Once considered the most spectacular city on Earth, the ruins of the
capital of the Kingdom Ayutthaya are now a major tourist attraction easily
accessible from Bangkok by car, train, or boat as either a daytrip or
overnight excursion.
Ayutthaya is one of Thailand’s historical and majestic highlights. The capital
of Thailand, then known as the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
was a glorified as one of the biggest cities in Southeast Asia and a regional power
for 417 years.
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.
Visitors can explore and appreciate Thai history in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya,
which is only 86 kilometers north of Bangkok. Visitors to Ayutthaya can marvel at
its grandeur reflected through numerous magnificent temples and ruins concentrated
in and around the city, which is located upon an “island” surrounded by the Chao Phraya,
Pa Sak and Lopburi Rivers.
Although there are numerous attractions, the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
Historical Park in the heart of Ayutthaya city, is a UNESCO’s World Heritage
site and a wonder to behold.
Once the capital of the Thai Empire, Ayutthaya was a truly 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 magnificent 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 painstakingly restored,
have been granted World Heritage status by UNESCO. The architecture of Ayutthaya
is a fascinating mix of Khmer and early Sukhothai styles. Some cactus-shaped obelisks,
called prangs, denote Khmer influence and look something like the famous towers
of Angkor Wat. The more pointed stupas are ascribed to the Sukhothai influence.
Ayutthaya is only located about 90 kilometers from Bangkok and can be
visited on a daytrip; however, if you appreciate history and religious and historical
monuments, an overnight stay will allow for two full days of sightseeing, including
a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya, past the illuminated Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
Historical Park, and a visit to only of the city’s many other attractions, including
the nearby Bang Sai Folk Arts and Craft Center.
☺ Tips ☺
☺Visit the Ayutthaya Historical Study Center to learn more about the history of the city.
Credit :: Amazing Thailand
