"The historical capital of Thailand" Ayuthaya by dabuwan

Ayuthaya Travel Guide: 688 reviews and 2,161 photos

Ayuthaya, 80 kms north of Bangkok, has been the prosperous capital of Thailand for about four centuries, from 1350 to 1767, during the "golden age" of the siamese kingdom.
Because of the burmese invasions and sacks most of the Ayuthaya monuments, though partially restored, are in ruinous condition. Nevertheless their grandeur and magic beauty can still be appreciated and Ayuthaya is one of the most interesting and fascinating destinations in Thailand.
The many monuments are scattered on a vast area, but the most important of them are located in the so called "Ayuythaya Historical Park", an island encircled by the Chao Praya river, that can be easily reached on foot from modern Ayuthaya and visited on a daytrip.
There are almost no guards around, so it is of vital importance that all visitors behave correctly, avoiding to climb the monuments or to further damage them. Ayuthaya has been declared a UNESCO world heritage in 1991.

Last visit to Ayuthaya: Apr 1994
Intro Updated Apr 11, 2003
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (12)

Local guys Local Customs (2)

There a few local guys hanging around the ruins looking for tourists. Some of them would like to play as guides, others... more travel advice

The dark crypts Local Customs (2)

Inside some of the temples there are some small crypts that are accessible through some narrow tunnels carved in the... more travel advice

Wat Phu Khao Thong Off The Beaten Path (1)

The Wat Phu Khao Thong or "Temple of the Golden Mountain" is located a couple of kms to the north of town. This massive... more travel advice

The river Things to Do (7)

The Chao Praya river encircles the whole Ayuthaya Historical Park (that is thus an island), where most of the monuments... more travel advice

Transportation (1)
Easy to reach

Warnings and Dangers (1)
Stray dogs

Comments (8)

Reply
- Report abuse
IreneMcKay Feb 3, 2013 at 1:28 AM

Great page, Irene
Reply
- Report abuse
gilabrand Apr 20, 2007 at 3:07 AM

You went into a dark crypt with no windows and without knowing who are what was in there?....You are a brave fellow
Reply
- Report abuse
Vintom Sep 21, 2003 at 3:03 PM

Really nice pages on Thailand David, hope to check out more soon.
Reply
- Report abuse
pmarshuk May 20, 2003 at 5:29 AM

Nice pics and good tips. also thought Ayutthaya was great.
Reply
- Report abuse
MEdelmann Apr 14, 2003 at 10:23 AM

Great photography and well written page! Looks like a very cultural place.... I like cultural places... :-))
Reply
- Report abuse
acemj Apr 13, 2003 at 9:16 AM

Hey, you must have a great flash on your camera. That shot in the crypt came out well! Nice page.
Reply
- Report abuse
d_d Apr 12, 2003 at 11:06 AM

BELLISSIMA PAGE! quanti templi...
Reply
- Report abuse
herzog63 Apr 10, 2003 at 12:36 PM

Ayutthaya is my favorite place in Thailand! Great Photos! Brings back some great memories! I just came back from Ayutthaya 10 days ago!