Ayutthaya Day Trip from Bangkok: Temples, Buddha Head & Market Lunch

4.57

(30 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

Hands pressed together, our guide Somchai greeted us before we’d even left the van in Ayutthaya. He handed out little cold towels — I remember the smell of lemongrass clinging to my fingers as we walked towards Wat Phu Khao Thong. Climbing those steps (so many!) was worth it for that view: rice fields patchworked below, and the town stretching out in every direction. The air felt thick and warm — not exactly breezy, but somehow it made everything slower, softer. Somchai pointed to a distant chedi and told us how kings used to look out over these same fields. I tried to imagine it but mostly just felt my knees wobble from the climb.

We wandered through temple grounds where saffron-robed monks drifted by with barely a sound. At Wat Mahathat, everyone paused at the Buddha head tangled in tree roots — honestly, it’s smaller than I expected but there’s something about it that makes you want to whisper. I stood there longer than I meant to, just watching sunlight flicker across the stone face. Later we found ourselves at a market for lunch (no set menu — you pick whatever looks good). I still think about that fried fish with chili sauce; my fingers smelled like garlic for hours after.

After lunch we visited Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon. There was this line of huge seated Buddhas wrapped in bright cloths, their faces all soft smiles. Someone handed me incense and showed me how to bow properly — my attempt was clumsy enough that one of the older women nearby giggled and patted my shoulder. By the time we reached Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, clouds were rolling in and everything looked silver for a moment. The old palace grounds felt quiet compared to earlier stops; maybe everyone was tired or just lost in thought. It’s funny how a place can feel both ancient and alive at once.