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
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 neighbors. 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. The sacred city, the sacked
city, Ayutthaya is complexly intertwined with Thai nationalism and religion. As
the former royal capital, Ayutthaya earned the emerging Thai nation a place
among the great empires of Southeast Asia, and placement on the map used by the
international merchants sailing between India and China during the era of the
trade winds. As a city that was destroyed by an invading army, Ayutthaya is
eulogized like a slain hero. The recounted in history and legend are not easily
recognizable today. The ancient monuments retain little of their bygone
majesty, with only a handful in recognizable forms. The modern city that grew
among the rubble is busy and provincial, adding a distracting element of chaos
to the meditative mood of crumbled kingdoms.
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.
Don’t
miss it !!
Wat
Phra Mahathat located in front of the Grand Palace, this ancient temple was
built in the reign of King Borom Rachathirat I to enshrine the holy relics of
Lord Buddha. One highlight here is a small ordination hall where a head of a
buddha image is hidden hugged by the roots of the tree (the temple was left
abandoned after the collapse of Ayutthaya)
Wat Ratchaburana was built upon a sad story of brothers fighting against each other. It was built by the order of King Borom Rachathirat II (Chao Sam Phraya) on the ground site where his two brothers, Chao Ai Phraya and Chao Yi Phraya were fighting for a throne after their father died and both finally died during a combat on elephant’s back. The two main pagodas were then stored precious matters, Buddha images and royal possessions which are now displayed at Chao Sam Phraya National Museum.
Wat
Phu Khao Thong was built during the reign of King Ramesuan in 1387, Phu Khao
Thong chedi is situated about two kilometers northwest of the city island. When
Burengnong, the Burmese king, conquered Ayutthaya in 1569, he contributed three
outer layers of the large superimposed base in the Mon style. King Boromakot
later reconstruct the chedi during his reign with an Ayutthaya architectural
style—the one that remains until today.
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