Ayutthaya Thailand - The historic capital of Siam

UNESCO World Heritage Site

A day trip from Bangkok, Ayutthaya is one of the must sees in central Thailand .

Ruins of the old capital of Thailand, Ayutthaya The old capital of Thailand, Ayutthaya is about 75 km due north by road from Bangkok or you can get there by boat on the Chao Phraya River, which takes abut 3 hours. There are also scheduled coaches leaving every hour or so from the “Air-conditioned Bus” Stations in North and North east Bangkok.

Ruins of the old capital of Thailand, Ayutthaya King Uthong of Siam founded the capital at Ayutthaya over 400 years ago but it was occupied and sacked by the invading Burmese army in 1569 only to be retaken a few years later in the reign of King Naresuan, regaining it’s former status as capital of Siam (Thailand) Ayutthaya was renovated but again in 1767 the Burmese sacked the city! King Taksin the ruler of Siam then retook the city a few months later to find it in ruin. King Taksin was disheartened and moved his capital south to Thon Buri, ending the era of Ayutthaya.

The old city has remained a precious historical site to the people of Thailand and in 1991 the city was granted World Heritage Site status by UNESCO.

There are many areas in and around the ruined city well worth visiting: Ayutthaya Historical Park, Wat Mongkon Bophit, Chao Sam Phraya Museum, Ayutthaya Historical Study Centre and the Bangsai Folk Arts & Crafts Centre.

Below - Bang Pa-in Palace complex.

The Royal Summer Palace at Bang Pa-in Palace is only about 30 km from Ayutthaya, Thailand’s ruined capital. Bang Pa-in Palace was once the country seat of several Siamese kings. The palace has buildings with many flavours, Chinese, European as well as Thai traditional styles. Well worth a visit.