Attractions of Ayutthaya Thailand

Wat Phanan Choeng
This temple was built before the foundation of Ayutthaya in 1350, its exact date unknown. Built in the Khmer style, the main viharn houses a huge 19m high sitting Buddha image that dates to 1325 AD. The image is made of stucco and is in the attitude of subduing Mara. This is the most revered image by the people of Ayutthaya.

Wat Mahathat
This magnificent temple dates back to the 14th Century, during the reign of King Ramaesuan. The huge prang stands impressively surrounded by the restored Chedis. This is one of the most impressive sites to see in the Ayutthaya complex. During restoration work in 1956 a buried 'treasure chest' was found. Contained within the chest was a relic of the Lord Buddha, several golden Buddha images and ornate objects in gold, ruby and crystal. These objects are on display in the National Museum in Bangkok. Next to the temple, The Fine Arts Department have built a miniature model city of how they perceive the city was once like.

Wat Phra Sri Sanphet
The temple was built in 1491, at the command of King Borom Trilokkanatin in the grounds of Wang Luang. Two of the now restored Ceylonese-style chedis were built during the reign of King Rama Thi Badee II to enshrine the relics of his father, King Trillokanat, and brother. The third was added later, by his own son King Borom Racha, to enshrine the relic of his father. The temple also once housed a 16 m high, gold covered Buddha image that was cast by King Ramahatibodhi II in 1500. Unfortunately the image was destroyed by the rampaging Burmese who stripped it of its gold.

Wat Suwan Dararam
The Monastery of the Golden Star. The temple was destroyed by the Burmeses during the destruction of Ayutthaya in 1767. Shortly after an officer of the Ayutthayan army took to the task of its rebuilding. The officer who later became King Rama I ordered the complete restoration and renamed it in honour of his parents. The temple's main Buddha image is a large stone copy of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok. The bot shows the distinct character of the time, dipping in the centre. The supporting roof columns are finely carved and the interior walls are adorned with wonderful murals.

Chandra Kasem Palace
This palace was built outside the city walls, as a defensive fortress for King Naresuan, while war was raging against the northern empire of Chiang Mai. Although destroyed by the Burmese, it was rebuilt by King Mongkut in the 19th century. The museum in the grounds exhibit a splendid collection of gold treasures and other artefacts.

Wang Luang
This was the Royal palace until its destruction by the Burmese. The palace was built with teakwood, with a stone base and was the residence of all the kings of Ayutthaya. Several other buildings were added by subsequent monarchs. Bricks from the ruins were later taken to Bangkok and used as part of the defensive fortress. However the remains of the foundations have survived to mark the site.

Wat Phra Ram
This is one Ayutthaya's oldest temples, built in 1369 by King Ramesuan, situated on the outside of the eastern town wall. It was built on the site where the first monarch of Ayutthaya, King Uthong, was cremated. The prang has been partially restored, but one can still find some original stucco garudas and nagas. The tall archway at the entrance to the compound was designed for elephants to pass through.

Ayutthaya Historical Study Centre
This exceptionally fine centre acts as both a research centre and museum. Situated on Rojana Rd, just south of Wat Phra Ram, this two-storey building is a perfect place to learn more of the ancient past of Autthaya. The museum on the upper floor has fine exhibits of its past, categorised into different groups that define Ayutthaya's great history. From its role as the capital of the kingdom to the international trading from its port, the lives of its peoples and its relationships with others; the museum has more than adequately arranged a fine collection for the visitor's perusal. The centre was opened in 1990 and was funded by a massive donation from the Japanese goverment. Opening times: 9:00AM - 4:30PM Wed-Fri, 9:00AM - 5:00PM Sat and Sun and public holidays.

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