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The Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya or Ayutthaya in short, is one of Thailand's historical and majestic highlights. Serving as the Thai capital for 417 years (1350 1767: Kingdom of Ayutthaya), it was once glorified as one of the biggest cities in Southeast Asia. During the 17th century, most foreign visitors to Ayutthaya, traders or diplomats alike, claimed Ayutthaya to be the most illustrious and glittering city that they had ever visited. The map of Ayutthaya published in 1691 by Simon de la Loubere in Du Royaume De Siam is proof of such recognition.

The Kingdom of Ayutthaya reached its apex in terms of sovereignty, military might, wealth, culture, and international commerce in the 16th century when the Kingdoms territory was extended far beyond present-day Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar. Ayutthaya even had diplomatic relations with Louis XIV of France and was courted by Dutch, Portuguese, English, Chinese and Japanese merchants.
Visitors can explore and appreciate Thai history in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, which is situated only 86 kilometers north of Bangkok. Visitors to Ayutthaya can marvel at its grandeur reflected through numerous magnificent structures and ruins concentrated in and around the city island surrounded by Maenam Chao Phraya, Maenam Pa Sak and Maenam Lopburi.

More importantly,Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park, an extensive historical site in the heart of Ayutthaya city, has been included in UNESCO's World Heritage list since 13 December, 1991.

The Past

The Kingdom of Ayutthaya was built and developed in leaps and bounds. The ruins in Ayutthaya that survived the test of time embody both the glorious and ignominious stories of the Kingdom.

This ancient capital of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, founded in 1350 by King U-Thong, had thirty three kings of different dynasties and reached its peak in the middle of the18th century. A magnificent city with three palaces and over 400 magnificent temples on an island threaded by canals Ayutthaya was truly an impressive city that attracted both Europeans and Asians. After a 15-month siege the Kingdom of Ayutthaya was conquered and completely destroyed by the Burmese in 1767. When King Taksin the Great finally liberated the Kingdom, a new dynasty was established and the capital was moved to Thonburi.

The seal of Ayutthaya depicts a conch on a pedestal tray placed in a small castle under a Mun tree. According to legend, King U-Thong, founder of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, discovered a beautiful conch buried in the ground being prepared for the establishment of the seat of his Kingdom. Consequently, he had a tiny castle built to house the shell. Hence, the provincial seal.

The Present

Today, there are but groups of crumbling ruins and rows of headless Buddhas where once an empire thrived. The temple compounds are still awe-inspiring even in disrepair and a visit here is memorable and a good beginning for those drawn to the relics of history.

The architecture of Ayutthaya is a fascinating mix of Khmer (ancient Cambodian style) and early Sukhothai style. Some cactus-shaped obelisks, called prangs, denote Khmer influence and look something like the famous towers of Angkor Wat. The more pointed stupas are ascribed to the Sukhothai influence. For new arrivals who had limited their visit to Bangkok, similarities may be noted with the riverside Wat Arun, an 18th-century structure that was built in the so-called Ayutthaya style, a melding of Sukhothai Buddhist influences and Hindu-inspired Khmer motifs.

Ayutthaya is administratively divided into 16 districts: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Ban Phraek, Bang Ban, Bang Pahan, Bang Pa-in, Amphoe Bang Sai, Bang Sai, Lat Bua Luang, Maha Rat, Nakhon Luang, Phachi, Phak-Hai, Sena, Tha Rua, Uthai and Wang Noi.

By Car:

Alternative I: Take Highway No. 1 (Phahonyothin Road.) then take Highway No. 32 to Ayutthaya.

Alternative II: Take Highway No. 304 (Chaeng Watthana Road.) or take Highway No. 302 (Ngamwongwan Road.); turn righ to Highway No. 306 (Tiwanon Road.), then take Highway No. 3111 (Pathum Thani - Samkhok - Sena) and turn right at Amphoe Sena to Highway No. 3263

Alternative III: Take Highway No. 306 (Bangkok - Nonthaburi - Pathum Thani Road.) then take Highway No. 347

By Bus:

Ordinary buses run between the Bangkoks Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit 2 Bus Terminal) and Ayutthaya's main terminal on Naresuan Rd. every 20 minutes between 5 a.m. and 7 p.m. The fare is 30 bahts and the trip takes around 2hours. Air-conditioned buses operate the same route every 20 minutes from 5.40 a.m. to 7.20 p.m. (every 15 minutes between 7a.m. and 5p.m.) at the rate of 47 bahts, the trip takes 1.5 hours when traffic to north of Bangkok is light, otherwise it will take two hours.

By Train:

Trains to Ayutthaya leave Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Station approximately every hour between 4.20 a.m. and 10 p.m. The 3rd class fare is 15 bahts for the 1.5 hour trip. Train schedules are available from the information booth at Hua Lamphong Station. Alternatively, call 0 2223 7010, 0 2223 7020, or 1690 or visit www.railway.co.th for reservations.

By Boat

There are no scheduled or chartered boat services between Bangkok and Ayutthaya. However, several companies in Bangkok operate luxury cruises to Bang Pa-In with side trips by bus to Ayutthaya for approximately 1,500 bahts to 1,800 bahts per person, including a sumptuous luncheon. Longer two days trips in converted rice barges start at 4,800 baht.

Travelling around Ayutthaya and from Ayutthaya to nearby attractions

Song taew and shared tuk-tuk will go anywhere for 10 to 30 bahts/person depending on the distance/destination. A tuk-tuk from the train station going to any point in the old Ayutthaya zone is approximately 30 bahts. Note that the trip on the island (old Ayutthaya city) itself costs 20 bahts/trip maximum.

To tour the ruins, the most economical and ecological option is to rent a bicycle from one of the guesthouses (40 to 50 bahts/day). Walking is also an option, but not recommended during the hot or rainy seasons. It is possible to charter a sam lor, tuk tuk or song taew by the hour or by the day to explore the ruins but the prices are relatively high by Thai standards (150 bahts/hour, or 500 bahts for the entire day).

Another interesting activity is chartering a boat from the Tha Chan Kasem (Chan Kasem Pier, next to Hua Ro Market) for a semicircular tour of the island and seeing some of the less accessible ruins. A long tailed boat with a capacity of up to 8 people can be hired for 400 bahts for a 2 to 3 hour trip with stopovers at Wat Phutthaisawan, Wat Phanan Choeng and Wat Chai Wattnaram.

Mini - bus services operating from the railway station into the city are also available. Hiring a mini - bus within Ayutthaya costs 250 - 300 bahts/day. If you wish to travel between Ayutthaya and Bang Pa - In, mini - buses regularly leave Chao Prom Market (on Chao Prom Road). Daily schedules start from 6.30 a.m. with a fare of 30 bahts. The trip takes approximately 50 minutes.

Ayutthaya Historical Study Center Located on Rochana Road, this is a national research institute devoted to the study of Ayutthaya, especially during the period when it was the capital of Thailand. The centre also exhibits reconstructions of Ayutthaya from the past with modern illustrating techniques, and supports an information service and a library. It is open daily from 9.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m.

Chao Sam Phraya National Museum Located on Rochana Road, opposite the city wall, this museum houses various antique bronze Buddha images, famous carved panels and local artifacts. A receptacle at the Thai pavilion contains relics of Lord Buddha and objects of art more than 500 years old. It is open from Wednesdays to Sundays from 9.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m.

Khun Phan House This Thai style house near Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit conforms to descriptions in a popular Thai literary work.

Ancient Forts and Fortresses There are many forts along the city wall and fortresses around the outer circle. As found in historical records, these include Pom Mahachai, Pom Phet Pom Ho Ratchakhru, Pom Chidkop, Pom Chompaphon and Pom Yai. Most of them are situated at waterway intersections.

Grand Palace Currently called "Ancient Palace", this residential palace of every Ayutthayan king is located close to the city wall. The palace was originally built by King U-Thong. During the reign of King Borom Trailokkanat and the later kings, several buildings were added. Most pavilions were completely destroyed in 1767, leaving only brick foundations, porticoes and walls. The Tri Muk Pavilion, a wooden structure with a brick foundation, was rebuilt in its original style at the command of King Rama V in 1907.

Wat Phra Si Sanphet This is the most important temple within the Royal Palace compound and the original from which the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok has been copied. Three outstanding Ceylonese style pagodas were built during the 15th century to enshrine the ashes of three Ayutthayan kings.

Wat Phra Si Sanphet

Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit Phra Mongkhon Bophit , a large bronze cast Buddha image was originally enshrined in the open area outside the Grand Palace and later covered by a building in the reign of king Songtham. During the fall of Ayutthaya, the building was badly destroyed by fire. The one currently seen was reconstructed, but does not have as beautiful craftmanship as the previous one. The open area east of the sanctuary was where the royal cremation ceremonies took place.

Wat Phra Ram This temple is situated outside the grand palace compound to the east. King Ramesuan commanded that it be built on the ground where the royal cremation ceremony for his father, King U-Thong, took place. Only a pagoda and a big lagoon called "Bung Phra Ram" remain. The area is currently used as a public park.

Wat Phra Mahathat This temple is on the corner of Chi Kun Road and Naresuan Road. A tall pagoda was built by King Ramkesuan in 1384. A buried treasure chest containing valuables including a relic of Lord Buddha, several golden Buddha images and many other objects in gold, ruby and crystal was found during the excavation in 1956.

Wat Ratchaburana This temple is opposite Wat Mahathat. King Borom Rachathirat ll (Chao Sam Phaya) commanded two pagodas built on the ground where his brothers namely Chao Ai and Chao Yi engaged in single-handed combat on elephant back, and both were killed.

Suan Somdet This public park is situated on U-Thong Road to the southwest of the city. The area, full of plants referred to in Thai literature, houses many archaeological ruins.

Chankasem or Front Palace On the bank of the Pasak River; this palace was built during the reign of King Maha Thammaraja, the 17th Ayutthayan monarch, for his son's residence [King Naresuan]. Like other ruins, the palace was destroyed by the Burmese and left unrepaired for a long time. King Rama IV of the present Chakri dynasty ordered reconstruction of this palace for use as a residence during his occasional visits to Ayutthaya. The palace is now a national museum displaying chinaware, ancient weapons, King Rama lV's personal belongings for daily life, Buddha images, sculptures and votive tablets of different times. It is open from Wednesdays to Sundays from 9.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m.

Wat Senasanaram This ancient temple is behind the Chankasem Palace and houses two Buddha images that were transferred from Vientiane

Wat Suwandraram Ratchawarawihan This temple located on U-Thong Road, southeast of the city. The mural paintings in The Ubosot depict the gathering deities and Jataka stories. The mural on the front wall shows a picture of Buddha subduing evil. Within the Wihara, there is a picture of the bravery of King Naresuan the Great, which is a masterpiece of several copies found in many places.

Chedi Phra Si Suriyothai This pagoda is situated at the original site of the Rear Palace in the west of the city. It is a memorial to Somdet Phra Suriyothai, who was the royal consort of Phra Mahachakkraphat and the first heroine in Thai history. When the Burmese army intruded into the kingdom in 1548, Somdet Phra Suriyothai, clad in a warrior's suit, interrupted the fighting between the king and Phrachao Prae of Burma and was cut to death.

Wat Lokayasutharam This temple is adjacent to Wat Wora-Chettharam in the west of the city. It houses a large reclining Buddha image, made of brick and covered with plaster, approximately 29 metres long. Many large hexagonal pillar ruins near the image are believed to be the ruins of the ubosot.

Wat Na Phra Men This temple is located on the bank of Sa Bua Canal opposite the grand palace. The date of construction is unknown. The ubosot has been designed in a very old typical Thai style. The most interesting objects are the principal Buddha image, fully decorated in regal attire, and another image made of black stone in the small vihara.

Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon

Wat Chaiwatthanaram King Prasat Thong commanded it to be built outside the city island on the bank of the Chao Phraya River. Great beauty has been reflected from the main stupa and its satellite stupas along the gallery, influenced by Khmer architecture.

Wat Phutthaisawan This riverside temple was built in the area called "Wiang Lek" to the south of the town. It is the site where King U-thong first established his city. The temple houses a huge principal Buddha image of the early Ayutthaya Period.

Portuguese Village This is located in Tambon Samphao Lom, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River to the south of the city. The Portuguese were the first Europeans that dealt with Ayutthaya in 1151. The ancient remains of San Petro Dominican Church, human skeletons, and some antique objects such as tobacco pipes, coins, and accessories for a religious ceremony have been found at the site.

Chedi Phukhao Thong This 80-metre tall pagoda is located 2 kms. northeast of the town. It was originally built in Mon style by King Burengnong of Burma to commemorate the Burmese victory over Ayutthaya in 1569. When Ayutthaya's independence was restored by King Naresuan in 1584, the pagoda was remodelled in the Thai style.

Elephant Kraal Pavilion This pavilion was utilized as the royal seat to witness the elephant round up. It is located 4 kms. northeast of the town along Highway No. 309. The outlook is a big cage surrounded with logs having, from the front centre, fencing lines of 45 degrees spread out to both sides far away into the jungle area.

Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon This temple is located outside the city to the southeast in the same direction as the railway station. It was build by King U-thong in 1357 for meditation. In 1592, when King Naresuan defeated the Burmese by killing the Burmese Crown Prince in single-handed combat on elephant, he commanded a large pagoda build at this temple to match the high pagoda at Wat Phukhao Thong. This massive pagoda, in ruinous state at the present, is visible from a distance.

Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon

Wat Phananchoeng This temple, south of the town, has no record about its construction. It had been build before Ayutthaya was founded as the capital. The principal image called "Phrachao Phananchoeng" in the wihara was built in 1325. The golden Buddha image is 19 metres tall, made of trucco in the attitude of subduing evil. It is most revered by the inhabitants of Ayutthaya.

Japanese Village This is ancient site is located 1.5 kms. south of Wat Phananchoeng in Tambon Ko Rein. There is an additional building of the Ayutthaya Historical Study Centre, where the foreign affairs of the Ayutthaya Period are on exhibition.

Prasart Nakhon Luang Situated on the east bank of the Pa Sak River, Amphoe Nakhon Luang, this palace was a royal residence for Ayutthayan kings during their trips to Lop Buri and the Buddha's Footprint Shrine in Saraburi. It is assumed to have been constructed during the reign of King Songtham, but was improved to be a brick and plaster building during the reign of King Prasat Thong.

Bang Pa-In Palace This famous attraction is located 18 kms. south of Ayutthaya. At km. 35 of Highway No. 1, there is an 7 km. access road to the palace. A daily train from Bangkok stops at the Bang Pa-In Station and visitors can continue by local transport for another 4 kms. Originally, the palace and Wat Chumphon Nikayaram was built by King Prasat Thong on a riverine island. The palace was used as a country residence for the later Ayutthayan kings. After being abandoned for 80 years during the early Bangkok period, King Rama V commanded several more buildings constructed in the compound as seen today. These include pavilions and halls constructed in Thai, Chinese, and European architectural styles, a theatre, temples, and monuments. Most buildings were named in rhymes: Aisa-wanthipphaya - at, Warophatphiman, Utthayan Phumisathian, Hemmonthian Thewarat, Saphakhan Ratchaorayun, Withunthatsana, Keng Buppha Praphat, and Wehat Chamrun. [Click Here for more]

Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre This centre occupies an area of 14 acres in Amphoe Bang Sai which can be visited either by road or river. It was established under royal patronage in 1976. Farmers from rural areas undergo training in folk arts and crafts here. Visitors will have a glimpse of various different Thai houses in regional styles and see how the rural people produce exquisite handicrafts including fern vien basketry, weaving basketry, artificial flowers, hand-woven silk and cotton, silk dyeing, wood-carving, miniature hand-modelled Thai dolls, furniture making, and cloth-made products.