Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya province is home to Thailand's former capital, the golden city of Ayutthaya, center of an empire that dominated almost all of Southeast Asia and lasted 400 years, until it was destroyed and sacked by the Burmese in 1767. Despite the destruction, some impressive sights still remain. Mosts tourists visit the city on a day trip from Bangkok, even though it could well be worth a few days for anyone interested in ancient architecture.

In addition to the ancient city, Sri Ayutthaya, there are a couple of other very interesting places to take in. Nearest to Bangkok is the Bang Sai Royal Arts and Crafts Center. About halfway between Bang Sai and Ayutthaya City is the summer palace of Bang Pa In.

Bang Sai

Founded by Her Majesty the Queen to help ensure the survival of traditional Thai handicrafts, the Bang Sai Royal Arts and Crafts Center has become something of a true cultural theme park.

Bang Pa In Summer Palace

Bang Pa In Palace — The Bang Pa In summer palace.

A relatively modern royal retreat on an island in the Chao Phraya river. A rather tour-de-force in styles ranging from Thai houseboat to art nouveau to Chinese pagoda.

Ayutthaya City

Wat Mahathat, one of many remains from Siam's golden age.

The town of Ayutthaya itself lies in the center of the province, on an island formed by the confluence of the Chaophraya, Lopburi and Pasak Rivers. The city was founded in 1351 and became the capital of the Siamese empire that ultimately became modern-day Thailand. The Ayutthaya period was definitely Thailand's "Golden Age." Although sacked and destroyed by the Burmese in 1767, there's still quite a bit to see.

In this section

Ayutthaya City

Just 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Bangkok is the old capitol of Ayutthaya (or Ayuthaya, or even Ayodhaya. No matter how you spell it, its pronounced ah-you-tah-ya.) The city became Thailand's capitol in the mid-14th century and remained the capitol until the late 18th century. About the time that Americans were tossing tea into Boston harbor, the Burmese attacked and sacked Ayutthaya. The ruins of Wat Si Sanphet, the centerpiece of Ayutthaya's old royal city.

Bang Pa In Palace

A very short drive of 60 kilometers (40 miles) north of Bangkok along the banks of the Chaopraya River will bring you to Bang Pa In, summer palace of the kings of Thailand. The palace dates back to the seventeenth century, pre-dating the establishment of Bangkok as the capitol, although it did fall into disuse for a long period. All the buildings you see date from its revival by King Mongkut (Rama IV) in the nineteenth century.

Bang Sai Royal Arts & Crafts Center

The museum & shop of the Royal Arts & Crafts Center. This project of Her Majesty the Queen is designed to keep the traditional Thai crafts alive. Started around 1990, the center now consists of extensive parks and workshops on the Chaophraya river about 30 Km North of Bangkok. On weekends, the place can be quite crowded with Thais enjoying the many attractions and shopping opportunities, but on weekdays the park can be deserted.