Capital of Thailand from 1350 to 1767, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
was a beautiful, elegant city full of palaces, temples and magnificent
shrines, located on an island formed by the confluence of the Pasak,
Lop Buri and Chao Phraya Rivers. Until it was captured and destroyed
by the Burmese in 1767. The ruins of the old city have been restored
by the Fine Arts Department and turned into an historical park, now a
World Heritage Site, that is an outstanding tourist attraction, Boat
tours from Bangkok not only enjoy the river views, but also stop off
at the Bang Pa-In summer palace and Bang Sai Arts & Crafts Centre.
Many of the prized artifacts and treasures discoverd during restoration
are housed in the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum, otherwise
wander around the ruins and marvel at their former glory. Elephant
taxis and mountain bikes are a pleasant way to view the sights. |
Location
& Access
Located 72 kms north of
Bangkok. Daily bus and train
services take 1 1/2- 2 hours to
reach Ayutthaya, while numerous
boat tours offer one way by boat,
return by air-conditioned bus..
Geography
A flat province just north of
Bangkok, with three major rivers
ruinning through it, surrpounding
the old capital.
Borders
North : Ang Thong and Saraburi
South : Pathum Thani,
Nonthaburi and Nakhon Pathom
East : Saraburi
West : Suphan Buri
Highlights
Attractions: Ayutthaya Historical
Park, Elephant Kraal, Wat
Mongkol Bophit, Wat Phra Si
Sanphet , Chao Sam Phraya
National Museum, Bang Pa-In
Palace, Bang Sai Folk Arts &
Crafts Centre, Wat Niwet
Thammaprawat.
Souvenirs: Noodles, preserved
fruit, preserved fish and dried fish,
Arunyik knives, palm-leaf fans,
plaited handicrafts, carved
products, ready-made clothing
Festivals: Bang Sai Arts & Crafts
Fair (January); Ayutthaya World
Heritage Site Festival (December) |
 |
|
