AYUTTHAYA

Ayutthaya province is relatively small at 2,557 sq. km. and is easily accessible due to good road, rail and river connections and its proximity to Bangkok. Straddling the Chao Phraya River, the nation's principal waterway, the province is extremely important, as it was the Siamese capital for four centuries.

The city of Ayutthaya is 76 km. north of Bangkok and boasts numerous magnificent ruins from its days as the capital. Just to the south, in perfect condition, stands the royal palace of Bang Pa-in set in splendid gardens. The province is also noted for H.M. the Queen's Bang Sai Arts and Crafts Centre.

The ancient city of Ayutthaya, formally designated Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya was the Thai capital for 417 years, and is one of Thailand's major tourist attractions. Many ancient ruins and art works can be seen in a city that was founded in 1350 by King U-Thong when the Thais were forced southwards by northern neighbours. During the period when Ayutthaya was capital, 33 kings and several dynasties ruled the kingdom, until the glittering city was sacked by the Burmese in 1767, ruined and abandoned.

The extensive ruins and the historical records demonstrate that Ayutthaya was one of Southeast Asia's most prosperous cities. In recognition of its historical and cultural importance, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park, the location of the ruins adjacent to today's city, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991.

 

City Attractions

 
Ayutthaya Historical Study Centre
Located on Rochana Road, this Centre is devoted to the study of Ayutthaya. Its museum exhibits reconstructions of the city's past. It has an information service and a library containing historical materials about Ayutthaya. Open daily 9.00 a.m.-4.30 p.m. official holidays 9.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m. For more information, call 0 3524 5124.
 

Wat Yai Chaimongkol
The most distinctive structure of this temple is the octagonal-based, bell-shaped stupa which can be seen even from a distance. Built during the reign of King Naresuan the Great to commemorate his victory over Burma's crown prince, on an elephant's back at Nong Sarai District, Suphan Buri Province, the temple is a symbol of triumph and pride for every native of ayutthaya.
 
Wat Phananchoeng

This monastery houses "Phra Buddha Trirattana Nayok" or "Luang Pho To, Thailand's tallest gilded Buddha image. This 600-year-old temple was constructed 26 years before the establishment of Ayutthaya.
 
Chao Sam Phraya National Museum

Located on Rochana Road, opposite the city wall, the Museum houses antique bronze Buddha images, carved panels and other objects of art more than 500 years old, and also local artefacts. Open daily except Monday, Tuesday and national holidays, 9.00 a.m.-4.00 p.m. For more information, call 0 3524 1587.
 

Wihan Phramongkhon Bophit
Phra Mongkhon Bophit, a large bronze cast Buddha image, was originally enshrined outside the Grand Palace to the east, but later transferred to the west and covered. In the 1767 sacking of Ayutthaya, the building and the image were badly damaged by fire; the renovated ensemble is not as finely crafted as the original. The open area east of the Wihan was formerly Sanam Luang, where the royal cremation ceremonies took place.
 
Wat Phraram
This monastery is situated next to a pond, outside the Grand Palace compound to the east, with a pond in front. King Ramesuan had it built where King U-Thong's royal cremation ceremony took place. It now also functions as Phra Ram Public Park.
 
Wat Mahathat
built where Chao Ai and Chao Yi engaged in elephant-back combat during which both were killed. Later, he added a wihan so as to create a temple.
 
Suan Somdet
Situated on U-Thong Road to the southwest of the city, this is a large public park with a display of various plants referred to in Thai literature.
 
Chankasem or Front Palace
This palace beside the Pasak River was built by King Maha Thammaracha, the 17' Ayutthaya monarch, as a residence for his son. Like other ruins, it was destroyed in 1767 by the Burmese and abandoned. In the mid-19'h century, King Rama IV ordered it rebuilt as a residence for his occasional visits to Ayutthaya.
 
City Wall and Gate
These were newly constructed by King Rama IV. The original foundations have since been discovered. revealing that the original area was much larger.
 
Phlapphla Chaturamuk
This wooden four-gabled pavilion is near the east gate of the palace and was a residence of King Rama IV during his visits to Ayutthaya.
 
Phiman Rattaya Hall
A group of buildings located amidst the compound of the Grand Palace which once served as govern­ment offices.
 
Phisai Sanyalak Hall
This is a four-storey tower located close to the western side of the Grand Palace. First built under King Narai the Great, but destroyed during the second fall of Ayutthaya. It was reconstructed by King Rama IV as an observatory. The palace is now used as a national museum displaying china, weapons, Buddha images, sculptures and votive tablets of different times, and personal effects of King Rama IV. Open daily 9.00 a.m.-4.00 p.m. except Monday, Tuesday and national holidays
 
Wat Senasanaram
This ancient temple as Wat Sua is behind Chankasem Palace. The main attractions are two Buddha images: Phra Samphuttha Muni, the principal image enshrined in the Ubosot, and Phra In Plaeng enshrined in the Wihan. Both were taken from Vientiane.
 
Wat Suwandaram Ratchaworawihan
This is a temple within the royal compound, located to the southwest near Porn Phet Fort. Originally called Wat Thong, it was extended and restored several times under the Chakri kings. The upper murals in the Ubosot depict the gathering of the deities, and the lower ones depict stories from the life of the Buddha. The front wall shows the Buddha subduing evil. Within the Wihan, King Naresuan the Great is depicted.
 
Wang Lang or the Rear Palace

 Situated close to the western city wall, this palace was originally a royal garden with only one residential building. King Maha Thammaracha had more buildings built, and it became the palace of King Ekathosarot. Later, it became a residence for royal family members.