Ayutthaya Historical Park
Ayutthaya’s art and architecture was a delicate blend of Dvaravati, Khmer, Mon, Lawa and Khmer cultures. The city site at the heart of the riverine system of the lower Chao Phrayabasin was carefully chosen to allow a moated trapezoid plan and a water-borne way of life. Ayutthaya’s sister city, Lop Buri, just a short distance north. It shared in the capital’s splendour. One of Thailand’s greatest kings. Narai built a palace there that can still be seen. It was these two glorious cities that Europeans first saw.

This golden age of Thai culture also produced the exquisite architecture and decoration at Bang Pa-in, a royal summer palace on the majestic Chao Phraya River just south of the capital, as well as the elegance and grace of Thai classical dance and theatre. Unhappily, all these fabulous glories were sacked by a Burmese invasion in 1767. All that remains of 417 glorious years are the ruins you can see today. They are now a World Heritage site.

Thailand has a very long and magnificent history. Proof of this can be seen in the countless historical sites spread throughout all regions of the kingdom. With two Unesco-listed historical World Heritage Sites and many more potential candidates, Thailand has made great contributions to the international cultural heritage.

Every region of Thailand, be it in the north, south, central or northeast, has revealed a long legacy of civilization. Evidence of this rich cultural heritage can still be seen today.
The two most prominent 'must-see' historical sites in Thailand are Sukhothai Historical Park and Ayutthaya Historical Park. Both places are designated as world heritage sites and both attract millions of admirers annually, who come to see the evidence of Siam's former glory.
Sukhothai and Ayutthaya are considered the two most significant ancient kingdoms in Thai history, since Siam was united as a nation some 750 years ago. Both kingdoms had well-structured Buddhist communities, with advanced artistic and cultural development.

For travelers with more limited time who don't want to travel too far from Bangkok, the Ayutthaya Historical Park is a perfect choice. Just 76 km north of Bangkok, this site reveals the glory of the Ayutthaya empire, which held sway in the region for more than 400 years. The Ayutthaya historical park contains the ruins of ancient Buddhist temples and royal palaces in a well-organized city structure.

Ayutthaya was the capital of Thailand from 1350 until it was ruthlessly sacked by the Burmese in 1767. Although a shadow of its former glory, the magnificent ruins of the old city can still be admired. Attractions include the ruins of the former Royal Palace and many ancient temples, which form a complex spread over the vast area of the historical park.

From the 14th to 18th centuries, Ayutthaya was the capital of the central Thai Kingdom for 417 years. With influences from Dvaravati, Khmer, Mon, and Lawa cultures, Ayutthaya was able to create its own arts and culture from a delicate blend of those cultures. During the reigns of 33 kings, Ayutthaya gave Thailand a great number of fine buildings, monuments and works of art. It was selected as a World Heritage Site in 1994. An annual festival, Ayutthaya World Heritage Day, is held in December within the historical park.

Contact Ayutthaya Historical Park, Khlong Tor Road, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, tel/fax: 0 3524 2448