Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province

The Ancient Capital. Ayutthaya was the capital of Siam for four centuries and, in its heyday, was said to be a busier and more beautiful city than either London or Paris. Sadly, the city was destroyed in a Burmese siege in 1767 and has lain in ruins ever since.

Today much of ancient Ayutthaya is preserved as a World Heritage Site and archaeological studies into this once fabled city continue.
The visitor to Ayutthaya should begin with the major sights - The Ancient Grand Palace (Phra Rachawang Boran), Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Mahathat, Phet Fortress (Bom Phet), and The Ayutthaya Historical Study Center, - for an insight into one of the great cities of the past.
One of the most popular ways to visit Ayutthaya and the nearby Bang Pa - In Summer Palace is by river cruise from Bangkok up the Chao Phraya River.
Situated at upper area of Bangkok Metropolis where was the city of rivers and precious ancient places, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya was the large plains land passed by many rivers like Chao Phraya River, Pasak River, Lopburi River and Noi River. Its dominant symbol of ever being the capital of Siam can be seen from its prosperity of arts and cultures especially in the area of Island Capital where was the locations of the ancient places, Wat Phra Si Sanphet and Bang Pa-in Summer Palace.
Ayutthaya, a former capital of Thailand from 1350 to 1767, is and interesting historic spot visited by large numbers of tourists on a one-day trip from Bangkok. Unlike other tourist centres, Ayutthaya's main attraction is not its beautiful scenery, but its calm atmosphere with the remains resulting from the destruction by the invading Burmese army in 1767. The ruins offer the visitors a glimpse of old Ayutthaya, with once was a prosperous and majestic capital with over 400 magnificent Buddhist monasteries.
The ruins can be seen in the area called the Old Capital in the centre of the city. Other interesting places are Wat Mongkhon Bophit where Thailand's biggest bronze Buddha image is enshrined, Wat Phananchoeng which is a place of worship most frequently visited by local people, and Chao Sam Phraya Museum which keeps invaluable artistic treasures discovered from the ruins.
Ayutthaya had been capital of Thailand during the 14th to 18th centuries from the shifting of political power from Sukhothai. The stability of Ayutthaya over the length of 417 years under the system of feudalism enabled the capital to develop Thai culture from the simplicity of Sukhothai to a very elaborate and sophisticated one. This culture has been handed down to the present and has been transmitted to the neighbouring countries. It's political power and its economic fame were recognized not only in Southeast Asia region but amongst the European countries as well.
Ayutthaya was burned down to the ground more than 200 years ago. The pride in our long past glory remains. Ayutthaya, was a stopping place on the maritime trade routes, and is significant and should be conserved as a historical heritage.
Wat Chai Watthanaram
Wat Choeng Thar
Wat Hasadavas
Wat Kasattrathirat
Wat Kudi Dao
Wat Lokaya Suttha
Wat Maha That
Wat Maheyong
Wat Na Phramen
Wat Nok
Wat Phra Mongkhonbophit
Wat Phananchoeng
Wat Phra Ram
Wat Phra Sri San Phet
Wat Phu-Khao Thong
Wat Phutthaisawan
Wat Rajaburana
Wat Samanakot
Wat Suwandararam
Wat Thammikarat
Wat Worachettharam
Wat Worapho
Wat Yai Chai Mongkol
Tour attraction in the City
Ayutthaya Historical Study Centre
Bung Phra Ram (Nong Sano)
Chantarakasem National Museum
The Chao Sam Phraya National Museum
City Pillar Shrine
Elephant taxis at Ayutthaya
Khun Phaen House
King U-Thong Monument
Phra Chedi Sisuriyothai
Queen Suri Yothai Memorial
Reminiscence of the Glory of Ayutthaya
The Royal Palace
Si Nakharin Park
Thai Boat Museum (Pitoon Hommara House)
Tour attraction outside the City
Bang Pa-In Palace
Bangsai Arts and Crafts Training Centre
Tour around Wat Niwet Thamprawat by boat
Trip to Ayutthaya by boat
Wat Niwet Thamprawat