Ayutthaya, founded in 1350, was the capital of a powerful kingdom, and today its temple ruins, palaces and reliquary towers welcome visitors.
Its position between China and India made it a major trading centre, and by 1700 it was one of the largest cities in the world, with a population of about one million. The city fell in 1767, when the Burmese invaded and burnt it to the ground. It lies about 85km north of Bangkok, on an island with a rich historical heritage.
Chao Sam Phraya National Museum
If you want to learn more about Ayutthaya’s heritage, visit the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum. Finds from the archaeological sites and ruins are exhibited in chronological order. You can see Buddha images in various postures and styles, ancient money, gold ornaments, traditional Thai houses, religious artefacts and more.
Apart from the museum, Ayutthaya has plenty of other things to do. A river cruise is a good way to tour the city, or you can take a long-tail boat, which is more flexible and faster and reaches temples further away. Cycling around the historical park in the evening is also a memorable experience.
Ayutthaya Historic Park
In the centre of Ayutthaya is Ayutthaya Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by three rivers, the park is on an island. It has the palaces and temple ruins of the ancient kingdom of Ayutthaya, one of the largest and wealthiest of its time.
The kingdom lasted for more than 400 years and built many temples in different styles. You can see ancient temples, royal palaces and the remains of settlements from the era of early foreign trade, and many of the ruins have been restored. Dress modestly at the temples, and don’t climb on or pose against Buddha images.