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 The
Present
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Today, there are but groups of crumbling ruins and rows of headless
Buddhas where once an empire thrived. The temple compounds are still
awe-inspiring even in disrepair and a visit here is memorable and
a good beginning for those drawn to the relics of history.
The architecture of Ayutthaya is a fascinating mix of Khmer (ancient
Cambodian style) and early Sukhothai style. Some cactus-shaped obelisks,
called prangs, denote Khmer influence and look something like the
famous towers of Angkor Wat. The more pointed stupas are ascribed
to the Sukhothai influence. For new arrivals who had limited their
visit to Bangkok, similarities may be noted with the riverside Wat
Arun, an 18th-century structure that was built in the so-called
Ayutthaya style, a melding of Sukhothai Buddhist influences and
Hindu-inspired Khmer motifs.
Ayutthaya is administratively divided into 16 districts: Phra Nakhon
Si Ayutthaya, Ban Phraek, Bang Ban, Bang Pahan, Bang Pa-in, Amphoe
Bang Sai, Bang Sai, Lat Bua Luang, Maha Rat, Nakhon Luang, Phachi,
Phak-Hai, Sena, Tha Rua, Uthai and Wang Noi.
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The
Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya or “Ayutthaya” in short, is one
of Thailand's historical and majestic highlights. Serving as the
Thai capital for 417 years (1350 – 1767: Kingdom of Ayutthaya),
it was once glorified as one of the biggest cities in the world
– a Southeast Asia center for civilizations. During the 17th
century, most foreign visitors to Ayutthaya, traders or diplomats
alike, claimed Ayutthaya to be the most illustrious and glittering
city that they had ever visited. The map of Ayutthaya published
in 1691 by Simon de la Loub?re in Du Royaume De Siam is proof of
such recognition.
