| Page Views: 1,900 Last Visit to Ayuthaya: 2003 | The Ancient Kingdom Of Siam: AYUTTHAYA by Krystynn - last update: Dec 29, 2003 |
On The Trail Of The Ancient Capital of Siam... | The Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park |
Welcome to the ancient capital of Siam - AYUTTHAYA, here in Thailand.
For over 417 years, Ayutthaya was the thriving capital city of ancient Siam, located in the fertile basin of the Chao Phraya River. Because of Ayutthaya's strategic location i.e. at the confluence of 3 rivers - the Chao Phraya, the Pasak, and the Lopburi, the city soon became one of Asia's most reknowned metropolis. Some history experts even compared it to bustling European cities like London and Paris! I can only imagine how grand this ancient capital must have been during that period where monasteries thrived and their citizens led very good lives. |
| Me & VT member 'Kallista' having a fun time (2000) |
|  | Founded in 1350 A.D. by Siamese King U-Thong when they were forced to move southwards by their more aggressive Northern Indo-China neighbors, Ayutthaya today boasts of many ancient ruins and treasured art works.
Not surprisingly, the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park - a historical site in the heart of town (see picture above), has been included in UNESCO's list of World Heritage since December 13,1991!
Altogether, 33 Siamese kings from different dynasties ruled the Kingdom from its capital, Ayutthaya until 1767.
The Ayutthaya kings were not only Buddhist kings who ruled according to the dhamma, they were also devaraja i.e. god-kings whose sacred power was associated with the Hindu gods - Indra and Vishnu. The King had absolute power. No one even dared to utter his name! It would not be wrong to say that the Ayutthaya king was honored and worshipped by his subjects more than a god. |
| | Located just 72 kilometers north of Bangkok, it takes approximately 90 minutes to reach this place.
With that in mind and being very much a history buff at heart (in case you're curious - my favorite subjects in school were History, Geography, English Literature, Religious Studies & Languages), I decided to drag my friend along with me because I knew nothing beats experiencing first-hand the majestic glory of this once thriving metropolis.
Two visits later (the first visit in 2000; the 2nd visit in 2003), I am still in awe of what this little town has to offer!
I should have studied to be an Archaeologist when I had the chance! ;-( Moral of the story? Never be pressurized to take up a course in school and a job later in life that pleases your parents. When I become a parent one day, I will remember this little motto of mine! So these days, I do the next best thing, I travel the world (money and time permitting) in search of historical ruins! ;-)) Don't laugh at me OK?
"All travel has its advantages. If the passenger visits better countries, he may learn to improve his own. And if fortune carries him to worse, he may learn to enjoy it."
- Samuel Johnson
Copyright (c) Krystynn 2003
Please do not take my personal pics without prior permission. Thanks.
Footnote: This travel page is written from my very first impressions of this beautiful town on my first visit in 2000. I hope you'll find my experiences useful in helping you plan for your forthcoming holiday. Thank you. |
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| Pros: | "If you love ancient historical ruins, this place is the perfect place for you!" | | Cons: | "If you're afraid of dusty places & buildings that look like they needed a good scrub or pulled down, you won't enjoy Ayutthaya!" | | In A Nutshell: | "417 years of glorious history can be found in this tiny town of Ayutthaya." |
Krystynn's Ayuthaya Travel Tips
 Comments for Krystynn about Ayuthaya | | | | |
tessy Wed Jan 7, 2004 20:24 UTC
Great start, Krystynn! The light show looks great! |
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