General Information
Ayutthaya (full name: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya) is only about 90 kilometers from Bangkok and easily accessible from Bangkok by car, train, or boat as either a daytrip or overnight trip. Ayutthaya is one of Thailand’s historical and majestic highlights. Once the capital of the Thai Empire, Ayutthaya was a really impressive city; with three palaces and over 400 temples, located on an island threaded by canals, it attracted traders and diplomats from both Europe and Asia. In 1767, 417 years after it was founded and 15 months after the siege began, the Kingdom of Ayutthaya was conquered and the city’s splendid structures were almost completely destroyed by Burmese invaders. When King Taksin the Great finally liberated the Kingdom, a new dynasty was established and the capital was moved to Thonburi, across the river from modern-day Bangkok. The ruins that now remain, many of which have been restored, have been granted World Heritage status by UNESCO. The architecture of Ayutthaya is an enchanting mix of Khmer and early Sukhothai styles.
The Kingdom of Ayutthaya reached its apex in terms of sovereignty, military might, wealth, culture, and international commerce in the 16th century, when the Kingdom’s territory extended into and beyond present-day Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar. Ayutthaya had diplomatic relations with Louis XIV of France and was courted by Dutch, Portuguese, English, Chinese and Japanese merchants. During the 17th century, most foreign visitors to Ayutthaya, traders and 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.
Boundary
North: Lopburi province, Ang Thong province and Saraburi province
South: Pathum Thani province and Nonthaburi province
East: Saraburi province
West: Suphanburi province
Festivals and Events
- Ayutthaya World Heritage Site Celebration (December, every year)
- Loi Krathong (Festival of Lights) and Traditional Boat Racing (at the Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre, November, every year)
- Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Center at Bang Sai (August, every year)
- Ceremony for teachers and ovens (during April – May, every year)
- Songkran Festival (April, every year)
Attractions
- Ayutthaya Historical Park
- Wat Phra Mahathat
- Wat Phra Si Sanphet
- Wat Ratchaburana
- Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit
- Wat Phra Ram
- Wat Phu Khao Thong
- Phra Chedi Sisuriyothai
- Khun Phaen Residence
- Thai Boat Museum
- Ayutthaya Historical Study Centre
- Wat Na Phramen
- Ancient Forts and Fortresses
- Phom Phet
- Wat Kudidao
- Wat Sena Sanaram
- Prasat Nakhon Luang
- Protuguese Village
- Japanese Village
- Bang Pa-in Palace
- Royal Palace
- Elephant Kraal Pavilion
- Wat Yai Chaimongkon
- Wat Suwan Dararam Ratchaworawihan
- Wat Lokkayasutha
- Wat Kasattrathirat Worawihan
- Wat Phananchoeng
- Wat Chaiwattanaram
- Wat Phutthaisawan
- Wat Samanakottharam
- Wat Tum
- Wat Niwet Thamprawat
- Wat Suan Luang Sopsawan
- Gong Khong Market
- Klong Sa Bua Floating Market & Water Theatre
- Ayothaya Floating Market
- Million Toy Museum
Important Numbers
Tourist Police 1155
Tourism Information Center 1672
Thai Police Emergency Call 191
Ayutthaya Train station 035 241521
More Information
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