Thailand Guides - Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is undoubtedly one of the most culturally and historically interesting towns within easy reach of Bangkok. Accessible by rail, river and road Thailand’s former capital is a must on any travel itinerary.

Overview

Situated approximately 86 kilometres from Bangkok, Ayutthaya can be reached by car in little over an hour. Once praised by foreign emissaries as the finest city they had ever seen many of the ancient ruins have now been encroached upon by the new town, creating an interesting blend of ancient and modern. Easily accessed by waterways, Ayutthaya flourished from 1350 onwards under the rule of 33 Siamese kings until it was eventually sacked by an invading Burmese army in 1767.

Attractions

Of Ayutthaya’s many notable ruins, Wat Phra Meru is one of the best preserved. The temple houses two Buddha images, one of which is reputed to be over 1,300 years old and thought to have originated in Sri Lanka. Wat Phra Meru, which was one of the few temples to escape destruction by the Burmese also has beautifully carved wooden ceiling.

Wat Phra Si Sanphet was the largest temple in Ayutthaya, a favorite of royalty and used as a palace by several kings of Ayutthaya. The temple was built during the 14^th century and once housed a 16-metre-high Buddha image coated with 250 kilograms of gold. The gold was removed and melted down by the invading Burmese forces. In the temple grounds, three classic Ayutthaya-style chedis contain the ashes of former kings of Thailand.

Wat Phanan Choeng, built in the early 1300s, predates the Siamese capital of Ayutthaya and it remains uncertain who built it.

Wat Yai Chai Mongkon, or Wat Yai as it is known locally, houses a large reclining Buddha. It was originally used as a temple of meditation and was built by King Uthong in 1357. King Naresuan expanded it after defeating the Burmese in 1582.