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 kilometers 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 kilometers, and is administratively divided into 16 districts (Amphoes). It is conveniently accessible due to good roads and a short distance from Bangkok.

History
Ayutthaya is an ancient city, founded by "King U- Thong or Ramathibodi I " in 1350. It was used as the capital of Thailand for 417, during the Ayutthaya period, 33 Kings of 5 Dynasties reigned over the Kingdom.
During the first 180 years , the city was peaceful. The main activity then was about the state affair and trading which made Ayutthaya one of the most prosperous city in ASIA. But nine years after King Ramathibodi ll's death in 1529 Ayutthaya became involved, for the first time , in a war with MYANMAR which led to many wars after that.
Ayutthaya was first defeated by the Burmese in 1569 , but 15 years later it was back to its glory again by " King Naresuan the Great ". Ayutthaya was peaceful again and enjoyed the activities in foreign affairs for about 118 years. It came to its peak until it was invaded and destroyed beyond repair by the Burmese in1767
The capital was moved to Thonburi by "King Taksin the Great" who had fought against the Burmese and defeated them. After 15 years of King Taksin's reign. The capital was again moved to Bangkok by "King Rama the first". The founder of the present Chakri Dynasty.

Getting there
Bangkok to Ayutthaya
By Bus
Direct air - conditioned buses leave Bangkok every half an hour from the and the Northern bus terminal on Phaholyothin Road. (Tel. 537-8055-6) starting 05.30 A.M. until 07.20 P.M.
By Train
Trains leave Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamphong Rama IV Rd. Tel. 2230710,2230720)
daily every hour starting from 06.40 A.M. until 10.00 P.M.
By Boat
There are no public boats going to Ayutthaya. However, there are several companies that organize excursions to Ayutthaya and Bang Pa-In. For further information please contact the following companies:

Distance from Ayutthaya city of nearby Provinces

¤ Bangkok 76 kms.
¤ Ang Thong 31 kms. ¤ Saraburi 63 kms.
¤ Suphanburi 53 kms.

High Season : Feb - Mar Hot & Dry : Feb - May 35
Cool : Oct-Jan Hot & Wet : Jun - Sep

Festivals & Events
BANG SAI ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR
January
The Royal Folk Arts & Crafts Center At Bang Sai
The annual fair showcases products of the SUPPORT project under H.M. the Queen's Royal Patronage. Visitors will enjoy shopping, and viewing exhibitions and a display of local products from each district of Ayutthaya province. Folk entertainment performances enliven the fair.
Songkran Festival
April 13
In Front of Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit
The traditional Thai New Year is an occasion for merry making in Ayutthaya, with religious ceremonies as well as public festivities. Anyone who ventures out on the streets is likely to get
a though soaking, but all in a spirit of fun and welcome at the peak of the hot season.
Bang Sai Loi Krathong ( Festival of Lights ) and International Boat Racing
November
The Royal Folk Arts & Crafts Center At Bang Sai
Celebrations include traditional float (Krathong) and beauty contests, handicrafts demonstrations and exhibitions, and krathong - launching beneath the full moon.
Ayutthaya Loi Krathong
November
In Front of Chantakasem National Museum
At the Loi Krathong Festival, little floats with candles are set adrift on the river under the full moon, creating a beautiful sight.
Ayutthaya World Heritage Site Celebrations
December
Ayutthaya Historical park,
The ancient Siamese capital of Ayutthaya was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1991. Ayutthaya celebrates its glorious past with historical exhibitions, traditional cultural processions and performances, light & sound presentations around city ruins, and numerous forms of entertainment.

Ayutthaya Historical Park
Located here are many of Ayutthaya's most important attraction, among them the Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit, containing one of the largest coated bronze Buddha images in Thailand; the Royal Palace, Wat Mahathat, during from 1958, now on display in the Ayutthaya National Museum.

Ancient Palace
The palace was original built King U- Thong in the 14 th century, and was expanded over the years. These pavilions were completely destroyed in 1767 , leaving only brick foundation ,porticos and walls. The Tri Muk Building was rebuilt in its original style during the reign of King Chulalongkorn in 1907.

Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
Grand Palace
Currently called "Ancient Palace" the residential palace of every king was located close to the city wall of Ayutthaya. A road passes by from Chankasem Palace, which it 2 kilometers away to the north. Important buildings inside the Grand Palace compound are

Wihan Somdet Hall
The top of this hall has been decorated in a unique style of architecture called Prang.
It has longer space in front and rear gabled rooms, and shorter space in the side gabled rooms. It was surrounded with a three-sided cloister and utilized for various royal ceremonies such as coronations. This was the first building over constructed in Ayutthaya to be affixed with gold leaf.

Chakkrawat Phaichayon Hall
With a three - gabled roof, it is on the inner eastern city wall in front of the Grand Palace.
It was used to view processions and military practice.

Sanpet Prasat Hall
This is the middle building constructed in the same design as Wihan Somdet Hall.
Kings used it to welcome foreign enjoys and visitors.

Banyong Rattanat Hall
Formerly known by the name of "Phra Thinang Thaisa", it is located in the back compound of the Grand Palace on an Island in a pond. It has four - gabled roof architecture.

City Wall And Gate
They were newly constructed by the command of King Rama IV. The original foundation of the city wall has since been found through excavation, thus revealing that the original area was much more spacious than what is visit to Ayutthaya.

Phiman Rattaya Hall
A group of buildings located amidst the compound of the grand palace, which once served as government offices and the Provincial Administrative Building for several years.

Phlapphla Chaturamuk
This wooden four - gabled roof pavilion is near the east gate of the palace. Originally,
a residential place of King Mongkut during his visit to Ayutthaya.

Trimuk Hall
This is located behind the Sanphet Prasat Hall. It is believed to have been the residential area of the consort members and is also the royal relaxing place in the garden.

Phisai Sanyalak Hall
This is a four storey high tower located close to the western side of the Grand Palace.
It was originally constructed during the reign of King Narai the Great, but was destroyed the
2 nd fall of Ayutthaya. It was reconstructed according to the original foundation in the
4 th reign. King Rama IV used the Tower to observe the stars.
The palace is now used as a national museum. It has been decorated for demonstration of antiques such as Chinaware, ancient weapons, King Rama IV's personal things for daily life, Buddha images, sculptures and votive tablets of different times.
The museum is open everyday from 09.00 - 16.00 hrs. except Monday, Tuesday, and national holidays. (Admission fee : 30 Baht).

Chankasem or Front Palace
On the bank of Pasak River, this palace was built during the reign of King Maha Thammaraja,
the 17 Ayutthaya monarch, for his son's residence (King Naresuan). Like other ruins, the palace was destroyed by the Burmese and left un-repaired for a long time. King Mongkut of the present Chakri dynasty ordered reconstruction of this palace for use as a residence during his occasional visits to Ayutthaya. Some of the more interesting sites are:

Wang Lang or The Rear Palace
This palace if located close to the western city wall of Ayutthaya (in the vicinity of the present location of the distillery plant of the Excise Department). It was originally the garden where the king made a visit from time to time. There was only one residential in the entire area.
King Maha Thammaracha commanded more buildings to be built in the area to mark it a palace which would be the residence of King Ekathosarot. Later on, this rear palace was only
the residence of royal family members, so now on one can see the important items.

Elephant Kraal Pavilion
The Pavilion, utilized as the royal seat to witness the elephant round up, is located 4 kilometers from the city along Highway No.309. The outlook is a big cage surrounded with logs having,
from the front center, fencing lines of 45 degrees spread out to both sides far away into the jungle area. Around the kraal itself, is an earthen wall with bricks to the height of the pillars top. Behind the kraal and opposite the front fencing line, is the pavilion housing the royal seat. The Kraal currently seen was renovated in the year 1957.

Wihan Phramongkhon Bophit
Phra Mongkhon Bophit, a large bronze cast Buddha image was originally enshrined outside the Grand palace to the east. King Songtham commanded it to be transferred to the west, where it is currently enshrined and covered with a Mondop. Later in the reign of Phra Chao Sua, the top of the Mondop was burnt down by a fire due to a thunderbolt. Then, the King commanded a new building be built in the form of a big sanctuary (Maha Wihan) to cover the image in lieu of the image were badly destroyed by fire, the one currently seen was renovated but does not have as beautiful craftsmanship as the previous ones. The open area east of the Sanctuary (Wihan) was formerly Sanam Luang, where the royal cremation ceremonies took place (This practice is now held at Sanam Luang, the Phramain Ground of Bangkok)

Ayutthaya Historical Study Center
Located on Rochana Road, this center is a national research institute devoted to the study of Ayutthaya, especially during the period when it was the capital of Thailand. The center is responsible for the museum of the history of Ayutthaya, which exhibits reconstructions from the past. The center also supports an information service and a library containing historical materials about Ayutthaya.
The center is open everyday from 09.00-16.30 hrs, official holidays from 09.00-17.00.
For more details please contact Tel: (035) 245 -124 (Admission fee: 100 Baht)

Suriyat Amarin Hall
A four - gabled roof building constructed of sandstone and brick; it is close to the riverside city wall. It was used as a place to witness the royal barge processions.

Chao Sam Phraya National Museum
This is on Rochana Road, opposite the city wall. It houses various antique bronze Buddha images and famous carved panels. a receptacle at the Thai pavilion contains relics of lord Buddha and objects of art more that 500 years old. The museum also has a substantial collection of local artifacts.
The museum is open everyday except Monday, Tuesday and national holidays from 09.00 -16.00 hrs. (Admission fee: 10 Baht). For more information Tel: (035) 241 – 587

Khun Phaen House
Khun Phaen's Thai - style house conforms to descriptions in a popular Thai literary work.
Khun Phaen's House is near Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit.

Wat Phra Si Sanphet
This important and most outstanding monastery is located in grand palace compound like
Wat Phra Si Ratanasatsadaram (Wat Phra Kaeo) of Bangkok. Used as a residential palace, it became a monastery in the reign of King Ramathibodi I. When King Borom Trai Lokanat commanded new living quarters built, this residential palace was given to be a temple area, thus originating Wat Phra Si Sanphet: the royal chapel does not have any monks and novice inhabitants.

Wat Phraram
This monastery was situated outside the grand palace compound to the east. King Ramesuan commanded it built on ground, where the royal cremation ceremony for his father King U -Thong, took place. A big lagoon is in front of this monastery. its original name was "Nong Sano", it was changed to be "Bung Phraram" or currently Phraram Public Park.

Wat Phra Mahathat
Located in front of the grand palace to the east near pa than bridge it was constructed in the reign of King Borom Rachathirat I.

Wat Ratchaburana
This monastery was located near pa than bridge opposite Wat Mahathat. King Borom Rachathirat II (Chao Sam Phraya) commanded two pagodas built on the ground where Chao Ai and Chao Yi engaged in single hand combat from elephant's back, and both were killed. Later, he established a Wihan combined with the pagodas and upgraded it to be monastery.

Suan Somdet
Situated on U - Thong Road to the southwest of the city, is a big public park offering various plants referred to in Thai literature and archaeological sites.

Wat Senasanaram
This ancient monastery named "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 transferred from Vientiane.

Wat Suwandaram Ratchaworawihan
is the monastery within the royal compound, located to the southwest on the edge of Pom Phet,
an ancient fort. First, it was called "Wat Thong". Established in the Ayutthaya period, the monastery was extended and restored several times during the reigns of the Chakri kings.
The mural paintings on the upper part of the inside wall of the Ubosot depict the gathering of the deities, and on the lower part, the jataka stories of Wetsandon, Temi, and Suwannasam are described. The front wall shows a picture of the 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 Suriyothai
The memorial for the first heroine in Thai history, is located in Ko Muang to the west.
Among various places of interest within the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park, this ancient place is of much importance as a proof of honor that ancient Thai society gave to Thai women. Phra Si Suriyothai was the royal consort of Phra Mahachakkraphat. In 1548, only
7 months after being crowned as king he was challenged by a Burmese attack under the supervision of Phrachao Tabeng Chaweti and his warlord, Burengnong. The Burmese army intruded into the kingdom through the Three Pagoda Pass in Kanchanaburi and came to set up military camps around the royal compound. During the fighting on elephant back,
Phra Mahachakkaraphat faced danger. Phra Si Suriyothai, clad in a warrior's suit, interrupted the fighting with the intention to provide assistance for her husband. she rode her elephant in the way of Phrachao Prae, a Burmese commander, and was cut to death by his sword. after the end of the war, Phra Mahachakkraphat arranged a funeral and established the cremation site to be
a temple named "Wat Sopsawan".
In the reign of King Rama V, there was a quest for the historical sites as mentioned in the royal chronicle. The exact location of Wat Sopsawan was identified with a large indented stupa which was renamed by King Rama VI as Chedi Phra Si Suriyothai.
In 1990, the government assigned the Fine Arts Department and the National Security Command to restore the chedi, which had deteriorated over time. Fortunately, on 20 May 1990, some antique objects were found such as a white rock crystal Buddha image in the posture of subduing Mara, a chedi replica, and a golden reliquary. These ancient objects were brought to be under the care of the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum

.

Si Suriyothai Park
Is located within the area of the Ayutthaya liquor plant adjacent to Chedi Phra Si Suriyothai.
On its total area of 5 rai, there is a common building, a Somdet Phra Si Suriyothai pavilion,
a mound with marble Semas (boundary stones of a temple) aged over 400 years where the fragmented parts of Buddha images taken from Wat Phutthaisawan were buried, etc. the liquor distillery organization, who sponsored the construction of the park, wished to devoted all good deeds in transforming the former inner part of the royal compound to all of the late kings who used to live here before. King Rama IX graciously named the park "Suan Si Suriyothai" on
25 May, 1989. Then, the park was conferred to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit on the eve of her
60th birthday anniversary. The park opens daily for the public from 09.00-17.00 hrs.

Wat Lokkayasutha
This monastery is over a kilometer behind Wat Suanluangsopsawan adjacent to
Wat Worachettharam. Accessible by the road inside the compound of the distillery plant,
or through the road behind the Phlapphla Trimuk (three-gabled roof pavilion), it is in the area of the ancient palace passing Wat Woraphot and Wat Worachettharam going to the site of the large reclining Buddha, made of brick and covered with plaster, approximately 29 meters long.
Many large hexagonal pillar ruins near the image are believed to be the ruins of the Ubosot.

Wat Kasattrathirat Worawihan
Is the monastery located outside Ko Muang, opposite Chedi Phra Si Suriyothai, on the bank of the Chao Phraya river. Its former name was Kasattra or Kasattraram. It is an ancient temple of the Ayutthaya period with a main Prang (stupa) as its center.
Wat Chaiwatthanaram
Another monastery that is located on the bank of Chaophraya River, on the west of the city island. King Prasat Thong commanded it built. The great beauty has been reflected
from the main stupa and its satellite stupas along the gallery, an architecture influenced by Khmer. Traveling can be made by river form Chankasem Palace. A long-tailed boat service is available at 300-400 Baht for a round trip, consuming about one hour.

Wat Phutthaisawan
Is the monastery situated on the riverbank opposite Ko Muang to the south. Travel by car along the route Ayutthaya - Sena to the west of Ko Muang. After passing the bridge in front of
Wat Kasattrathirat, turn left to Wat Chaiwattanaram. Follow the direction signs, you will find
a left turn to Wat Phutthaisawan. This monastery was built in the area where King U-Thong moved to establish his city. The area was first known as Wiang Lek, named after the royal palace of King U-Thong the most interesting part of Wat Phutthaisawan is the great principal Buddha image; its style is of the early Ayutthaya period.

Mu Ban Protuket
is the Portuguese village located in Tambon Samphao Lorn, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya river and to the south of the city. The Portuguese were the first Europeans who traveled to trade with the Ayutthaya kingdom. In 1511, Al Fonco De Al Buquerq, the Portuguese governor to Asia, dispatched a diplomatic troupe led by ambassador Mr.Du Arte Fernandes to Ayutthaya during the reign of King Ramathibodi II. After that, some Portuguese came to the kingdom for different purposes: trade, military volunteers in the Ayutthaya army, or on a religious mission. They built a church as the center of their community and to serve religious purposes.
Presently, some traces of former construction have been found at the village site. At the ancient remains of San Petro, a Dominican church, some antique objects were excavated together with human skeletons such as tobacco pipes, coins, and accessories for a religious ceremony.

Wat Phukhao Thong
Located two kilometers northeast of the grand palace, this monastery was constructed in the year 1387 during the reign of King Ramesuan.

Wat Na Phramen
The former name of this monastery was Wat Phra Merurachikaram. Located on the bank of Khlong Sabua opposite the grand palace, the date of construction is unknown. The Ubosot design is of very old typical Thai style. The most interesting objects are the principal Buddha image, fully decorated in regal attire, and another image make of black stone in the small Wihan.

Wat Kudidao
Located in front of the railway station to the east, this old monastery has beautiful work with better craftsmanship than many other temples, but it has deteriorated to a high degree.

Wat Samanakot
Located near Wat Kudidao, it was renovated by Chao Phraya Kosa (Lek) and Phraya Kosa (Pan) during the reign of King Narai the great. The main attraction is a large Prang having an unusual outlook different from the others. It is believed to imitate the design of Chedi Chet Yot of Chiangmai.

Wat Yai Chaimongkhon or Wat Chao Phraya Thai
This monastery constructed in the reign of King U-Thong is located outside the city to the southeast in the same direction as the railway station; one can see its large pagodas from far away. King Naresuan the great commanded the pagoda built to celebrate the victory of his single-handed combat on the elephant's back. he also aimed at a huge construction to match the large pagoda of Wat Phukhao Thong, and named it "Phra Chedi Chaiyamongkhon".

Wat Phananchoeng
this monastery located south of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya has no record as to its date of construction , or the person causing its construction. It existed before Ayutthaya was founded as the capital. The principal image in the Wihan called "Phrachao Phananchoeng" was built in
a.d. 1325; it is made of stucco in the attitude of subduing evil; considered beautiful,
it is most revered by the inhabitants of Ayutthaya.

Japanese Village
This is located 1.5 kilometers far from Wat Phanancheong in Tambon Ko Rien. There is an additional building of the Ayutthaya Historical Study Center, where the foreign affairs of Ayutthaya period are on exhibition.