The ancient city of Ayutthaya, or Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya was the Thai capital for 417 years. Ayutthaya is located 76 kms. north of Bangkok. It was one of Indo-China’s most prosperous cities and is one of Thailand’s major historical attractions. The grandeur of Ayutthaya is reflected by numerous magnificent structures and ruins concentrated in and around the city island surrounded by the Chao Phraya, Pa Sak and Lop Buri Rivers. The area, well conserved as a historical park, has been included in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage since 13 December, 1991. Attractions Chao Sam Phraya National Museum – Located on Rochana Road, opposite the city wall, this museum houses various antique bronze Buddha images, famous carved panels and local artifacts. A receptacle at the Thai pavilion contains relics of Lord Buddha and objects of art more than 500 years old.
Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon – This temple is located outside the city to the southeast in the same direction as the railway station. It was built by King U-thong in 1357 for meditation. A large pagoda was built to match the high pagoda at Wat Phukhao Thong. This massive pagoda, in ruinous state at eh present, is visible from a distance. Wat Phananchoeng – Chedi Phra Si Suriyothai – This pagoda is situated at he original site of the Rear Palace, in the west of the city. It is a memorial to Somdet Phra Suriyothai, who was the royal consort of Phra Mahachakkraphat and the first heroine in Thai history. Portuguese Village – This is located in Tambon Samphao Lom, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River to the south of the city. The Portuguese were the first Europeans that dealt with Ayutthaya in 1151. The ancient remains of San Petro Dominican Church, human skeletons, and some antique objects such as tobacco pipes, coins and accessories for a religious ceremony have been found at the site. Japanese Village – This ancient site is located 1.5 kms. south of Wat Phananchoeng in Tambon Ko Rien. There is an additional building of the Ayutthaya Historical Study Centre, where the foreign affairs of the Ayutthaya Period are on exhibition. Elephant Kraal Pavilion – This pavilion was utilized as the royal seat to witness the elephant round up. The outlook is a ig cage surrounded with logs having, from the front center, fencing lines of 45 degree spread out to both sides far away into the jungle area. Bang Pa-In Palace – Bang Sai Roral Folk Arts and Crafts Centre – This center
occupies an area of 14 acres in Amphoe Bang Sai which Interesing activities Biking – Present-day Ayutthaya offers historical grandeur alongside simple country traditions. Traffic jams on the roads is quite safe. Most of the sights on the historic city island are a good bike ride apart. One of the most popular routes is the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace – City Island. Bicycles for rent are available in the town. Boat Trips – Daily luxurious cruises from Bangkok to Ayutthaya or vice versa are organized by the Oriental Queen, River Sun Cruise and Horizon Cruise. A two day package with and overnight stay on board is organized by Manora, and Mekhala. Economic boat trips are operated every Sunday by Chao Phraya Express and Mit Chao Phraya Express. In Ayutthaya, visitors may charter a long-tail boat from a landing near the Chankasem Palace for a journey around the city island. The river tour on a rice barge can be booked through Ayutthaya River Cruise Co., Ltd. Major Events Handicrafts |
Located
on Rochana Road, this is a national research institute devoted
to the study of Ayutthaya, especially during the period when it
was the capital of Thailand. The center also exhibits reconstructions
of Ayutthaya from the past with modern illustrating techniques,
and supports an information service and a library. 
Wat
Phra Si Sanphet – This is the most important temple within
the Royal Palace compound and the original from which the Temple
of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok has been copied. Three outstanding
Ceylonese style pagodas were built during the 15the century to
enshrine the ashes of three Ayutthayan kings.
the
open area outside the Grand Palace and later covered by a building
in the reign of King Songtham. During the fall of Ayutthaya, the
building was badly destroyed by fire. The one currently seen was
reconstructed, but does not have as beautiful craftsmanship as
the previous one. The open area east of the sanctuary was where
the royal cremation ceremonies took place.
This temple, south of the
town, has no record about its construction. It had been built
before Ayutthaya was founded as the capital. The principle image
called “Phrachao Phananchoeng” in the vihara was built in 1325.
The golden Buddha image is 19 metres tall, made of stucco in the
attitude of subduing evil. It is most revered by the inhabitants
of Ayutthaya.
This famous attraction is
located 18 kms. south of Ayutthaya. A daily train from Bangkok
stops at the
Bang Pa-In station and visitors can continue by local transport
for another 4 kms. Originally, the palace and Wat Chumphon Nikayaram
was built by King Prasat Thong on a riverine island. The palace
was used as a country residence for the later Ayutthaya kings.
After being abandoned for 80 years during the early Bangkok period,
King Rama V commanded several more buildings constructed in the
compound as seen today. These include pavilions and halls contructed
in Thai, Chinese and European architectural styles, a theatre,
temples and monuments. 
can be visited
either by road or river. It was established under royal patronage
in 1976. Farmers from rural areas undergo training in folk arts
and crafts here. Visitors will have a glimpse of various different
Thai houses in regional styles and see how the rural peopproduce
exquisite handicrafts including fern vien basketry, weaving basketry,
artificial flowers, hand-woven silk and cotton, silk dyeing, wood-carving,
miniature hand-modelled Thai dolls, furniture making, and cloth-made
products. 
– This is held
in October or November to celebrate the glorious past of Ayutthaya.
Celebrations include a historical exhibition, traditional cultural
processions and performances, light and sound presentations around
the city ruins and numerous forms of entertainment.