Ayutthaya Province

BackGround

    The ancient city of Ayutthaya, Thai capital for 417 years, is one of Thailand's major tourist attractions. Many ancient ruins and art works can be seen in a city that was founded in 1350 by King V-Thong when the Thais were forced southwards by northern neighbours. During the period of Ayutthaya being the Thai capital, 33 kings of different dynasties ruled the kingdom until it was sacked by the Burmese in 1767.

    Auytthaya is 76 kilometres north of Bangkok and boasts numerous magnificent ruins. Such ruins indicate that Ayutthaya was one of Indo-China's most prosperous cities. Phra Makhan Si Ayutthaya Historical Park, avast stretch of historical site in the heart of Ayutthaya city, has been included in UNESCO fist of World Heritage since December 13, 1991.

    Ayutthaya covers 2556.6 square kilometres, and is administratively divided into 16 districts (Amphoes). It is conveniently accessible due to good roads and a short distance from Bangkok.

Travel
Transportation from Bangkok to Ayutthaya

By Train Trains leave Bangkok Railway Station, Rama IV Rd., (Tel. 223-7010, 223-7020) daily every one hour starting from 5.20-23.25 hrs. Fare is B 15 (3rd. Class). The trip takes 1.20 hrs. to Bang Pa-In and 1.30 hrs. to Ayutthaya.
By Bus

    - Direct air conditioned buses leave Bangkok every one hour from the Northern Bus Terminal on Phahonyothin Rd. (Tel. 279-4484-7), starting from 6.00-20.00 hrs. The trip costs 39 baht.
    - And non air conditioned buses {Tel. 271-0101-5) leave every one hour starting from 6.00-18.00 hrs. The fare is B 20 for Bang Pa-In and B 30 for Ayutthaya.
    Transpotation in Ayutthaya

    Mini-buses can be taken from the railway station into town. The fare is about 5 baht. Hiring a mini-bus within Ayutthaya costs between 250 and 300 baht/day. For traveling between Ayutthaya and Bang Pa-ln, mini-bus es regularly leave Chao Prom Market, Chao Prom Road, starting from 6.30 a.m. Fare is about 30 baht. The trip takes fifty minutes.

    Boat Trip from Ayutthaya to Bang Pa-In There are no public boats going to Ayutthaya. However, there are several companies organize excursions to Ayutthaya and Bang Pa-In. For further information, please contact the following companies

Interesting Place

Grand Palace

    Currently called "Ancient Palace", the residential palace of every king was located close to the city wall of Ayutthaya. A road passes by from Chankasem Palace which is two kilometers away to the north. important buildings inside the grand palace compound are;
   
Suriyat Amarin Hall

    A four-gabled roof castie constructed of sandstone and brick, it is close to the riverside city wall. It was used as a place to witness the royal barge processions.
   
Wi han Somdet Hall

    Prang Top Castle design, it has longer space in the front and rear gabled rooms and shorter space in the side gabled rooms. it was surrounded with e three-sided cloister and utilized for various royal ceremonies such as the coronations. T his was the first building ever constructed in Ayutthaya to be affixed with gold leaf.
   
Sanpetch Prasat Hall

    This is the middle building constructed in the same design as Vihara Somdet Hall. Kings used it to welcome foreign envoys and visitors.
   
Chakkrawat Phaichayon Hall

    With three-gabied roof it is on the inner eastern city wall in front of the grand palace. It was used to view processions and military practice.
   
Trimuk Hall

    This is located behind the Sanphet Prasat Hall. It is believed to be the residential area of the consort members and is also the royal relaxing place in the garden.
   
Banyong Rattanat Hall

    Formerly known by the name of "Phra Thinang Thaisa", it is located in the back compound of the grand palace on an island in a pond. It has four-gabled roof architecture.
   
Chapakasem or Front Palace

    On the bank of Pesak River, this palace was built during the reign of King Maha Thammaraja, the 17th Ayutthayan monarch, for his son's residence (King Naresuan}. Like other ruins, the palace was destroyed by the Burmese and l eft unrepaired for a long time. King Mongkut of the present Chakri dynasty ordered reconstruction of this palace for use as a residence during his occasional visits to Ayutthaya, Some of the more interesting are:
   
Phlapphla Chaturamuk

    This wooden four-gabled roof pavilion is near the east gate of the palace. Originally a residential place of King Mongkut during his visit to Ayutthaya, later on it was "Ayutthaya Museum" end currently "Chankasem National Museum" It is und er the responsibility of the Fine Arts Department. (Open everyday except Monday Tuesday and national holidays from 9.00 a.m.- 4.00 p.m.)
   
Phiman Rattaya Hall

    A group of buildings located amidst the compound of the grand palace which once serves as government offices and the Provincial Administrative Building for several years.
   
Phisai Sanyalak Hall

    This is a four storey high tower located close to the western side of the grand palace. It was originally constructed during the reign of King Narai the Great but was broken down during the 2nd fell of Ayutthaya. It was reconstruct ed according to the original foundation in the fourth reign. King Rema IV used the Tower to observe the stars.
   
City Wall and Gate

    They were newly con structed by the command of King Rama IV. The original foundation of the city wall has sirice been found through excavation thus revealing that the original area was much more spacious than what is currently seen.
   
Wang Lang or The Rear Palace

    This palace is located close to the western city wall of Ayutthaya {in the vicinity of the present location of the distillery plant of the Excise Department). it was originally the garden where the king made a visit from time to time. There was only one residential building in the entire area. King Maha Tharnmaracha commanded more buildings to be built in the area to make it a palace which would be the residence of King Ekathosarot. Later on this rear palace was o nly the residence of royal family members so that now no one can see the important items, excepting the Queen Suriyothai Pagoda
   
Wat Phra Si Sanphet

    This important and most outstanding monastery is located in the grand palace compound like Wat Si Ratanasassadaram (Wat Phra Kaeo) of Bangkok. Used as a residential palace, it became a monastery in the reign of King Ramathibodi I. When King Borom Trai Lokkanat commanded new living quarters built this residential palace was given to be a temple area, thus originating Wat Phra Si Sanphet: the royal chapel is without monks and novice inhabitants.
   
Wihan Phra Mongkhon Sophit

    Phra Mongkhon Bophit, a large bronze cast Buddha image was originally enshrined outside the grand palace to the east. King Songtham commanded it to be transferred to the west where it is currently enshrined and covered with a Mondop. Later in the reign of Phra Chao Sua the top of the Mondop was burnt down by a fire due to thunderbolt; it also caused the head of the Phra Mongkhon Bophit image to fall down. Then the king commanded a new building be built in the form of a big sanctuary (Maha Wihan) to cover the image in lieu of the former Mondop. During the second fall of Ayutthaya, the building and the image were badly destroyed by fire, the one currently seen was renovated but does not have as beautiful craftsmanship as the previous ones. The open area east of the Sanctuary (Wihan) was formerly Sanam Luang where the royal cremation ceremonies took place (this practice is now held at Sanam Luang, the Phramain Ground of Bangkok).
   
Wat Phraram

    This mona stery was situated outside the grand palace compound to the east. King Ramesuan commanded it built on ground where the royal cremation ceremony for his father King U Thong, took place. A big lagoon is in front of this monast ery Its original name was "Mong Sano", it was changed to be "Bung Phraram" or currently Phraram Public Park.
   
Wat Phra Mahathat

    Locatecf in front of the grand place to the east near Pa Than Bridge it was constructed in the reign of King Borom Rachathirat 1.
   
Wat Ratchaburana

    This monastery was located near Pa Than Bridge opposite Wat Mahathat. King Borom Rachathirat II (Chao Sam Phraya) commanded two pagodas built on the ground where Chao Ai and Chao Yi engaged in single hand combat from elephant's back, and both were killed. Later he established a Wihan combined with the pagodas and upgraded it to be a monastery.
   
Wat Suanluangsopsawan

    Thismonastery is in the west of the city isiand (old military regiment area). King Maha Chakkraphat commanded it built in the royal garden compound adjacent to the original area of Wat Sopsawan after the royal cremation of Qu een Suriyothai. Her body was kept for the ceremony (before the royal cremation) in the Royal Garden (Suan Luang}, Hall and was cremated there on the grounds. One can nowadays see a large pagoda called "Chedi Phra Si Suriyothai" built on the crematorium ground as evidence.
   
Wat Lokkayasutha

    This monastery is over a kilometer behind Wat Suanluangsopsawan adjacent to Wat Worachettharam. Accessible by the road inside the eompounel of the Distillery Plant or through the road behind the Phlapphla Trimuk {three -gabled roof pavillion), it is in the area of the ancient palace passing Wat Woraphot and Wat Worachettharam go on to the site of the large reclining Buddha, made of brick and covered with plaster, approximatefy 29 meters long. Many large hexagonal pillar ruins near the image are believed to be the ruins of the Ubosot.
   
Wat Phutthaisawan

    This monastery is located on the river bank opposite the city site to the south. Constructed in the area where King U-Thong and his subjects first migrated for the establishment of e new town, it was formerly called "Wrang Lek"
   
Wat Phamanchoeng

    This monastery located south of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya has no record as to its date of construction or the person causing its construction. It existed before Ayutthaya was founded as the capital. The principal image in the Wihan called " Phrachao Phananchoeng" was built in A.D. 1325; it is made of stucco in the attitude of Subduing Evil; considered beautiful, it is most revered by the inhabitants of Ayutthaya.
   
Wat Phukhao Thong

    Located two kilometers northeast of the grand palace, this monastery was constructed in the year 1387 during the reign of King Ramesuan.
   
Wat Kudidao

    Located in front of the railway station to the east, this old monastery has beautiful work with better craftsmanship than many other temples, but it has deteriorated to a high degree
   
Wat Samanakot

    Located near Wat Kudidao, it was renovated by Chao Phraya Kosa (Lek} and Phraya Kosa (Pan) during the reign of King Narai the Great. The main attraction is a large Prang having an unusual outlook different from the others. It is b elieved to imitate the design of Chedi Chet Yot of Chiang Mai.
   
Wat Yai Chaiwiongkhon or Wat Chao Phraya Thai

    This monastery constructed in the reign of King U-Thong is located outside the city to the southeast in the same direction as the railway station one can see its large pagoda from far away. King Naresuan the Great commanded the pagoda built to c'elebrate the victory of his single-handed combat on the elephant's back he also aimed at a huge construction to match the large pagoda of Wat Phukhao Thong, and named it "Phra Chedi Chaiyamongkhon"
   
AYutthaya History Study Center

    Located on Rochana Road this centre is a national research institute devoted to the study of Ayutthaya, especially during the period when Ayutthaya was the capital of Thailand. The Centre is responsible for the Museum of the histo ry of Ayutthaya which exhibits reconstructions from Ayutthaya's past. The Centre also supports an information service and a library containing historical materials about Ayutthaya.
    The Centre is opened everyday from 9.00 a.m.-16.00 p.m. For more de'taila please contact Tel. (035) 244769 (Admission: 100 Baht)
   
Chao Sam Phraya National Museum

    This is on Rochana Road, opposite the city wall. It houses various antique bronze Buddha images and famous carved panels and different kings of Buddhist altars. A receptacle at the Thai Pavilion contains relics of Lord Buddha and o bjects of art more than 500 years old. The museum also has a substantial collection of local artifacts.
    The museum is open everyday except Monday, Tuesday and National Holidays from 9.00 a.m.-4.00 p.m. (Admission: 10 Baht}
   
Khun Phaen House

    Khun Phaen is Thai-style house conforms to descriptions in a popular Thai literary work. Khun Phaen s house is near Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit.
   
Elephant Kraal Paviuon

    The pavilion, utilized as the royal seat to witness the elephant round up, is located 4 kilometers from township along Highway No. 309. The outlook is a big cage surrounded with logs having, from the front center, fencin g lines of 45 degrees spread out to both sides far away into the jungle area. Around the kraal itself is an earthen wall with bricks to the height of the pillars' top. Behind the kraal and opposite to the front fencing line is the pavilion h ousing the royal seat. The kraal currently seen was renovated in the year 1957.
   
Phra Nakhon Luang Building

    On the east bank of Pa Sak River, Tambon Nakhon Luang, it was used as the royal accommodation during trips to the Buddha's Footprint Shrine and Lopburi. It is assumed to have been constructed during the reign of Kin g Songtham but improved to be a brick and plaster accommodation during the reign of King Prasat Thong.
   
Bang Pa-In Palace

    Tel: (035) 261004 or Tel: 2243273 Bang Pa-In Palace is located in Tambon Ban Len, Amphoe Bang Pa-In, 40 kilometres south of Ayutthaya township. It lies 58 kilometres north of Bangkok by rail, 61 kilometres by road. To access to Bang Pa-In from Ayutthaya one can go by Phahonyothin road and make a right turn at Km. 35 for another distance of 7 kilometres to the Bang Pa-In Palace. The palace is open to the public everyday from 8.30-16.00 hrs. Admissio n fee is 50 baht per person.
    Originally, Bang Pa-In was a riverine island. When Prasat Thong became the Ayutthayan king (1630-1655) he had the Chumphon Nikayaram Temple built on his family estate. Later he had a palace built on a lake in the middle of th e island where he could periodically reside.
    The palace, surrounded by a lake 400 metres long and 40 metres wide, and the Chumphon Nikayaram Temple, are all that remain of King Prasat Thong's construction work at Bang Pa-ln.
    Bang Pa-In was used as a country residence by every Ayutthayan monarch after King Prasat Thong. But when the new capital was established in Bangkok Bang Pa-In ceased to be used and was left unoccupied for 80 years . It was only during King Mongkut's reign {1851-1868) that Bang Pa-In was again visited by kings. King Mongkut stayed there and had a house built in the old palace's compound.
    His son, King Chulalongkorn (1868-1910) liked the place, stayed there every year and constructed the royal palace as it is now seen today. Important buildings inside the palace compound are:
   
Aisawanthipphaya-At Pavilion

    A Thai design castle pavi lion in the middle of the pond was built in the reign of King Rama V. Originally built of wood throughout but King Rama Vl commanded to change the floor and pillars to be reinforced concrete.
   
Warophat Phiman Hall

    It is north of the "Saphan Sadet" the royal path to and from the river landing. Formerly the two storey wooden villa was used as both the royal living quarters and throne hail. Later during his reign, King Rema V. commanded the orig inal one to be demolished and replaced with a European design building to be used as the throne hall 'to receive his subjects for the royal ceremonies. In this hall are paintings of the royal historic records, Inao literature, Phra Aphai Mani literature and the Ramayana epic.
   
Utthayan Phumsathian Hall

    Located in the east opposite the pond, it was entirely made of wood, it was a great pity that it was burnt down leaving nothing behind except a fhigh hexygonal brick and plaster tower called Ho Phra".
   
Wehat Chamrun Hall

    This hall, constructed in the form of a tower between Utthayan Phums8thian and We'hat Chamrun, is a three-storeyed building having a spiral staircase leading to the top floor hall. When residing in Bang Pa-in Palace, King Rama V used this h all as the place to get a bird's eye view of the surrounding area.
   
Theatre

    This theatre was constructed by the royal command of King Rama Vl in the compound of his consort's living quarters near the pond in the garden west of Utthayan Phumsathian Hall.
   
Monument of Queen Sunantha

    Constructed of six pieces of marble in hexagonal shape it is three meters high. Queen Sunantha's ashes and reiics are housed inside.
   
Monument of Narirat and The Three Princes

    It is near the monument of Queen Sunantha.
   
Saphakhan Ratchaprayun

    This two-storeyed building on the river bank outside the palace wail was constructed by the royal command of King Rema V. It is in front of Warophat Phiman Hall in the south and was used as the living quarters of the non-consort members.
   
Hemmonthian Thewarat

    This shrine houses idols and statues of celestial beings. lt was constructed by the royal command of King Rama V on the very same ground where people had constructed a shrine as the offering to King Prasat Thong.
   
Wat Chumphon Nikayaram

    This monastery at the end of the island near the bridge linking the railway station was constructed by the royal command of King Prasat Thong in the year 1632.
   
Wat Niwet Thammapra

    Another monastery outside the island on the south side on a different bank from the Palace was constructed by the royal command of King Rama V in the year 1878. Its design, distinguished from other monasteries, is of Gothic art an d it was offered to the Thammayutti order of monks.
   
Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Center at Bang Sai

    With an area of 285 rai (or 14 acres), the Centre is located in Tambon Bung Yai, Amphoe Bang Sai. Farmer from Ayutthaya as well as from other provinces undergo training in folk arts and crafts here. At this centre you will have a gl impse of how farmers in the four Regions live and work, how their products of arts and crafts are produced. The centre is under the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Teehnicques (SUPPORT) which was established under Royal Patronage on the 21st July 1976. Products and activities which can be seen here are such as Fern Vien Basketry, Weaving Basketry, Artificial Flowers, Hand-Woven Silk and Cotton, Silk Dyeing, Wood Carving, Miniature Han d-Wlodelled Thai DoHs, Furniture Making, Cloth-Made Products and etc. All the products are sold at the Centre and in every branch of Chitralada Stores.
    In order to get to Bang Sai, one can take cruiser or take bus from the Northern Bus Terminal on Phahonyothin Rd. which leaves every 30 minutes from 05.30-18.00 hrs. Ticket is 25 baht for air-conditioned bus and 20 baht for non ai r-conditioned bus. Or taking Hang Sai-Sam Khok road which branches off about 24 kilometres from Bang Pa-In Intersection. The Centre is open everyday except Wednesday from 8.30-16.00 hrs. Admission fee is 20 baht perperson. For more i nformation, please contact Tel. (035) 3662523-2 or Tel 283246-9 (Bangkok). and Fax no is (035) 366092
    For more information about this village please visit to Bangsai

Provinces in Thailand

	Thailand Travel Wallpaper
	Central : Bangkok | Angthong | Ayutthaya | Chachoengsao | Chainat   Kanchanaburi | Lopburi | Nakhonnayok |  Nakhonpathom | Nonthaburi | Pathumthani | Phetchaburi | Prachuapkhirikhan | Ratchburi | Samutprakan | Samutsakhon | Samutsongkhram | Saraburi | Singburi | Suphanburi
	Northern : Chiangmai | Chiangrai | Kamphaengphet | Lampang |  Lamphun | Maehongson | Nakhonsawan | Nan | Phayao | Phetchabun | Phichit | Phitsanulok | Phrae | Sukhothai | Tak | Uthaithani | Uttaradit
	Northeast : Amnatcharoen | Buriram | Chaiyaphum | Kalasin |  Khonkaen | Loei | Mahasarakham | Mukdahan | Nakhonphanom | Nakhonratchasima | Nongbualamphu | Nongkhai | Roi Et | Sakonnakhon | Si Sa Ket | Surin | Ubonratchathani | Udonthani | Yasothon
	Eastern : Chanthaburi | Chonburi | Prachinburi | Rayong | SraKaeo |  Trat
	Southern : Chumphon | Krabi | Nakhonsithammarat | Narathiwat | Pattani | Phang Nga | Phatthalung | Phuket | Ranong | Satun | Songkhla | Suratthani | Trang | Yala