conditions may change at any time.
Sensible Private Summaries
The depth of history fills your soul at Wat Phra Mahathat in Ayutthaya. Take an early morning bus tour to venerate the Buddha’s head, sip lychee sodas and gain personal wisdom. The peaceful ruins and time with family will help you appreciate the richness of your trip.
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