The ancient city of Ayuttaya The Thai capital for 417 years, it is one of Thailand's major tourist attraction. Many ancient ruins and art works can be seen in a city that was founded in 1350 by King U-Thong. During the period that Ayuttaya was the Thai capital, 33 kings of 5 dynasties ruled the kingdom until it was destroyed by the Burmese in 1767.
Until the later part of the 18th century, Ayuthaya was at the center of Thailand. Today, the old capital is a destination for thai and foreign tourists alike. The now quiet city’s aged temples are a signature of Thailand’s past.
Ayuthaya was the scene of Thailand’s original renaissance. The Kingdom grew to prominence when rice was the regions most important currency. However, when Burmese troops sacked the city in 1767, the capital was moved to Bangkok. This move also signaled a shift from a purely agricultural society to one that was more in tune with commerce.
To get to Ayuthaya from Bangkok today is simple. Going by train takes a mere 70 minutes if you leave from Hua Lampong Station. Also, since the roads to Ayuthaya are good, traveling by bus from Bangkok’s Northern Station does not take much longer. Both types of transport leave on a regular basis (at least 2 per hour).
At the station in Ayuthaya, motorbike drivers can be hired to take you to the sights. For larger groups, a modified pickup truck can be hired for the day. However, it is usually necessary to make sure a price is agreed upon beforehand.
Wat Phra Si Samphet is the main temple complex left over from Ayuthaya’s golden age. Some of the older temples in the complex are actually more interesting than the main ones. Climbing up the narrow steps and into these ancient buildings has always been a highlight of my trips to Ayuthaya.
Architecture buffs will be in heaven amongst the examples of Khmer, Burmese, and Thai styles.
Wat Mahathat is another temple complex worth visiting.
The actual site where ancient Ayuthaya was built is now considered a World heritage Site by the people at UNESCO. After the Burmese withdrew from the area in the later part of the 1700s, Ayuthaya’s present incarnation was built next to the city.
One piece of advice which I didn’t follow on my first trip to Ayuthaya was to wear cheap sandals. Upon entering each temple, visitors are expected to leave their shoes behind. I reluctantly left me expensive Hiking boots behind and spent the whole tour of the magnificent temple worried about losing them to thieves.
Another thing to remember is to respect the holy sites. in general, Thai’s take their religion very seriously. Aside from removing shoes within a temple, you are supposed to photograph images of Buddha. If unsure, do as the locals. Around certain statures, there are security guards whose presence reminds you of what’s allowed.
Ayuthaya is well worth a visit, especially for those who are fascinated by Thailand’s unique and colorful history.
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