With regards to the history and culture of Thailand, Ayutthaya is one of the most important cities in the country. This fact is evident in the number of ruins and cultural attractions which are dotted around the city. This ancient capital once glittered with gold and led the way in commerce and trade. Unfortunately, the sacking of the city by the Burmese led to it being destroyed forever.

While many travellers choose to visit Ayutthaya for a day trip while in Bangkok, the city is a great destination in its own right. There are countless ruins, some working temples, elephants, museums and excellent restaurants and bars. Hotels and guest houses are abundant, with some noteworthy chains represented here. For those not after such lavish accommodation, you will also find mid-range hotels which are ideal for the family and offer excellent facilities.

For architectural fans, Ayutthaya is in a class above many cities. The style of most buildings is a fascinating mix of Khmer and early Sukothai style; although many of the buildings now lay in ruins. You will find temple ruins throughout the city alongside headless Buddhas and crumbling pagodas. These ruins is what draws most people to the city as it is possible to get a glimpse into how spectacular Ayutthaya would have been during its golden era.

Ayutthaya is not home to a frenetic nightlife with countless bars and clubs. It is suited to people who enjoy good food, quiet drinks by the river and traditional Thai shows. There are of course the ubiquitous karaoke bars that are found across the country. Restaurants are aplenty and to savour the Thai atmosphere while you are here, visit a local eatery and try some delicious Thai dishes.

The city is one large museum preserving its ancient past and using this past to help rebuild its future. It is one of Thailand’s most important historical cities and as soon as you arrive, you will understand why.

Since Ayuthaya is a day trip from Bangkok, many visitors prefer the comfort and selection by returning to stay in the capital. Ayuthaya itself has a modest selection of hotels, mainly family run three star establishments. There is however a few comfortable choice of you prefer to stay several nights to truly explore this World Heritage site properly. They are modestly priced and some, such as the River View Place have a waterfront location.

History

The city of Ayutthaya was founded in 1351 by a man called U Thong. He established this city on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. It is believed that U Thong was the son of a Chinese merchant who had married into local aristocracy and it was this that allowed him to create this new thriving settlement, under his new name of Ramathibodi.

In 1378, Ayuthaya conquered Sukhothai and became the capital of the entire Thai kingdom and in 1431; the Ayutthayan army defeated the Khmer kingdom of Angkor Wat. Ayuthaya became the most important power in Southeast Asia.

The move of the Thai capital from Sukothai to Ayuthaya has remained very important in the history of the country. The move to the capital closer to the coast and as a result, Thai people became more commerce oriented and began prospering through trade.

King U Thong was the first of 34 kings in his line, with King Ekathat (1758-67) being the last. This royal lineage lasted for over 400 years and ended with a sacking by the Burmese.

The Burmese army invaded Ayuthaya in 1765 and while it took them two years to gain control, they made sure that the city was completely destroyed. Temples, statues, manuscripts and official memorandums were all lost forever. This resulted in a very fast decline of the city, which found itself under Burmese control for just over two years.

In 1769, Phaya Taksin (a Chinese-Thai general) appointed himself as king in 1769 and established a new capital, Thonburi, on the Chao Phraya River. This did not help Ayutthaya and the city was never restored to its former glory.

Today, Ayutthaya is famed for its relics and reminders of its distinguished past and sees a great number of people arrive in the city to see what’s left of this ancient Thai capital.

Weather

Despite its close proximity to Bangkok, Ayutthaya does not suffer from the extreme humidity as the capital. This is mainly due to the fact that much fewer people live there. It does however see the same three seasons as Bangkok: hot, cool and rainy.

Summer temperatures (March through until June) sees highs of up to 40°C and high humidity levels. While it is not as humid as in Bangkok, temperatures can still feel very uncomfortable. April is the hottest month of the year, so air con is a must if you are travelling during this time.

It is slightly cooler in the months of November to February, with temperatures dropping to about 20°C. This is one of the best times to visit the city as sightseeing is a lot more enjoyable in the cooler weather.

Rainy season runs from July through until October and can see heavy showers and occasional flooding. While temperatures are cooler than at the height of summer, it can still be very hot and muggy. This being said, the sun will still shine on many days, with showers taking place early evening, so sightseeing can still be enjoyed.

Sightseeing

Much of Ayutthaya’s charm lies in its ruins and historical significance. A sightseeing tour around the city will take you to a number of famous ruins such as temples and chedis as well as a number of working temples and also an impressive palace. For some peace and quiet, take a trip to one of the city’s parks where you can relax and indulge in some people watching.

Ancient Palace
This historical palace is largely in ruins which are located in large grounds. They are a stunning sight to see, with some free-standing buildings remaining.

Ayutthaya Historical Study Centre
This modern museum attempts to portray life in Ayutthaya with model images. It is a great place to take the kids and will fascinate anyone who is interested in the history of Thailand.

Bang Pa-In Palace
This palace is located 18kms south of Ayuthaya and is a stunning palace rich in history and importance. It was originally built by King Prasat Thong in 1632, but was ransacked in the Burmese occupation. The palace was semi-restored by King Mongkut (Rama IV) in the 1850s, and was completed by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V. It was last restored in 2001 and has been maintained ever since. Phone: +66 224 3273

Chedi at Wat Phu Khao Thong
This is an enormous chedi which is famed for being crooked and is located in grounds which house a smiling fat Buddha. You will also find the monument of King Naresuan the Great close by

Khun Phaen Residence
Khun Phaen Residence is a reconstructed traditional teak house which can be found in beautiful parklands with water features and a number of places to sit and enjoy the serenity. Many elephants taking tourists round the sights stop here for photos as Wat Phra Ram can be seen in the background.

Phra Chedi Sisuriyothai
This white and gold chedi was built as a memorial to a former queen. It can be found amid small well-maintained gardens and is a great place to escape to for a bit of peace and quiet.

Phra Ram Park
Phra Ram Park is in fact stunning woodlands dissected by nature trails and picturesque bridges over walkways which lead you past a variety of Buddha images and buildings.

Wat Nah Phra Meru
This impressive temple boasts a large viharn which houses the biggest bronze Buddha image in the city. Elsewhere in the grounds, you will find a small carp pond and three chedi ruins.

Wat Phanancherng
This is a working temple which boasts the oldest large cast bronze Buddha image in Ayutthaya. There is a small room which contains an impressive collection of Buddha images.

Wat Yai Chaimonkorn
This large working temple features many ruins which appear on many photographs of Thailand. You will find a large reclining Buddha in saffron robes and a large chedi which is wrapped in golden cloth and lined by Buddha images.

Wiharn at Wat Thammikarat
This is an actual working temple but also houses the remains of a large chedi and a wiharn, which has a large tree growing out of the side of one of its walls.

Ayutthaya Transport

Airports  Suvarnabhumi Airport is Bangkok’s new airport and the nearest international airport to Ayutthaya. It is the largest airport in the country and services a number of flights every day to worldwide destinations. There are also frequent domestic flights to cities across the country.

Facilities are extensive and include a number of banking and exchange facilities, ATM’s, a wide range of restaurants, snack bars and other eateries, a number of shopping opportunities, both duty-free and duty-paid, information desks, car hire, left luggage, first aid facilities and extensive amenities for passengers travelling with disabilities.

Transportation options are comprehensive and include local and shuttle busses, taxis and car hire. A link to the MRT train line will allow quick and convenient services to and from downtown Bangkok, from where you can catch train services to Ayutthaya.

Cars can be hired and driven by yourself, or hired with a driver who will chauffer you to your intended destination.

Public Transport

Ayutthaya is easily reachable from other cities in Bangkok by train and bus services. It is a short drive out of Bangkok which also makes it convenient for those looking to hire their own car.

Once you are in the city, song taews and tuk-tuks are the most popular way of getting around as they offer cheap and convenient services to a number of tourist hot spots. This being said, if you want to embark on a tour of many of the city’s ruins, the most economical way of getting around is to hire a bicycle. This will also allow you to fully appreciate the sights and to travel around at your own pace. Walking is also an option, although not advised during the heat of the day.

If you want to travel outside of the city centre and explore Ayutthaya’s hidden gems, hiring a mini bus is cost effective for families as well as having the convenience of your own driver. These can be hired by the day and will take you wherever you want to go, so it’s adviseable to have an itinerary ready.

Taxis can be found across the city and while they are all metered, it is wise to always check that the meter is switched on before embarking on your journey.

Thank : hoteltravel.com