#Blog 8 Ayutthaya

Once considered the most 

spectacular city on Earth

**AYUTTHAYA**

            

                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 kilometers 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 a 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.Ayutthaya covers 2,556 square kilometers, and is administratively divided into 16 districts (Amphoes). It is conveniently accessible due to good roads and a short distance from Bangkok

Ayutthaya History

              Ayutthaya’s History is full of  memorable moments and terrible tragedies. In the 400 years that Ayutthaya was the capital of Thailand. It saw the rise and fall of 23 kings, the introduction of western trade and commerce to Thailand and fought in battles than can be remembered. Founded around 1350, Ayutthaya became the most powerful kingdom in Siam orchestrating the fall of Sukhothai. The kingdom was perfectly positioned between the major trading nations of China, India, and Mayalsia, making it the ideal location for a trading and commerce centre in central Thailand. Trade turned this small island city into the most powerful kingdom in the region. Eventually bring Cambodia, Laos, Bruma, and Malaysia under it’s control. By 1700 Ayutthaya had grown into one of the largest cities in the world, with an estimated population of 1 million people, all living and trading within the kingdom. The volume and mass of trade coming through the city had attracted merchants from the world over, including Chain, Japan, India, Portugal, France, and the Netherlands. Many of whom settling in the city and calling it home.
Upon seeing the golden temples and stone statues within the Royal Palace, many merchants from the west proclaimed Ayutthaya to be the most beautiful city in the world, even rivalling the great monuments and architecture of Rome and Venice.

Touring the City

              The majority of travellers only spend 1 or 2 days visiting this wonderful city, which is a shamed because there are so many exciting and magical places to visit. With over 500 temples and monasteries to explore there is plenty to see and do within the city.One of the best ways to see the city is by bicycle. This allows you to explore the Historical National Park from the inside, and get up close and personal with temples and statues of the city. Bikes can be easily rented from within the city island along Cheekun Road, next to Watt Mahathat. This is great if you would like to spend your day visiting multiple temples and set your own timescale.

If you would like the more personal touch, and prefer your tours with a little interaction and adventure. Then there are a great selection of tours on offer within the city. 

Getting to Ayutthaya

TRANSPORTATION TO AYUTTHAYA & BANG PA-IN

By TrainTrains leave Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamphong Rama IV Rd. Tel. 2230710,2230720) daily every hour starting from 06.40 A.M. until 10.00 P.M.

By BusDirect air - conditioned buses leave Bangkok every half an hour from the and the Northern bus terminal on Phaholyothin Road. (Tel. 537-8055-6) starting 05.30 A.M. until 07.20 P.M.And non air-conditioned buses (Tel. 272-5761-5 ext. 117) leave for Bang Pa-In, Bang Sai, and Ayutthaya many times daily from 05.30-19.20 hrs.

BY CarTake 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. 3263Take Highway No. 306 (Bangkok – Nonthaburi – Pathum Thani Road.) then take Highway No. 347

By Van - Trip to Ayutthaya3500 Bht / a half day trip inclusive of gasoline and a driver (no local guide), contact: Thai Tour Info Co., Ltd: +662 1641001-6 or email: sales@thai-tour.info

Have a great time visiting and learning the sensational stories that define 

these giant  temples that surround you!

Referrence : 

www.ayutthaya.net

www.ayutthaya-trip.com