Ayutthaya or known to the Thais as “Krung Kao” (meaning old capital) is the provincial city, 76 kilometer north of Bangkok. During the time when Thailand was known under the name “Siam”, the Ayutthaya Kingdom was founded by King U-thong (King Ramathibbhadi I) in 1350 (B.E.1893). Ayutthaya was the capital of Thailand for 417 years from 1350 until it was sacked by the Burmese army in 1767 (B.E. 2310). The present official name of Ayutthaya in full is Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. Because of its location which is the flat land surrounded by rivers, the city is like the island. Though struggling with rebelling and wars due from the establishing of the Ayutthaya regime, still, the place was known to be the prosperous city for rice production, other agricultural goods and tradings: internally and with foreigners i.e. Chinese, Portuguese and Dutch. The slogan of the city is, hence, drawn in relation to its history and peak time as "Old capital city, food larder of the country, poet laureates galore, and national heroes".
Numerous magnificent ruins site from its history which was left to be seen in Ayutthaya historical park nowadays have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since December 1991. The three palaces in Ayutthaya: Grand Palace, Chantharakasem Palace or the Front Palace, and Wang Lang or the Rear Palace, are also part of the Heritage Park. In addition Bang Pa-In Palace at Amphoe Bang Pa-in and Nakhon Luang Building at Amphoe Nakhon Luang that were built after the Ayutthaya regime, are the home complex for the Royal family when visiting Ayutthaya. These two additional palaces, though still in use at present, some parts of the palaces are also opened for publics to visit.
Apart from the ruin sites which mostly were temples and various styles of Buddha image, and the Palaces, the visit at Bang Sai Arts and Crafts Centre (“Soon Silapacheep Bangsai”)is another place to have a day in Ayutthaya. Since this place is outskirt of the major city, the visitor is able to appreciate traditional Thai lifestyle, Thai-style dwellings, canal-side scenery and the peaceful atmosphere around. Moreover, this place is the center for the famous Bang Sai Loi Krathong and Traditional Long Boat Races towards end of November annually. By December, an annually celebration to commemorate the occasion of the Aytthaya Historical Park being declared a World Heritage Site is held for a week presentation with the light and sound on its history while being the Kingdom of Ayutthaya. A variety of arts created in bronze, woodcarving, stucco and sandstone which were influenced in periodic stages by the eras of Dvaravati, Lopburi, Sukhothai and U-thong are easily spot and shopped. Other interesting programme for visitors while aiming for Ayutthaya is, such as, the Maha Mongkhon programme organized by the Provincial Administration collaboration with the Tourism Business Association and the TAT to visit 9 temples during the Buddhist Lent Festival, etc.
There are many routes to reach Ayutthaya: private car, public buses, passenger vans, train, and boats, except the plane for there is none of the airport at this province. Travelling by boat is run under the private section or the hotels, while buses and trains are those for the North and North Eastern lines. Ayutthaya is only the stop on the way. The passenger vans are other option that can direct you straight to Ayutthaya.
