Ayutthaya offers a quick getaway from Bangkok with temples, historic sites, markets, local delicacies and more to explore. A day trip simply isn't enough to do justice to what the former capital of Thailand has to offer and, instead, you may want to consider an overnight or two at Centara Ayutthaya, which opened its doors in December.
Similar to other key Centara properties, Centara Ayutthaya is adjacent to Central Ayutthaya. While I don't think a mall visit should be high on your vacay itinerary (especially for mall-jaded Bangkokians), this will be an exception if you want Instagram-worthy pictures as the shopping centre pays homage to Ayutthaya through its distinctive design. Most noticeable, its red brick facade, its vast outdoor square and its main entrance adorned with golden "12 recesses", an architectural feature found at the base of a chedi. The mall also has its own gallery, which opened last month, in a separate building.
Centara Ayutthaya also pays homage to Ayutthayan aesthetic but in a more contemporary style. The exterior of Centara's debut property in Ayutthaya brings to mind stacks of overlapping red bricks found at many famous ruins of Ayutthaya. More nods to Ayutthaya's heritage await guests inside this high-rise hotel from artworks and decorative knick knacks in its public spaces to traditional wooden doors inside a suite's bathroom and brickwall rugs in all guestrooms.
Deluxe Room.
Centara Ayutthaya's total of 224 accommodation units range from 30m² Deluxe Rooms to 63m² Executive Suites. During the day, they are amply lit with natural light coming through large windows. There are daybeds adjacent to the windows so you can recline and enjoy a view of the hotel's surroundings. Depending on the room layout, you can close off the daybed from the rest of the room with curtains to turn it into a napping nook or a kid's bedroom, too. Besides comfy beds, you can expect rain showers and modern amenities such as a minibar, smart TV and complimentary Wi-Fi. Suite guests get to enjoy a separate living area, a tub and a capsule coffee maker.
A mid-tier Premium Deluxe room offers an interesting and inviting design, taking advantage of its corner layout. Its door open to a short passage, which leads to the open floor plan. On one side, there's an open closet with storage and a sink with large windows behind, on the other side, a shower cubicle and a toilet cubicle. Further down is the bedroom area with an extra long daybed situated next to a corner window.
Centara Ayutthaya is also pet-friendly, reserving certain floors for pawrents to check in with their fur babies. All pets are welcome with no weight restrictions but there's a reasonably priced surcharge.
Three on-site F&B outlets each caters to a different mood. On the ground floor, all day dining restaurant House Of Kin, kin in Thai means "to eat", serves breakfast buffet and scrumptious Thai and international cuisines for lunch and dinner.
Also on the same floor is cafe Summer Coffee, which brews hispter-y drinks alongside pastries. Get your vitamin D at the outdoor section next to a beautiful garden.
Opacarophiles must head up to the rooftop infinity pool on the 20th floor for a sunset toast before enjoying a Thai meal with a creative twist at Diwa Rooftop Bar & Restuarant. Think Phuket's khao tom haeng in the form of arancini, refreshing Yum som choon topped with peanut cracker and Pad Thai that looks like tamagoyaki.
As the sun goes down, the pool becomes an extension of Diwa and you can enjoy your meal at a sunken seat or a cabana while being serendade by a live band every weekend.
Burn off some calories at the fully-equipped fitness centre with a view from the 19th floor. There are three function spaces that can be arranged for intimate meetings to grand gatherings of up to 250 attendees.
The hotel's great location on National Highway 32 affords guests both secular conveniences and plenty of pilgrimage sites, being near Ayutthaya Provincial Hall and Centara Ayutthaya, as well as within a seven-minute driving radius from three of Ayutthaya's most famous temples.
Climb steep steps of the main stupa of Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, make a wish and throw loose change into the centre of an empty well hidden inside. If succeed, your wish will come true.
Be in awe by the 19-metre-tall golden Buddha statue, Ayutthaya's biggest, at Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan.
Go back in time as you explore ancient ruins and the famouse reclining Buddha of 600-plus-year old Wat Phutthai Sawan and enjoy drama tourism as the temple is featured in famous drama series Love Destiny.
For a deeper dive into Ayutthaya's history, guests just have to drive a few minutes more and cross the Pasak River to arrive at Ayutthaya Historical Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site, where more major historic ruins await.
Centara Ayutthaya offers an introductory rate until the end of this month for stays until June 30. CentaraThe1 members enjoy an extra 15% discount, plus B500 hotel credit per stay and 2pm late check-out. Visit Centara website.
