Ayutthaya, once the proud capital of Siam (video)

Wat phra si sanphet

Ayutthaya is the former capital of Siam (Thailand). The city was destroyed by the Burmese in 1767, but the many remaining ruins of the temples and palaces are reminders of the glorious time of this city.

Ayutthaya is strategically located at the confluence of three rivers: the Chao Phraya, the Pa Sak and the Lopburi. The historical park of Ayutthaya is an immense open-air museum where you can discover the beautiful architecture and ancient culture. It is not for nothing that it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1991.

Ayutthaya was once a sprawling, overwhelming metropolis with more than a million inhabitants. That was around 1600, when it was the proud capital of Siam. Located just 85 kilometers north of Bangkok, Ayutthaya was founded in 1350 by King U-thong and served as the capital of the Kingdom of Siam until 1767. Once one of the largest and most powerful cities in the world, after devastating raids by the Burmese an impressive complex of ruins, temples and palaces now remains.

Ayutthaya was founded in 1350 and was a great trading center and a melting pot of art, religion and politics. Go to the Wat phra si sanphet, a temple you may know for its three chedis, or towering bell-shaped structures. This temple was once connected to the royal palace, although the connecting buildings have been destroyed, you can still wander along the crumbling red walls and marvel at what must once have been.

Ayutthaya Historical Park is located opposite the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum. This historic park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains many temples. The temples Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Mongkhon Bophit, Wat Na Phra Meru, Wat Thammikarat, Wat Ratburana and Wat Phra Mahathat are close to each other and can be easily traveled on foot.

There are numerous impressive sights in Ayutthaya, including:

• Wat Phra Si Sanphet: This former royal temple houses three large stupas (chedi) and is the symbol of Ayutthaya.
• Wat Mahathat: This temple is known for the famous Buddha head entwined in the roots of an ancient tree.
• Wat Ratchaburana: A beautiful temple with an impressive central prang (tower) and well-preserved wall paintings.

In addition to the well-known sights, there are also lesser-known, but equally fascinating places to discover:

• Wat Chaiwatthanaram: This impressive temple, located on the banks of the Chao Phraya, offers a beautiful view of the surroundings.
• Ayutthaya Floating Market: Here you can taste the local cuisine and buy traditional Thai souvenirs.
• Bang Pa-In Royal Palace: Located south of Ayutthaya, this summer palace is a beautiful example of Thai and European architecture.

The visit to the rest of the historical park is best done by bicycle. By renting a longtail boat, you can see the many temples that are situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.

Every year in December the 'Ayutthaya World Heritage Site Celebration' takes place in the historical park of Ayutthaya with an impressive show of light and sound.

Ayutthaya can be reached from Bangkok by train (about an hour and a half) or bus (about two hours). Various hotels in Bangkok offer combination day trips to Ayutthaya by both boat and bus.