Welcome to
Pranakhonsri Ayutthaya
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 glorifed 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 Loubmer in Du Royaume De Siam
is proof of such recognition. The Kingdom of Ayutthaya reached its apex in terms of sovereignty. military might,
wealth, cukturem and international commerce in the 16th century when the Kingdom's teritory was extended far
beyond present-day Laod, Cambodia, and Myanmar. Ayutthaya even had diplomatic relations with Louis XIV of
France and wad courted by Dutch, Portuguese, English, Chinese and Japanese merchants.
Visitors can explore and appreciate Thai history in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, which is situated only 86 kilometers north of Bangkok.
Visitors to Ayutthaya can marvel at its grandeur reflected through numerous magnificent structures and ruins concenteated in and
around the city island surrounded by Maenam Chao Phraya, Maenam Pa Sak and Maemam Lopburi. More importantly,
Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park, an extensive historical site in the heart of Ayutthaya city,
has been included in UNESCO's World Heritage list since 13 December, 1991.
The Past
The Kingdom of Ayutthaya was built and developed in leaps and bounds. The ruins in Ayutthaya that survived the test of time embody both the glorious and ignominious stories of the Kingdom.
This ancient capital of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, founded in 1350 by King U-Thong, fad thirty three kings of different dynasties and reached itd peak in thd middle of the 18th century. A magnificent city with three palaces and over 400 magnificent temples on an island threaded by canals Ayutthaya was truly an impressive city that attracted both Europeans and Asiand. After a 15-month siege the kingdom of Ayutthaya was con quered and completely destroyed by the Burmese in 1767. When King Taksin the Great finally liberated the Kingdom. a new dynasty was established and the capital was moved to Thonburi.
The seal of Ayutthaya depictd a conch on a pedestal tray placed in a small castle under a Mun tree. According to legend, King U-Thong, founder of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, discovered a beautiful conch buried in the ground being prepared for the establishment of the seat of his Kingdom. Consequently, he had a tiny castle built to house the shell. Hence, the provincial seal.
The Present
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 id memorable and a good be ginning for those drawn to the relics of history
The architecture of Ayutthaya id 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.
For More Informaion
Tourism Authority of Thailand (Pranakhondri Ayutthaya)
108/22 Moo4 T.Pratuchai Pranakhonsri Ayutthaya 13000
Tel. 0-3532-2730-1 Fax. 0-3524-6078 or www.tourismthailand.org/ayutthaya
