The ancient city of Ayuttaya. The Thai capital for 417 years, it is one of Thailand's major tourist attraction. Many ancient ruins and art works can be seen in a city that was founded in 1350 by King U-Thong. During the period that Ayuttaya was the Thai capital, 33 kings of 5 dynasties ruled the kingdom until it was destroyed by the Burmese in 1767.
Ayuttaya is 76 kilometers north of Bangkok and boasts magnificent ruins. These numerous ruins indicate that Ayuttaya was one of Indo-China's most properous cities and larger than contemporary London.
During the school holidays in 2000, I went to Ayutthaya and took over 500 pictures. You can see the highlights of this trip on these pages. Please also visit the main page for Ayutthaya for more tourist information.
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.
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