Ayutthaya Province
Encyclopedia
Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya (or Ayutthaya, , pʰráʔ náʔkʰɔ̄ːn sǐː ʔājúttʰājāː) is one of the central provinces
(changwat) of Thailand
. Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Ang Thong
, Lop Buri
, Saraburi
, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi
, Nakhon Pathom
and Suphan Buri
.
The name Ayutthaya derives from the Ayodhya of the Ramayana
epic.
and Pa Sak
rivers makes the province a major rice
farming area.
Ayutthaya was founded in 1350 by King U-Thong. It was the capital of Thailand (then called Siam) for 417 years from 1350 until it was sacked by the Burmese
army in 1767. During this era, now usually referred as the Ayutthaya period or Ayutthaya kingdom
, Ayutthaya was ruled by 33 kings of 5 different dynasties. The Kingdom became a major regional player, and a trade center of the East, a meeting point of European merchants and Asian traders. Notable monarchs during the Ayutthaya period include King Naresuan the Great
, who liberated Ayutthaya from the first Burmese occupation and embarked on a reign of conquest, and King Narai the Great
, who initiated diplomatic relations with the France, during the reign of Louis XIV. His reign was the golden age of trade and culture.
The city was positioned in a strategic position. During several months of the year, the flood plains around the cities would be flooded by the many rivers around the city. Enemy sieges were thus impossible, and forced to withdraw. This advantage was a contributing factor in the many failed Burmese invasions.
The ruins of the old capital in the Ayutthaya historical park
have been a UNESCO
World Heritage Site
since December 1991. The province is also home to the Bang Pa-in summer palace complex.
Originally named Krung Kao (กรุงเก่า), the province was renamed to Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya in 1919.
found a beautiful conch buried in the ground, and chose the site as the place for his future capital. He then placed the conch on a pedestal tray and built a pavilion around it. The seal shows this pavilion with the provincial tree behind it.
The provincial flower is ดอกโสน (Dok son) Sesbania aculeata, and the provincial tree is the Fragrant Manjack (Cordia dichotoma). The provincial slogan ราชธานีเก่า อู่ข้าวอู่น้ำ เลิศล้ำกานท์กวี คนดีศรีอยุธยา can be translated as "Old capital city, food larder of the country, poet laureates galore, and national heroes".
The province is subdivided into sixteen districts (amphoe
), 209 communes (tambon
)/sub-districts and 1328 villages (muban
). There are two districts which have the same English name; however this is only because the different pronunciation and thus different spelling in Thai gets lost in romanization. Ayutthaya is unique among the provinces of Thailand in that the district of its capital city is not called Amphoe Mueang [Ayutthaya], as the common scheme would suggest, but rather Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya:
, Ang Thong
and Saraburi
to the north, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi
to the south, Saraburi
to the east and Suphan Buri to the west.
There is no airport in Ayutthaya province.
River
Located on the Chao Phraya River, Siam’s former kings all the way up to King Rama V, once used river as their main mode of transportation. There are still boats running from Bangkok to Ayutthaya but they are mainly for the trade of local agricultural products. The occasional tourist boat can also be seen.
Roads
Due to its strategic central positioning, there are numerous highways, 1 expressway, 1 motorway and 2 planned motorways which run through Ayutthaya. Eight in total, the province has the most highways passing through in the whole of Thailand.
Rail
Ayutthaya lies on both the main north and northern-eastern routes and trains are available to either direction.
Bus
Air-conditioned buses ply regularly to and from Bangkok. In Bangkok the buses leave from the Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit). From the Ayutthaya Bus Terminal there are non air-conditioned buses to other districts and neighbouring provinces.
Passenger Van
Passengers vans, running frequently from Bangkok, depart from Victory Monument in Bangkok. Doing the journey in just an hour, they are the quickest mode of public transport between the two cities.
Songthaew (public passenger pick-up vehicles)
Songthaews are the most popular form of public transport in the provincial city and rural areas.
Motorbike-taxi
There is plenty of motor-bike service in the town especially around the market and Bus Terminal areas.
Ayutthaya 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. There is Ayutthaya Historical Park
which is a vast stretch of historical site in the heart of Ayutthaya city.
There were three palaces in Ayutthaya: Grand Palace, Chantharakasem Palace or the Front Palace, and Wang Lang or the Rear Palace. In addition, there were many other palaces and buildings for royal visits located outside the city area of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, such as Bang Pa-In Palace at Amphoe Bang Pa-in and Nakhon Luang Building at Amphoe Nakhon Luang.
Ayutthaya Historical Study Centre (ศูนย์ศึกษาประวัติศาสตร์อยุธยา) is a national research institute devoted to the study of Ayutthaya, especially during the period when Ayutthaya was the capital of Siam. The Centre is responsible for the museum of the history of Ayutthaya, which exhibits reconstructions from the past. The Centre also supports an information service and a library containing historical materials about Ayutthaya.
Chao Sam Phraya National Museum (พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติเจ้าสามพระยา): The construction of this museum was funded by the proceeds from the sale of votive tablets discovered in the underground crypts of the principal Prang tower of Wat Ratchaburana. Since the temple was built by King Borommarachathirat II (Chao Sam Phraya), the museum was named after him. The opening ceremony of this museum was held in 1961 and was presided over by Their Majesties the King and the Queen. It was the first museum in the country to present a new form of exhibition, displaying artefacts unearthed from the archaeological excavations as well as restoration of ancient monuments.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet (วัดพระศรีสรรเพชญ์): This important and most impressive monastery is located in the Grand Palace compound like Wat Phra Si Rattanasatsadaram (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 Lokanat commanded new living quarters built, this residential palace was given to be a temple area, thus originating Wat Phra Si Sanphet: The royal chapel does not have any monks and novice inhabitants.
Grand Palace (พระราชวังหลวง): Currently called “Ancient Palace”. The residential palace of every king was located close to the city wall of Ayutthaya. Important buildings inside the Grand Palace compound are Wihan Somdet Hall (พระที่นั่งวิหารสมเด็จ), Sanphet Prasat Hall (พระที่นั่งสรรเพชญ์ปราสาท), Suriyat Amarin Hall, Suriyat Amarin Hall (พระที่นั่งสุริยาสน์อมรินทร์), Chakkrawat Phaichayon Hall (พระที่นั่งจักรวรรดิ์ไพชยนต์), Trimuk Hall (พระที่นั่งตรีมุข) and Banyong Rattanat Hall (พระที่นั่งบรรยงค์รัตนาสน์)
Wat Chaiwatthanaram (วัดไชยวัฒนาราม) is another monastery; King Prasat Thong commanded it built. The great beauty has been reflected from the main stupa and its satellite stupas along the gallery, an architecture influenced by Khmer.
Wat Yai Chaimongkhon or Wat Chao Phraya Thai (วัดใหญ่ชัยมงคล หรือ วัดเจ้าพระยาไท): This monastery constructed in the reign of King U-Thong. King Naresuan the Great commanded that the pagoda be built to celebrate the victory of his single-handed combat on the elephant back. He also intended a huge construction to match the large pagoda of Wat Phukhao Thong, and named it “Phra Chedi Chaiyamongkhon”.
Bang Sai Arts and Crafts Centre (ศูนย์ศิลปาชีพบางไทร) Farmers from Ayutthaya as well as from other provinces undergo training in folk arts and crafts here. At this centre, visitors have a glimpse of how farmers in the four regions live and work and how their products of arts and crafts are produced.
9. Bang Pa-In Palace (พระราชวังบางปะอิน) Originally, Bang Pa-In was a riverine island. When King Prasat Thong became the Ayutthaya king (1630–1655), he had the Chumphon Nikayaram Temple built on his family estate. The palace surrounded by a lake 400 metres long and 40 metres wide. Bang Pa-In was used as a country residence by every Ayutthaya monarch after King Prasat Thong.
Many visitors to Ayuthaya experience traditional Thai lifestyle, Thai-style dwellings, canal-side scenery and the peaceful atmosphere by way of ‘homestay’. Two popular places for this kind of accommodation is at Khlong Rang Chorakhe (คลองรางจระเข้) which is home to a 400-year-old image of Luangpho To image at Wat Rang Chorakhe and Bang Sai (บางไทร) which is a community on the Noi River in Amphoe Bang Sai.
Elephant Back Activities
This activity is found at Ayutthaya Elephant Camp (วังช้างอยุธยา แล เพนียด).
Boat Trips
Boat trips long the Chao Phraya River is a popular activity to enjoy the scenery and traditional life-styles. At Nawa Nakhorn there are nicely decorated old-fashioned boats.
Bicycling
There are various bicycling routes in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya:
Dinner Cruise
There are several restaurants which provide this service.
Spa
Spa service is available at some of the top resorts and hotels.
Bamboo Fan (พัดสานไม้ไผ่) Bamboo fan weaving in Amphoe Ban Phraek, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, has been inherited from the olden days. Formerly, the fans were woven with a quite simple technique into a rough design. The border was usually trimmed and sewn by hand with plain white cloth. Later, its form changed to imitate that of a Bodhi leaf or a heart shape. The border is trimmed with gold cloth while the weaving techniques and designs have become more complicated.
Palm Leaf Hat (งอบใบลาน) A handicraft that has been inherited since ancient times. Weaving a palm leaf hat requires no less craftsmanship than any other kinds of basketwork. The weavers have to be skilled and patient as the crafts will have to undergo a number of weaving steps. The palm leaf hat is now an OTOP product of Tambon Bang Nang Ra, Amphoe Bang Pahan, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. It has gained popularity among Thais and foreigners and is available in various provinces around the country.
Roti Sai Mai (โรตีสายไหม) A snack composing of candyfloss (Sai Mai) wrapped with flat bread (Roti) was thought up by Thai Muslim vendors.
Due to the old areas being historically important in regards to religion and the monarchy, the nightlife is very low-key.
Ayutthaya’s current palaces though, due to King Rama V close connection with Europe, do have a distinctive European cultural influence. Ayutthaya was the first destination of any foreigner coming to Siam way back in the days of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya. It was also the location of the first treaties ever signed between powerful European nations and Siam.
Held annually toward the end of January at Bang Sai Arts and Crafts Centre, the fair features displays and contests of the arts and crafts products, sales of local products and cultural performances.
Songkran Festival (งานเทศกาลสงกรานต์) April 13
Held annually on 13 April in front of Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit, Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, it features a traditional procession, Thoet Thoeng drums procession, Song Nam Phra ceremony of the miniature of Phra Mongkhon Bophit image, and Nang Songkran beauty contest.
Wai Khru Bucha Tao Ceremony (พิธีไหว้ครูบูชาเตา) Around April – May
A wai khru
ceremony held by blacksmiths and knife-makers of Aranyik knives at Ban Ton Pho, Ban Phai Nong and Ban Salai, Tambon Tha Chang, Amphoe Nakhon Luang to pay salute to their masters and forge spirits.
The ceremony is usually held on an early Thursday morning which may be the 7th, 9th, etc. day of the waxing moon of the 5th lunar month (around April – May) in order to express gratitude to their masters, sweep away possible accidents during their works as well as for their own auspiciousness and prosperity. After chanting for a congregation of angels and saluting the Triple Gem, the master of the ceremony will chant for a congregation of gods which include Siva, Vishnu, Brahma, Vishnukarma, Matuli, Vaya, Gangga, 8 ascetics, etc. as well as Thai, Lao, Mon, and Chinese masters who have imparted them with the ironwork skills, for them to receive their offerings and bless all participants. All tools and equipment will be gilded and lustral water made to sprinkle on the tools and participants.
Bang Sai Loi Krathong and Traditional Long Boat Races (งานลอยกระทงตามประทีปและแข่งเรือยาวประเพณีศูนย์ศิลปาชีพบางไทร) November
It is an annual festival held toward the end of November at the Bang Sai Arts and Crafts Centre, Amphoe Bang Sai. Activities include Nang Nopphamat beauty contest, contests of processions, Krathongs, and hanging lanterns, folk entertainment, traditional and international long boat races, and sales of the Centre’s products.
Ayutthaya World Heritage Fair (งานแสดงแสงเสียงอยุธยามรดกโลก) December
To commemorate the occasion of the Ayutthaya Historical Park being declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO on 13 December 1991, a celebration is held annually for 1 week during the same period of the year. The Fair features local ways of life, handicrafts, Thai traditions and culture as well as the light and sound presentation on the history of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya.
Ayutthaya Maha Mongkhon (อยุธยามหามงคล – ไหว้พระเก้าวัด) Buddhist Lent Festival
Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Provincial Administration in collaboration with the Tourism Business Association and TAT Central Region Office: Region 6, organise the Ayutthaya Maha Mongkhon programme for participants to visit 9 temples in the province during the Buddhist Lent Festival.
Located on Rochana Road, the Ayutthaya Historical Studies Center is the national research institute to study about the period that Ayutthaya was the capital of Siam.
Elephant Life
There is the Elephantstay
Experience for those who want to learn about the life of elephants.
Mobile telephones, landline phones and high-speed internet (ADSL) are available. In both the town and rural areas, there are post offices providing parcel services.
Provinces of Thailand
Thailand is divided into 76 provinces , which are geographically grouped into 6 regions. The capital Bangkok is not a province but a special administrative area and is included as the 77th province since it is administered at the same level as the other 76 provinces. The name of the provinces are...
(changwat) of Thailand
Thailand
Thailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
. Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Ang Thong
Ang Thong Province
Ang Thong is one of the central provinces of Thailand. The name means "golden bowl" which refer to Angthong as a central for prosperity as it has a lot of rice fields....
, Lop Buri
Lopburi Province
Lop Buri is one of the central provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Phetchabun, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Saraburi, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, Sing Buri and Nakhon Sawan.-Geography:...
, Saraburi
Saraburi Province
Saraburi is one of the central provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Lopburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Nayok, Pathum Thani and Ayutthaya. Saraburi has been an important town since ancient times...
, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi
Nonthaburi Province
Nonthaburi is one of the central provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani, Bangkok and Nakhon Pathom....
, Nakhon Pathom
Nakhon Pathom Province
Nakhon Pathom ) is one of the central provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Suphan Buri, Ayutthaya, Nonthaburi, Bangkok, Samut Sakhon, Ratchaburi and Kanchanaburi...
and Suphan Buri
Suphanburi Province
Suphan Buri is one of the central provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Nakhon Pathom and Kanchanaburi.- Etymology :...
.
The name Ayutthaya derives from the Ayodhya of the Ramayana
Ramayana
The Ramayana is an ancient Sanskrit epic. It is ascribed to the Hindu sage Valmiki and forms an important part of the Hindu canon , considered to be itihāsa. The Ramayana is one of the two great epics of India and Nepal, the other being the Mahabharata...
epic.
Geography
Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, covering 2,556 square kilometres, is located in the flat river plain of the Chao Phraya river valley. The presence of the Lop BuriLopburi River
The Lopburi River is a tributary of the Chao Phraya River in central Thailand. It splits from the Chao Phraya river at Tambon Bang Phutsa, Singburi. Passing through Tha Wung district and the town of Lopburi, it enters the Chao Phraya together with the Pa Sak River at the town of Ayutthaya. It is...
and Pa Sak
Pa Sak River
The Pa Sak River is a river in central Thailand. The river originates in Dan Sai District, Loei Province, passes through Phetchabun Province as the backbone of the Province...
rivers makes the province a major rice
Rice
Rice is the seed of the monocot plants Oryza sativa or Oryza glaberrima . As a cereal grain, it is the most important staple food for a large part of the world's human population, especially in East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, and the West Indies...
farming area.
History
Myanmar
Burma , officially the Republic of the Union of Myanmar , is a country in Southeast Asia. Burma is bordered by China on the northeast, Laos on the east, Thailand on the southeast, Bangladesh on the west, India on the northwest, the Bay of Bengal to the southwest, and the Andaman Sea on the south....
army in 1767. During this era, now usually referred as the Ayutthaya period or Ayutthaya kingdom
Ayutthaya kingdom
Ayutthaya was a Siamese kingdom that existed from 1350 to 1767. Ayutthaya was friendly towards foreign traders, including the Chinese, Vietnamese , Indians, Japanese and Persians, and later the Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch and French, permitting them to set up villages outside the walls of the...
, Ayutthaya was ruled by 33 kings of 5 different dynasties. The Kingdom became a major regional player, and a trade center of the East, a meeting point of European merchants and Asian traders. Notable monarchs during the Ayutthaya period include King Naresuan the Great
Naresuan
Somdet Phra Naresuan Maharat or Somdet Phra Sanphet II was the King of the Ayutthaya kingdom from 1590 until his death in 1605. Naresuan was one of Siam's most revered monarchs as he was known for his campaigns to free Siam from Burmese rule...
, who liberated Ayutthaya from the first Burmese occupation and embarked on a reign of conquest, and King Narai the Great
Narai
Somdet Phra Narai or Somdet Phra Ramathibodi III was the king of Ayutthaya from 1656 to 1688 and arguably the most famous Ayutthayan king. His reign was the most prosperous during the Ayutthaya period and saw the great commercial and diplomatic activities with foreign nations including the...
, who initiated diplomatic relations with the France, during the reign of Louis XIV. His reign was the golden age of trade and culture.
The city was positioned in a strategic position. During several months of the year, the flood plains around the cities would be flooded by the many rivers around the city. Enemy sieges were thus impossible, and forced to withdraw. This advantage was a contributing factor in the many failed Burmese invasions.
The ruins of the old capital in the Ayutthaya historical park
Ayutthaya historical park
The Ayutthaya historical park covers the ruins of the old city of Ayutthaya, Thailand, which was founded by King Ramathibodi I in 1350 and was the capital of the country until its destruction by the Burmese army in 1767....
have been a UNESCO
UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations...
World Heritage Site
World Heritage Site
A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place that is listed by the UNESCO as of special cultural or physical significance...
since December 1991. The province is also home to the Bang Pa-in summer palace complex.
Originally named Krung Kao (กรุงเก่า), the province was renamed to Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya in 1919.
Symbols
According to legend King Ramathibodi IRamathibodi I
Uthong or Ramathibodi I was the first king of the kingdom Ayutthaya , reigning from 1351 to 1369. He was known as Prince U Thong before he ascended to the throne on March 4, 1351...
found a beautiful conch buried in the ground, and chose the site as the place for his future capital. He then placed the conch on a pedestal tray and built a pavilion around it. The seal shows this pavilion with the provincial tree behind it.
The provincial flower is ดอกโสน (Dok son) Sesbania aculeata, and the provincial tree is the Fragrant Manjack (Cordia dichotoma). The provincial slogan ราชธานีเก่า อู่ข้าวอู่น้ำ เลิศล้ำกานท์กวี คนดีศรีอยุธยา can be translated as "Old capital city, food larder of the country, poet laureates galore, and national heroes".
Administrative divisions
Amphoe
An amphoe is the second level administrative subdivision of Thailand. Usually translated as district, amphoe make up the provinces, and are analogous to a county seat...
), 209 communes (tambon
Tambon
Tambon is a local government unit in Thailand. Below district and province , they form the third administrative subdivision level. As of the 2009 there are 7255 tambon, not including the 169 khwaeng of Bangkok, which are set at the same administrative level, thus every district contains 8-10 tambon...
)/sub-districts and 1328 villages (muban
Muban
Muban is the lowest administrative subdivision of Thailand. Usually translated as village, they are the subdivision of tambon. As of 2008, there are 74944 administrative villages in Thailand. As of the 1990 census, the average village consisted of 144 households or 746 persons.A muban does not...
). There are two districts which have the same English name; however this is only because the different pronunciation and thus different spelling in Thai gets lost in romanization. Ayutthaya is unique among the provinces of Thailand in that the district of its capital city is not called Amphoe Mueang [Ayutthaya], as the common scheme would suggest, but rather Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya:
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Boundaries
Neighbouring provinces are LopburiLopburi Province
Lop Buri is one of the central provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Phetchabun, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Saraburi, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, Sing Buri and Nakhon Sawan.-Geography:...
, Ang Thong
Ang Thong Province
Ang Thong is one of the central provinces of Thailand. The name means "golden bowl" which refer to Angthong as a central for prosperity as it has a lot of rice fields....
and Saraburi
Saraburi Province
Saraburi is one of the central provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Lopburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Nayok, Pathum Thani and Ayutthaya. Saraburi has been an important town since ancient times...
to the north, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi
Nonthaburi Province
Nonthaburi is one of the central provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani, Bangkok and Nakhon Pathom....
to the south, Saraburi
Saraburi Province
Saraburi is one of the central provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Lopburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Nayok, Pathum Thani and Ayutthaya. Saraburi has been an important town since ancient times...
to the east and Suphan Buri to the west.
Transportation
AirThere is no airport in Ayutthaya province.
River
Located on the Chao Phraya River, Siam’s former kings all the way up to King Rama V, once used river as their main mode of transportation. There are still boats running from Bangkok to Ayutthaya but they are mainly for the trade of local agricultural products. The occasional tourist boat can also be seen.
Roads
Due to its strategic central positioning, there are numerous highways, 1 expressway, 1 motorway and 2 planned motorways which run through Ayutthaya. Eight in total, the province has the most highways passing through in the whole of Thailand.
Rail
Ayutthaya lies on both the main north and northern-eastern routes and trains are available to either direction.
Bus
Air-conditioned buses ply regularly to and from Bangkok. In Bangkok the buses leave from the Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit). From the Ayutthaya Bus Terminal there are non air-conditioned buses to other districts and neighbouring provinces.
Passenger Van
Passengers vans, running frequently from Bangkok, depart from Victory Monument in Bangkok. Doing the journey in just an hour, they are the quickest mode of public transport between the two cities.
Songthaew (public passenger pick-up vehicles)
Songthaews are the most popular form of public transport in the provincial city and rural areas.
Motorbike-taxi
There is plenty of motor-bike service in the town especially around the market and Bus Terminal areas.
Climate
Ayutthaya, located in the central plains, is affected by three seasons:- Hot Season: March – May
- Rainy season: June – October
- Cool season: November - February
Tourism
Ayutthaya historical park
The Ayutthaya historical park covers the ruins of the old city of Ayutthaya, Thailand, which was founded by King Ramathibodi I in 1350 and was the capital of the country until its destruction by the Burmese army in 1767....
which is a vast stretch of historical site in the heart of Ayutthaya city.
There were three palaces in Ayutthaya: Grand Palace, Chantharakasem Palace or the Front Palace, and Wang Lang or the Rear Palace. In addition, there were many other palaces and buildings for royal visits located outside the city area of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, such as Bang Pa-In Palace at Amphoe Bang Pa-in and Nakhon Luang Building at Amphoe Nakhon Luang.
Sights
Ayutthaya Tourism Centre (ศูนย์ท่องเที่ยวอยุธยา–ATC): The centre is established by the Fine Arts Department and developed to be a tourist information centre by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) with high reliefs of 6 great kings and queens from the Ayutthaya Kingdom on the facade of the building remain in their original positions. The center is home to TAT information center, an exhibition on Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya’s tourism and a contemporary art gallery.Ayutthaya Historical Study Centre (ศูนย์ศึกษาประวัติศาสตร์อยุธยา) is a national research institute devoted to the study of Ayutthaya, especially during the period when Ayutthaya was the capital of Siam. The Centre is responsible for the museum of the history of Ayutthaya, which exhibits reconstructions from the past. The Centre also supports an information service and a library containing historical materials about Ayutthaya.
Chao Sam Phraya National Museum (พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติเจ้าสามพระยา): The construction of this museum was funded by the proceeds from the sale of votive tablets discovered in the underground crypts of the principal Prang tower of Wat Ratchaburana. Since the temple was built by King Borommarachathirat II (Chao Sam Phraya), the museum was named after him. The opening ceremony of this museum was held in 1961 and was presided over by Their Majesties the King and the Queen. It was the first museum in the country to present a new form of exhibition, displaying artefacts unearthed from the archaeological excavations as well as restoration of ancient monuments.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet (วัดพระศรีสรรเพชญ์): This important and most impressive monastery is located in the Grand Palace compound like Wat Phra Si Rattanasatsadaram (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 Lokanat commanded new living quarters built, this residential palace was given to be a temple area, thus originating Wat Phra Si Sanphet: The royal chapel does not have any monks and novice inhabitants.
Grand Palace (พระราชวังหลวง): Currently called “Ancient Palace”. The residential palace of every king was located close to the city wall of Ayutthaya. Important buildings inside the Grand Palace compound are Wihan Somdet Hall (พระที่นั่งวิหารสมเด็จ), Sanphet Prasat Hall (พระที่นั่งสรรเพชญ์ปราสาท), Suriyat Amarin Hall, Suriyat Amarin Hall (พระที่นั่งสุริยาสน์อมรินทร์), Chakkrawat Phaichayon Hall (พระที่นั่งจักรวรรดิ์ไพชยนต์), Trimuk Hall (พระที่นั่งตรีมุข) and Banyong Rattanat Hall (พระที่นั่งบรรยงค์รัตนาสน์)
Wat Chaiwatthanaram (วัดไชยวัฒนาราม) is another monastery; King Prasat Thong commanded it built. The great beauty has been reflected from the main stupa and its satellite stupas along the gallery, an architecture influenced by Khmer.
Bang Sai Arts and Crafts Centre (ศูนย์ศิลปาชีพบางไทร) Farmers from Ayutthaya as well as from other provinces undergo training in folk arts and crafts here. At this centre, visitors have a glimpse of how farmers in the four regions live and work and how their products of arts and crafts are produced.
9. Bang Pa-In Palace (พระราชวังบางปะอิน) Originally, Bang Pa-In was a riverine island. When King Prasat Thong became the Ayutthaya king (1630–1655), he had the Chumphon Nikayaram Temple built on his family estate. The palace surrounded by a lake 400 metres long and 40 metres wide. Bang Pa-In was used as a country residence by every Ayutthaya monarch after King Prasat Thong.
Activities / Entertainment
HomestayMany visitors to Ayuthaya experience traditional Thai lifestyle, Thai-style dwellings, canal-side scenery and the peaceful atmosphere by way of ‘homestay’. Two popular places for this kind of accommodation is at Khlong Rang Chorakhe (คลองรางจระเข้) which is home to a 400-year-old image of Luangpho To image at Wat Rang Chorakhe and Bang Sai (บางไทร) which is a community on the Noi River in Amphoe Bang Sai.
Elephant Back Activities
This activity is found at Ayutthaya Elephant Camp (วังช้างอยุธยา แล เพนียด).
Boat Trips
Boat trips long the Chao Phraya River is a popular activity to enjoy the scenery and traditional life-styles. At Nawa Nakhorn there are nicely decorated old-fashioned boats.
Bicycling
There are various bicycling routes in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya:
Dinner Cruise
There are several restaurants which provide this service.
Spa
Spa service is available at some of the top resorts and hotels.
Local Products
Palm Leaf Fish Mobile (ปลาตะเพียนสาน เครื่องแขวน) Weavers of the palm leaf fish mobile, and other palm leaf products, in this province are Thai Muslims. The skills have been inherited for over 100 years. It is assumed that Thai Muslim spice traders who sailed their houseboats along the Chao Phraya River in the olden days were the first to have woven fish mobiles from palm leaf, out of inspiration from their affectionate bond with water and their surroundings, referring to a Thai barb with which they were familiar and using leaves from various species of palm grown locally. Originally, each woven fish mobile was not as colourful nor numerously composed as in the present, using only a mixture of natural pigment and varnish for the final touch. The fish mobile, mostly in red, is usually hung above a baby’s cradle so that Thai children are familiar with it since their babyhood.Bamboo Fan (พัดสานไม้ไผ่) Bamboo fan weaving in Amphoe Ban Phraek, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, has been inherited from the olden days. Formerly, the fans were woven with a quite simple technique into a rough design. The border was usually trimmed and sewn by hand with plain white cloth. Later, its form changed to imitate that of a Bodhi leaf or a heart shape. The border is trimmed with gold cloth while the weaving techniques and designs have become more complicated.
Palm Leaf Hat (งอบใบลาน) A handicraft that has been inherited since ancient times. Weaving a palm leaf hat requires no less craftsmanship than any other kinds of basketwork. The weavers have to be skilled and patient as the crafts will have to undergo a number of weaving steps. The palm leaf hat is now an OTOP product of Tambon Bang Nang Ra, Amphoe Bang Pahan, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. It has gained popularity among Thais and foreigners and is available in various provinces around the country.
Roti Sai Mai (โรตีสายไหม) A snack composing of candyfloss (Sai Mai) wrapped with flat bread (Roti) was thought up by Thai Muslim vendors.
Nightlife
Typical nightlife available in Ayutthaya:- The city has a couple of discos which are popular with the younger trendier crowd.
- Some live Music Joints play Thai folk
- Karaoke clubs can be found in some of the many hotels and customers can either sing to everyone or rent a private room
- Barbecues are large Thai-style restaurants which play music and serve alcohol.
- Sing-a-Songs are popular with Thai males. Singers sing on the stage.
- Down by the river there are few bars which are popular with tourists who fancy a beer.
- Most of the guesthouses down by the river sell alcohol and play music.
Due to the old areas being historically important in regards to religion and the monarchy, the nightlife is very low-key.
Local Culture
Ayutthaya, due to its history as a previous capital of Thailand, the former base of Thai Buddhism and home to tens of kings; it is soaked in original Central-Thai culture.Ayutthaya’s current palaces though, due to King Rama V close connection with Europe, do have a distinctive European cultural influence. Ayutthaya was the first destination of any foreigner coming to Siam way back in the days of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya. It was also the location of the first treaties ever signed between powerful European nations and Siam.
Lifestyle
The people of Ayutthaya are certainly proud of their heritage; a place of beautiful temples, palaces and art. Besides royals, royal sub-ordinates and monks, the people of Ayutthuya were originally farmers who worked in the fields.Events and Festivals
Bang Sai Arts and Crafts Centre Fair (งานประจำปีศูนย์ศิลปาชีพบางไทร) At the end of JanuaryHeld annually toward the end of January at Bang Sai Arts and Crafts Centre, the fair features displays and contests of the arts and crafts products, sales of local products and cultural performances.
Songkran Festival (งานเทศกาลสงกรานต์) April 13
Held annually on 13 April in front of Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit, Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, it features a traditional procession, Thoet Thoeng drums procession, Song Nam Phra ceremony of the miniature of Phra Mongkhon Bophit image, and Nang Songkran beauty contest.
Wai Khru Bucha Tao Ceremony (พิธีไหว้ครูบูชาเตา) Around April – May
A wai khru
Wai khru
The wai khru ceremony is a Thai ritual in which students pay respects to their teachers in order to express their gratitude and formalize the student–teacher relationship. It is regularly held near the beginning of the school year in most schools in Thailand...
ceremony held by blacksmiths and knife-makers of Aranyik knives at Ban Ton Pho, Ban Phai Nong and Ban Salai, Tambon Tha Chang, Amphoe Nakhon Luang to pay salute to their masters and forge spirits.
The ceremony is usually held on an early Thursday morning which may be the 7th, 9th, etc. day of the waxing moon of the 5th lunar month (around April – May) in order to express gratitude to their masters, sweep away possible accidents during their works as well as for their own auspiciousness and prosperity. After chanting for a congregation of angels and saluting the Triple Gem, the master of the ceremony will chant for a congregation of gods which include Siva, Vishnu, Brahma, Vishnukarma, Matuli, Vaya, Gangga, 8 ascetics, etc. as well as Thai, Lao, Mon, and Chinese masters who have imparted them with the ironwork skills, for them to receive their offerings and bless all participants. All tools and equipment will be gilded and lustral water made to sprinkle on the tools and participants.
Bang Sai Loi Krathong and Traditional Long Boat Races (งานลอยกระทงตามประทีปและแข่งเรือยาวประเพณีศูนย์ศิลปาชีพบางไทร) November
It is an annual festival held toward the end of November at the Bang Sai Arts and Crafts Centre, Amphoe Bang Sai. Activities include Nang Nopphamat beauty contest, contests of processions, Krathongs, and hanging lanterns, folk entertainment, traditional and international long boat races, and sales of the Centre’s products.
Ayutthaya World Heritage Fair (งานแสดงแสงเสียงอยุธยามรดกโลก) December
To commemorate the occasion of the Ayutthaya Historical Park being declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO on 13 December 1991, a celebration is held annually for 1 week during the same period of the year. The Fair features local ways of life, handicrafts, Thai traditions and culture as well as the light and sound presentation on the history of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya.
Ayutthaya Maha Mongkhon (อยุธยามหามงคล – ไหว้พระเก้าวัด) Buddhist Lent Festival
Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Provincial Administration in collaboration with the Tourism Business Association and TAT Central Region Office: Region 6, organise the Ayutthaya Maha Mongkhon programme for participants to visit 9 temples in the province during the Buddhist Lent Festival.
Art
The Kingdom of Ayutthaya (1350-1767) saw a variety of arts created in bronze, woodcarving, stucco and sandstone. They were influenced in periodic stages by the eras of Dvaravati, Lopburi, Sukhothai and U-thong.Learn
Ayutthaya HistoryLocated on Rochana Road, the Ayutthaya Historical Studies Center is the national research institute to study about the period that Ayutthaya was the capital of Siam.
Elephant Life
There is the Elephantstay
Elephantstay
Elephantstay is an elephant rehabilitation and breeding project in Ayutthaya, Thailand that operates under the Prakochaban Foundation. Founded by Laithongrein Meepan in 2005, the project is registered as a non-profit organization....
Experience for those who want to learn about the life of elephants.
Medical Health Care
There are many hospitals, clinics and pharmacies in Ayutthaya. Few of the major ones include:- Ayutthaya Hospital
- Navanakorn Hospital
- Sena Hospital
- Ratchathani Hospital
- Supamitr Sena Hospital
- Peravech Hospital
- Wangnoi Hospital
- Rojanavech Hospital
Media/Contact
The current media available in Ayutthaya are: National TV, cable TV and satellite TV, as well as English language newspapers, books and magazines (tourist areas).Mobile telephones, landline phones and high-speed internet (ADSL) are available. In both the town and rural areas, there are post offices providing parcel services.
External links
- Ayutthaya Expo 2020
- Historical Park of Ayutthaya in Thai Version
- Province page from the Tourist Authority of Thailand