"Ancient Ayuthaya" Ayuthaya by joecooper

Ayuthaya Travel Guide: 688 reviews and 2,161 photos

Reclining Buddha, Wat Yai Chaya Mongkol, Ayuthaya

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya was the Thai capital from 1350, when it was founded by King U-Thong, until it was sacked by the Burmese in 1767. At its peak it was one of the world's most prosperous cities and was larger than London at the time.

Today there are extensive ruins covering an area of 2,556 square kilometres in and around the city island surrounded by three rivers - the Chao Phraya, Pa Sak and Lop Buri. The modern city is relatively pleasant and quite spread out. The whole area is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It really is a magnificent place and as it is only about 80 kilometres north of Bangkok, it is a must see for anyone spending more than a couple of days in the present capital.

The best way to visit is on an organised tour which you will easily find details of at most hostels and guesthouses in Bangkok.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Fascinating ruins in a picturesque river island setting
Cons:Searing heat, difficult to get about
In a nutshell:A step back in time in a different world

Last visit to Ayuthaya: Mar 2005
Intro Updated Feb 9, 2006
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Transportation (1)
Organised Tours From Bangkok

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Comments (2)

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volopolo Nov 23, 2007 at 6:11 AM

This is the best of Ayutthaya! Wat Chai Mongkol!
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ukirsari Feb 20, 2006 at 6:23 AM

nice ayuthaya page, joe!