Welcome to Ayutthaya, Thailand
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Phra Nakhon Si AyutthayaSource: Tourism Authority of Thailand
General Information
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 neighbours. 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.
Ayutthaya is 76 kilometres north of Bangkok and boasts numerous magnificent ruins. Such ruins indicate that Ayutthaya was one of Indo - China’s most prosperous cities. Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park, a vast stretch of historical site in the heart of Ayutthaya city, has been included in UNESCO’s list of world heritage since 13 December, 1991.
Ayutthayacovers 2,556.6 square kilometres, and is administratively divided into 16 districts (Amphoes). It is conveniently accessible due to good roads and a short distance from Bangkok.
Attractions
Ayutthaya Historical Study Centre
Ayutthaya Historical Study Centre Located on Rochana Road, this centre is a national research institute devoted to the study of Ayutthaya, especially during the period when it was the capital of Thailand. The Centre is responsible for the museum of the history of Ayutthaya, which exhibits reconstructions from the past. The Centre also supports an information service and a library containing historical materials about Ayutthaya.
The Centre is open everyday from 09.00 - 16.30 hrs., official holidays from 09.00-17.00. For more details please contact Tel : 0 3524 5124 (Admission fee : 100 Baht)
Chao Sam Phraya National Museum
Chao Sam Phraya National Museum This is on Rochana Road, opposite the city wall. It houses various antique bronze Buddha images and famous carved panels. A receptacle at the Thai Pavillion contains relics of Lord Buddha and objects of art more that 500 years old. The museum also has a substantial collection of local artifacts.
The museum is open everyday cxcept Monday, Tuesday and national holidays The museum is open everyday cxcept Monday, Tuesday and national holidays from 09.00 - 16.00 hrs. (Admission fee : 10 Baht). For more infromation Tel : 0 3524 1587
Chedi Phra Si Suriyothai
Chedi Phra Si Suriyothai ,the memorial for the first heroine in Thai history, is located in Ko Muang to the west. Among various places of interest within the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park, this ancient place is of much importance as a proof of honour that ancient Thai society gave to Thai women.
Phra Si Suriyothai was the royal consort of Phra Mahachakkraphat. In 1548, only 7 months after being crowned as king he was challenged by a Burmese attack under the supervision of Phrachao Tabeng Chaweti and his warlord, Burengnong. The Burmese army intruded into the kingdom through the Three Pagoda Pass in Kanchanaburi and came to set up military camps around the royal compond. During the fighting on elephant back, Phra Mahachakkaraphat faced danger. Phra Si Suriyothai, clad in a warrior’s suit, interrupted the fighting with the intention to provide assistance for her husband. She rode her elephant in the way of Pharachao Prae, a Burmese commander, and was cut to death by his sword. After the end of the war, Phra Mahachakkraphat arranged a funeral and established the cremation site to be a temple named “Wat Sopsawan”.
Elephant Kraal Pavilion
Elephant Kraal Pavilion The pavilion, utilized as the royal seat to witness the elephant round up, is located 4 kilometres from the city along Highway No. 309. The outlook is a big cage surrounded with logs having, from the front centre, fencing lines of 45 degrees spread out to both sides far away into the jungle area. Around the kraal itself, is an earthen wall with bricks to the height of the pillars’top. Behind the kraal and opposite the front fencing line, is the pavilion housing the royal seat. The Kraal currently seen was renovated in the year 1957.
Transportation
Bus
- Direct air-conditioned buses leave Bangkok every half an hour from the Northern Bus Terminal on Phahonyothin Road. (Tel. 537 - 8055 - 6 ) starting 05.30 - 19.20 hrs.
- And non air-conditioned buses (Tel. 0 272 5761 - 5 ext. 117) leave for Bang Pa - In, Bang Sai, and Ayutthaya many times daily from 05.30 - 19.20 hrs.
Car
- Take Highway No. 1 (Phahonyothin Road.) then take Highway No. 32 to Ayutthaya.
- Take Highway No. 304 (Chaeng - Watthna Road.) or take Highway No. 302 (Ngamwongwan Road.) ; turn righ to Highway No. 306 (Tiwanon Road.), then take Highway No. 3111 (Pathum Thani - Samkhok - Sena) and turn right at Amphoe Sena to Highway No. 3263
- Take Highway No. 306 (Bangkok - Nonthaburi - Pathum Thani Road.) then take Highway No. 347
Train
Trains leave Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lam Phong) Rama IV Road, Tel. 0 2223 7010, 0 2223 7020) daily every hour starting from 06.40 - 22.00 hrs.
| Recommended Hotels in Ayutthaya
Woraburi Ayothaya Covention Resort
89 M.11 Tambol Kamang,
Amphur Pranakornsriayutthaya, Ayutthaya 13000
Why is this hotel?
Situated in the tranquil setting of the Pasak River, the Woraburi Ayothaya Convention Resort has all the modern facilities to ensure a comfortable and convenient stay. The resort's central location makes in an ideal place from which to discover the delights of this ancient city which boasts a treasure trove of must-see historical sights.
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Ayutthaya Hotels, Thailand
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