Central Thailand 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 kilometres 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 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.
Ayutthayacovers 2,556.6 square kilometres, and is administratively divided into 16 districts (Amphoes). It is conveniently accessible due to good roads and a short distance from Bangkok.
Distance from Ayutthaya city to its districts :
Amphoe Tha Rua 60 kms.
Amphoe Nakhon Luang 20 kms.
Amphoe Bang Sai 45 kms.
Amphoe Bang Ban 10 kms.
Amphoe Bang Pa - In 17 kms.
Amphoe Bang Pa Han 13 kms.
Amphoe Phak Hai 29 kms.
Amphoe Pha Chi 35 kms.
Amphoe Lat Bua Luang 65 Kms.
Amphoe Wang Noi 20 kms.
Amphoe Sena 20 kms.
Amphoe Bang Sai 34 kms.
Amphoe U - Thai 15 kms.
Amphoe Maharat 25 kms.
Amphoe Ban Phraek 53 kms.
Ayutthaya Historical Study Centre
Ayutthaya Historical Study Centre Located on Rochana Road, this centre is a national research institute devoted to the study of Ayutthaya, especially during the period when it was the capital of Thailand. The Centre is responsible for the museum of the history of Ayutthaya, which exhibits reconstructions from the past. The Centre also supports an information service and a library containing historical materials about Ayutthaya.
The Centre is open everyday from 09.00 - 16.30 hrs., official holidays from 09.00-17.00. For more details please contact Tel : 0 3524 5124 (Admission fee : 100 Baht)
Chao Sam Phraya National Museum
Chao Sam Phraya National Museum This is on Rochana Road, opposite the city wall. It houses various antique bronze Buddha images and famous carved panels. A receptacle at the Thai Pavillion contains relics of Lord Buddha and objects of art more that 500 years old. The museum also has a substantial collection of local artifacts.
The museum is open everyday cxcept Monday, Tuesday and national holidays The museum is open everyday cxcept Monday, Tuesday and national holidays from 09.00 - 16.00 hrs. (Admission fee : 10 Baht). For more infromation Tel : 0 3524 1587
Chedi Phra Si Suriyothai
Chedi Phra Si Suriyothai ,the memorial for the first heroine in Thai history, is located in Ko Muang to the west. Among various places of interest within the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park, this ancient place is of much importance as a proof of honour that ancient Thai society gave to Thai women.
Phra Si Suriyothai was the royal consort of Phra Mahachakkraphat. In 1548, only 7 months after being crowned as king he was challenged by a Burmese attack under the supervision of Phrachao Tabeng Chaweti and his warlord, Burengnong. The Burmese army intruded into the kingdom through the Three Pagoda Pass in Kanchanaburi and came to set up military camps around the royal compond. During the fighting on elephant back, Phra Mahachakkaraphat faced danger. Phra Si Suriyothai, clad in a warrior’s suit, interrupted the fighting with the intention to provide assistance for her husband. She rode her elephant in the way of Pharachao Prae, a Burmese commander, and was cut to death by his sword. After the end of the war, Phra Mahachakkraphat arranged a funeral and established the cremation site to be a temple named “Wat Sopsawan”.
In the reign of King Rama V, there was a quest for the historical sites as mentioned in the Royal Chronical. The exact location of Wat Sopsawan was identified with a large indented stupa which was renamed by King Rama VI as Chedi Phra Si Suriyothai.
In 1990, the government assigned the Fine Arts Department and the National Security Command to restore the chedi, which had deteriorated over time. Fortunately, on 20 May 1990, some antique objects were found such as a white rock crystal Buddha image in the posture of subduing Mara, a chedi replica, and a golden reliquary. These ancient objects were brought to be under the care of the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum.
Elephant Kraal Pavilion
Elephant Kraal Pavilion The pavilion, utilized as the royal seat to witness the elephant round up, is located 4 kilometres from the city along Highway No. 309. The outlook is a big cage surrounded with logs having, from the front centre, fencing lines of 45 degrees spread out to both sides far away into the jungle area. Around the kraal itself, is an earthen wall with bricks to the height of the pillars’top. Behind the kraal and opposite the front fencing line, is the pavilion housing the royal seat. The Kraal currently seen was renovated in the year 1957.
Fort And Fortress Around The City
Fort And Fortress Around The City The forts along the city wall and outer circle fortresses as found in the historical records include Pom Mahachai, Pom Phet, Pom Ho Ratchakhru, Pom Chidkop, Pom Champaphon, Pom Yai, etc. They are mostly situated at waterway intersections.
Japanese Village
Japanese Village This is located 1.5 kilometres far from Wat Phanancheong in Tambon Ko Rien. There is an additional building of the Ayutthaya Historical Study Centre, where the foreign affairs of Ayutthaya Period are on exhibition.
Khun Phaen House
Khun Phaen House Khun Phaen’s Thai - style house conforms to descriptions in a popular Thai literay work. Khun Phaen’s house is near Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit.
Mu Ban Protuket
Mu Ban Protuket is the Portuguese village located in Tambon Samphao Lom, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River and to the south of the city. The Portuguese were the first Europeans who travelled to trade with the Ayutthaya kingdom. In 1511, Al Fonco de Al Buquerq, the Portuguese governor to Asia, dispatched a diplomatic troupe led by Ambassador Mr.Du Arte Fernandes to Ayutthaya during the reign of King Ramathibodi II. After that, some portuguese came to the kingdom for different purposes : trade, military volunteers in the Ayutthaya army, or on a religious mission. They built a church as the centre of their community and to serve religious purposes.
Presently, some traces of former construction have been found at the village site. At the ancient remains of San Petro, a Dominican church, some antique objects were excavated together with human skeletons such as tobacco pipes, coins, and accessories for a religious ceremony.
Si Suriyothai Park
Si Suriyothai Park is located within the area of the Ayutthaya liquor plant adjacent to Chedi Phra Si Suriyothai. On its total area of 5 rai, there is a common building, a Somdet Phra Si Suriyothai pavilion, a mound with marble Semas (boundary stones of a temple) aged over 400 years where the fragmented parts of Buddha images taken from Wat Phutthaisawan were buried, etc. The Liquor Distillery Organisation, who sponsored the construction of the park, wished to devoted all good deeds in transforming the former inner part of the royal compound to all of the late kings who used to live here before. King Rama IX graciously named the park “Suan Si Suriyothai” on 25 May, 1989. Then, the park was conferred to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit on the eve of Her 60th birthday anniversary. The park opens daily for the public from 09.00-17.00 hrs.
Suan Somdet
Suan Somdet Situated on U - Thong Road to the southwest of the city, is a big public park offering various plants referred to in Thai literature and archaeological sites.
Wat Chaiwatthanaram
Wat Chaiwatthanaram Another monastery that is located on the bank of Chao Phraya River, on the west of the city island. King Prasat Thong commanded it built. The great beauty has been reflected from the main stupa and its satellite stupas along the gallery, an architecture influenced by Khmer. Travelling can be made by river form Chankasem Palace. A long-tailed boat service is available at 300-400 baht for a round trip, consuming about one hour.
Wat Kasattrathirat Worawihan
Wat Kasattrathirat Worawihan is the monastery located outside Ko Muang, opposite Chedi phra Si Suriyothai, on the bank of the Chao Phraya River. Its former name was Kasattra or Kasattraram. It is an ancient temple of the Ayutthaya period with a main Prang (stupa) as its centre.
Wat Kudidao
Wat Kudidao Located in front of the railway station to the east, this old monastery has beautiful work with better craftsmanship than many other temples, but it has deteriorated to a high degree.
Wat Lokkayasutha
Wat Lokkayasutha This monastery is over a kilometre behind Wat Suanluangsopsawan adjacent to Wat Worachettharam. Accessible by the road inside the compound of the Distillery Plant, or through the road behind the Phlapphla Trimuk (three-gabled roof pavilion), It is in the area of the Acient Palace passing Wat Woraphot and Wat Worachettharam going to the site of the large reclining Buddha, made of brick and covered with plaster, approximately 29 metres long. Many large hexagonal pillar ruins near the image are believed to be the ruins of the Ubosot.
Wat Na Phramen
Wat Na Phramen The former name of this monastery was Wat Phra Merurachikaram. Located on the bank of Khlong Sabua opposite the grand palace, the date of construction is unknown. The Ubosot design is of very old typical Thai style. The most interesting objects are the principal Buddha image, fully decorated in regal attire, and another image make of black stone in the small Wihan.
Wat Phananchoeng
Wat Phananchoeng This monastery located south of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya has no record as to its date of construction or the person causing its construction. It existed before Ayutthaya was founded as the capital. The principal image in the Wihan called “Phrachao Phananchoeng” was built in A.D. 1325 ; it is made of stucco in the attitude of subduing evil ; considered beautiful, it is most revered by the inhabitants of Ayutthaya.
Wat Phra Mahathat
Wat Phra Mahathat Located in front of the Grand Palace to the east near Pa Than Bridge ,it was constructed in the reign of King Borom Rachathirat I.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet
Wat Phra Si Sanphet This important and most outstanding monastery is located in Grand Palace compound like Wat Phra Si Ratanasatsadaram (Wat Phra Kaeo) of Bangkok. Used as a residential palace, it became a monastery in the reign of King Ramathibodi I. When King Borom Trai Lokanat commanded new living quarters built, this residential palace was given to be a temple area, thus originating Wat Phra Si Sanphet : The royal chapel does not have any monks and novice inhabitants.
Wat Phraram
Wat Phraram This monastery was situated outside the grand palace compound to the east. King Ramesuan commanded it built on ground, where the royal cremation ceremony for his father King U - Thong, took place. A big lagoon is in front of this monastery. Its original name was “Nong Sano”, it was changed to be “Bung Phraram” or currently Phraram Public Park.
Wat Phukhao Thong
Wat Phukhao Thong Located two kilometres northeast of the Grand Palace, this monastery was constructed in the year 1387 during the reign of King Ramesuan.
Wat Phutthaisawan
Wat Phutthaisawan is the monastery situated on the river bank opposite Ko Muang to the south. Travel by car along the route Ayutthaya - Sena to the west of Ko Muang. After passing the bridge in front of Wat Kasattrathirat, turn left to Wat Chaiwattanaram. Follow the direction signs, you will find a left turn to Wat Phutthaisawan. This monastery was built in the area where King U-thong moved to establish his city. The area was first known as Wiang Lek, named after the royal palace of King U-thong. The most interesting part of wat Phutthaisawan is the great principal Buddha image ; its style is of the early Ayutthaya Period.
Wat Ratchaburana
Wat Ratchaburana This monastery was located near Pa Than Bridge opposite Wat Mahathat. King Borom Rachathirat II (Chao Sam Phraya) commanded two pagodas built on the ground where Chao Ai and Chao Yi engaged in single hand combat from elephant’s back, and both were killed. Later, he established a Wihan combined with the pagodas and upgraded it to be monastery.
Wat Samanakot
Wat Samanakot Located near Wat Kudidao, it was renovated by Chao Phraya Kosa (Lek) and Phraya Kosa (Pan) during the reign of King Narai the Great. The main attraction is a large Prang having an unusual outlook different from the others. It is believed to imitate the design of Chedi Chet Yot of Chiang Mai.
Wat Senasanaram
Wat Senasanaram This ancient monastery named “Wat Sua” is behind Chankasem Palace. The main attractions are two Buddha images : Phra Samphuttha Muni, the principal image enshrined in the Ubosot, and Phra In Plaeng enshrined in the Wihan ; both were transferred from Vientiane.
Wat Suwandaram Ratchaworawihan
Wat Suwandaram Ratchaworawihan is the monastery within the royal compound, located to the southwest on the edge of Pom Phet, an ancient fort. First, it was called ‘Wat Thong’. Established in the Ayutthaya period, the monastery was extended and restored several times during the reigns of the Chakri kings. The mural paintings on the upper part of the inside wall of the Ubosot depict the gathering of the deities, and on the lower part, the jataka stories of Wetsandon, Temi, and Suwannasam are described.
The front wall shows a picture of the Buddha subduing evil. Within the Vihara, there is a picture of the bravery of King Naresuan the Great, which is a masterpiece of several copies found in many places.
Wat Yai Chaimongkhon or Wat Chao Phraya Thai
Wat Yai Chaimongkhon or Wat Chao Phraya Thai This monastery constructed in the reign of King U-Thong is located outside the city to the southeast in the same direction as the railway station ; one can see its large pagodas from far away. King Naresuan the Great commanded the pagoda built to celebrate the victory of his single-handed combat on the elephant’s back. He also aimed at a huge construction to match the large pagoda of Wat Phukhao Thong, and named it “Phra Chedi Chaiyamongkhon”.
Wihan Phramongkhon Bophit Phra Mongkhon Bophit
Wihan Phramongkhon Bophit Phra Mongkhon Bophit, a large bronze cast Buddha image was originally enshrined outside the Grand Palace to the east. King Songtham commanded it to be transferred to the west, where it is currently enshrined and covered with a Mondop. Later in the reign of Phra Chao Sua, the top of the Mondop was burnt down by a fire due to a thunderbolt. Then, the King commanded a new building be built in the form of a big sanctuary (Maha Wihan) to cover the image in lieu of the former Mondop. During the second fall of Ayutthaya, the building and the image were badly destroyed by fire, the one currently seen was renovated but does not have as beautiful craftsmanship as the previous ones. The open area east of the Sanctuary (Wihan) was formerly Sanam Luang, where the royal cremation ceremonies took place (This prectice is now held at Sanam Luang, the Phramain Ground of Bangkok).
BANG SAI ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR
(Bang Sai Arts & Crafts Centre)
The annual fair shows products of H.M. the Queen’s SUPPORT programme. Visitors will enjoy shopping, and viewing exhibitions and demonstrations of local products from each district of Ayutthaya.
Folk entertainment performances enliven the fair. SONGKRAN FESTIVAL
In Front of Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit
The traditional Thai New Year is an occasion for merry making in Ayutthaya, with religious ceremonies as well as public festivitis. Anyone who ventures out on the streets is likely to get a thorugh soaking, but all in a spirit of fun at the peak of the hot season.
BANG SAI LOI KRATHONG
(Bang Sai Arts & Crafts Centre)
Celebrations include traditional float (Krathong) and beauty contests, handicraft demonstrations and exhibitions, special events, and krathong launching beneath the full moon.
Distance from Ayutthaya city to nearby provinces :
Bangkok 76 kms.
Ang Thong 31 kms.
Saraburi 63 kms.
Suphanburi 53 kms.
Train
Trains leave Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lam Phong) Rama IV Road, Tel. 0 2223 7010, 0 2223 7020) daily every hour starting from 06.40 - 22.00 hrs.
Bus
a) Direct air-conditioned buses leave Bangkok every half an hour from the Northern Bus Terminal on Phahonyothin Road. (Tel. 537 - 8055 - 6 ) starting 05.30 - 19.20 hrs.
b) And non air-conditioned buses (Tel. 0 272 5761 - 5 ext. 117) leave for Bang Pa - In, Bang Sai, and Ayutthaya many times daily from 05.30 - 19.20 hrs.
Car
a) Take Highway No. 1 (Phahonyothin Road.) then take Highway No. 32 to Ayutthaya.
b) 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. 3263
c) Take Highway No. 306 (Bangkok - Nonthaburi - Pathum Thani Road.) then take Highway No. 347
Car
1. Take Highway No. 1 (Phahonyothin Road.) then take Highway No. 32 to Ayutthaya.
2. 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. 3263
3. Take Highway No. 306 (Bangkok - Nonthaburi - Pathum Thani Road.) then take Highway No. 347
Bus
Direct air - conditioned buses leave Bangkok every half an hour from the Northern Bus Terminal on Phahonyothin Road. (Tel. 0 2537 8055 - 6 ) starting 05.30 - 19.20 hrs.
And non air - conditioned buses (Tel. 0 2272 5761-5 ext. 117) leave for Bang Pa - In, Bang Sai, and Ayutthaya many times daily from 05.30 - 19.20 hrs.
Train
Trains leave Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lam Phong) Rama IV Road, Tel. 0 2223 7010, 0 2223 7020) daily every hour starting from 06.40 - 22.00 hrs.
TRANSPORTATION IN AY
Mini - buses can be taken from the railway station into the city. Hiring a mini - bus within Ayutthaya costs between 250 and 300 baht/day. For travelling between Ayutthaya and Bang Pa - In, mini - buses regularly leave Chao Prom Market, Chao Prom Road. starting from 06.30. The fare is about 30 Baht. The trip take fifty minutes.
Boat
BOAT TRIPS TO AYUTTHAYA & BANG PA - IN
There are no public boats going to Ayutthaya. However, there are several companies that organise excursions to Ayutthaya and Bang Pa - In. For further information, please contact the follwing companies :
ONE-DAY EXCURSION
1.CHAO PHRAYA EXPRESS BOAT
Tel : 0 2222 5330 , Fax : 0 2225 3002
TIME : 08.00 - 17.30 HRS. every Sunday (including ROYAL FOLK ARTS AND CRAFTS CENTER - BANG SAI)
RIER : Maharat
PRICE: B 250/person(transportation only)
2. ORIENTAL QUEEN & AYUTTHAYA PRINCESS
Tel : 0 2236 0400 - 9 Fax : 0 2236 1939 attn : ORIENTAL QUEEN
TIME : 8.00 - 17.30 HRS.(going by cruiser and returning by air-conditioned coach or vice versa)
RIER : Oriental Hotel
PRICE: B 1,550/person(including lunch and tour)
3. RIVER SUN CRUISE
Tel : 0 2266 9125, 0 2234 2250,0 2233 2877
TIME : everyday 08.20 - 16.30 HRS.(going by air - conditioned coach and returning by cruiser) everyday
RIER : River City
PRICE: B 1,200-1,300/person (including lunch and tour)
TWO - DAY EXCURSION
4. MEKHALA
Tel : 0 2256 7168- 9 Fax :0 2256 7172
TIME : everyday (going by curiser and returning by coach or vice versa)
RIER : Charoen Nakhon
PRICE: B 5,000/person (including 3 meals, accommodation and tour) |
