Ayutthaya, ancient Thai capital.
Just 85 Kl. from Bangkok lies the ruins of a once great city
From 1350-1767, Ayutthaya ruled over more than one million people, more than lived in London in the same period, until it was razed and sacked by the Burmese.
The World Heritage Site of Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand from 1350-1767, lies just 85 Kl. from Bangkok. So powerful at one time that it conquered mighty Angkor in Cambodia, it had over one million inhabitants in the 17th century. It was not just the physical centre of the nation, it was responsible for the religious and cultural traditions of the Thai people. During its 497 year history it boasted five dynasties and 33 kings.
Ayutthaya is situated on the Chao Phraya River, and can be reached by bus, train, car or the luxurious River Cruiser, The Oriental Queen. An island city encircled by 3 riviers, the waterways can be explored by boat from the landing stage near Chandra Kazem Palace.
A staggering number of red brick ruined palaces, temples, pagodas and chedis are still standing, a testament to the city's former glory. You need at least two whole days for Ayutthaya, the ruins of which are scattered throughout the modern town. In its heyday, it had 3 major palace complexes and some 400 temples: separate trading quarters supported foreign residents.
The Old City complex is wonderful, a photographers’s dream. The sense of history is almost tangible. The maid Chedis to be seen, if possible, are, Wat Yai Chedi and Phu Khao Thong Chedi, the former believed to pre-date the founding of Ayutthaya as the capital by some 26 years, the latter built in Mon style by the Burmese but rebuilt in Thai style in 1745.
And there are temples too - Wat Chai, Wat Yai, Wat Pranamong, Wat Mongkol. At Wat Mongkol you will see people buying robes for the giant Buddha which is installed there, robes which are thrown up to apprentice monks who drape them over the Buddha statue.
On the way to or from Ayutthaya you will pass Bang Pa-In, the former royal summer retreat of the 17th century kings of Ayutthaya. Well worth a visit, this is a delightful collection of buildings in a variety of architectural styles set in lush grounds with ornamental ponds and exotic topiary.
No longer used as a royal retreat, it makes a very pleasant stop on the way to or from the ancient city. There is a sad tale told here of a royal princess who drowned in the surrounding waters in the last century. Because court protocol demanded that no one touch the body of a princess, she was allowed to drown.
See also: Bangkok, Venice of the East
