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The ancient city of Ayutthaya, formally designated Phra Nakhon
Si Ayutthaya was the Thai capital for 417 years, and is one of Thailand’s
major tourist attractions.
Ayutthaya province is relatively small at 2,557 sq. km. and is
easily accessible due to good road, rail and river connections and
its proximity to Bangkok. Straddling the Chao Phraya River, the
nation’s principal waterway, the province is extremely important,
as it was the Siamese capital for four centuries.
The city of Ayutthaya is 76 km. north of Bangkok and boasts numerous
magnificent ruins from its days as the capital. Just to the south,
in perfect condition, stands the royal palace of Bang Pa-in set
in splendid gardens. The province is also noted for H.M. the Queen’s
Bang Sai Arts and Crafts Centre.
The ancient city of Ayutthaya, formally designated Phra Nakhon
Si Ayutthaya was the Thai capital for 417 years, and 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 when Ayutthaya was capital, 33 kings and several dynasties
ruled the kingdom, until the glittering city was sacked by the Burmese
in 1767, ruined and abandoned.
The extensive ruins and the historical records demonstrate that
Ayutthaya was one of Southeast Asia’s most prosperous cities.
In recognition of its historical and cultural importance, Phra Nakhon
Si Ayutthaya Historical Park, the location of the ruins adjacent
to today’s city, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site
in 1991.
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