The old kingdom Ayutthaya

The ancient city of Ayutthaya,or Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya,The Thai capital for 417 years, 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 of Ayutthaya being the Thai capital, 33 Kings of different dynasties ruled the kingdom until it was sacked by the Burmese in 1767.

Ayutthaya is 76 kilometres north of Bangkok and boasts numerous magnificent ruins. Such ruins indicate that Ayutthaya was one of Indo - China's most prosperous cities. Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya a Historical Park, a vast stretch of historical site in the heart of Ayutthaya city, has been included in UNESCO's list of world heritage since 13 December ,1991.
Ayutthaya covers 2,556 square kilometres, and is administratively divided into 16 districts (Ampohes). It is conveniently accessible due to good roads and a short distance from Bangkok.

Attractions

Ayutthaya Historical Study Centre 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 Located on Rochana Road, opposite the city wall, this museum houses various antique bronze Buddha images, famous carved panels and local artefacts. 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 Champaphon, 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.

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 craftsmanship 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 Ramesuan 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 II (Chao Sam Phraya) commanded two pagodas built on the ground where his brothers namely ChaoAi 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 south-west 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 IV'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 Suwandararam Ratchaworawihan This temple is located on U-Thong Road, south-east of the city. The mural paintings in the Ubosot depict the gathering deities and jataka stories. The murals on the front wall show a picture of Buddha subduing evil. Within the Vihara, 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 Surlyothai 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 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 PhukhaoThong This 80-metre tail pagoda is located 2 kms. north east 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 utilised 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 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 This temple is located outside the city to the southeast in the same direction as the railway station. It was built 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 elephants, he commanded a large pagoda built 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 Phananchoeng This temple, south of the town, has no record about its construction. It had been built before Ayutthaya was founded as the capital. The principal image called "Phrachao Phananchoeng" in the vihara was built in 1325. The golden Buddha image is 19 metres tall, made of stucco in the attitude of subduing evil. It is most revered by the inhabitants of Ayutthaya.

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

Prasat Nakhon Luang Situated on the east bank of the Pa Sak River, Amphoe Nakhon Luang, this pa-lace 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 compoundras 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 Ratchaprayun, Withunthatsana, Keng Buppha Praphat, and Wehat Charnrun. The palace is open to the public everyday from 8.30 a.m.-4.00 p.m. Admission fee is 50 baht. Call (035) 261-044 for more information.

Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre This centre occupies an area of 14 acres in Arnphoe 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 vine basketry, weaving basketry, artificial flowers, hand-woven silk and cotton, silk dyeing, woodcarving, miniature hand-modelled Thai dolls, furniture making, and cloth-made products. The centre is open everyday except Monday from 8.30 a.m.- 4.00 p.m. Admission fee is 20 baht. Call (035) 366-092 for more information.

Activities

Elephant Riding Visitors can contact the Ayutthaya Eiephant Camp (Tel: (035) 211-011) next to Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit. Elephants take visitors to view architectural sites and the island.

Biking Present-day Ayutthaya offers historical grandeur alongside simple country traditions. Traffic jams on the roads into town are rare, so biking around is quite safe. Most of the sights on the historic city island are a good bike ride apart. One of the most popular routes is the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace-City Island. Bicycles for rent are available in the town.

Boat Trips Daily luxurious cruises from Bangkok to Ayutthaya or vice versa are organised by the oriental Queen (Tel.236-0400-20), River Sun Cruise (Tel.266-9125-6), and Horizon Cruise (Tel.236-7777 Ext. 1240). A two-day package with an overnight stay on board is organised by Manohra (Tel.256-7168-9), and Mekhala (Tel.256-7168). Economic boat trips are operated every Sunday by Chao Phraya Express (Tel.222-5330, 225-3002), and Mit Chao Pharaya Express (Tel.225-6179, 623-6169). In Ayutthaya, visitors may charter a long-tail boat from a landing near the Chankasem Palace for a journey around the city island. The river tour on a rice barge can be booked through Ayutthaya River Cruise Co., Ltd., Tel. (035) 234153-4

Major Events

Bang Sai Loi Krathong Festival This is held at the Bang Sai Royal Arts and Craft Centre in October or November. Celebrations include traditional float (Krathong) and beauty contests, international boat races, handicraft demonstrations and exhibitions, and krathong launching beneath the full moon.

Ayutthaya World Heritage Site This is held in October or November to celebrate the glorious past of Ayutthaya. Celebrations include a historical exhibition, traditional cultural processions and performances, light and sound presentations around the city ruins, and numerous forms of entertainment.

Local Products

Ayutthaya offers a large variety of, handicrafts ranging from wickerwork to metalware. In addition to the Bang Sai Folk Arts and Craft Centre, many handicraft villages allow tourists-to see how' their products are made. These handicrafts include Aranyik knives, miniature earthenrn dolls, sugar dolls, palm-leaf carp, pottery, woodcarving work, and headgear for mask plays.