Ayutthaya was the longest ancient capital in Thailand for 417 years with many attractions such as national museums, Bang Pa-In and Ayutthaya historical study center. There are a lot of the magnificent temples around the city such as Wat Phanan Choeng, Wat Yai chai Mongkhon, Wat Suwan Dararam, Wat Na Phra Men, Wat Thammikarat and Wihan Phra Mon Khon Bophit. You can see the historic Ayutthaya temples being scattered throughout this once magnificient city. Today, the ruins stand among the modern buildings of the provincial town.
Approximately 86 km north of Bangkok, Ayutthaya served as the Siamese royal capital from 1350 to 1767 and by all accounts it was a splendid city. The city of Ayutthaya was founded around 1350 by Ramathibodi I (1351-1369), who came here to escape an outbreak of smallpox at Lop Buri. By the early 15 th century Ayuttaya had become a major power. Sukothai feel to Ayutthaya in 1438. Foreign traders arrived in the early 16 th century, and much evidence of Ayutthaya’s splendor comes from their accounts. In the early 18 th century, after years of war, decline set in, and in 1767 the Burmese sacked the city.
Ayutthaya was undoubtedly one of the greatest and most magnificent cities of the entire region. Today, however, it resembles a hive from which all the bees have departed. Brick ruins lean and gently crumble among carefully tended lawns, carved torsos in blackened stone lie in piles, and in the great heat gardeners hack out weed from the tottering walls. Tourists ritually photography the remains, locals on motorbikes putter about their business along the nearby by-pass, and a low breeze wafts across the vast, muddy plain.
Ayutthaya is known for its spectacular ruins and temples. Many of its temples are still intact, such as Wat Phra Sanphet, Wat Mongkhon Bophit, Wat Panangcherng and Wat Chai Mongkol, known for its large bronze statue of the Reclining Buddha.
You will also see the summer palace of King Rama IV with its mixture of Thai, Chinese and Gothic architecture. The palace is a well-preserved 'museum', providing a glimpse into a time when Thailand was known as Siam.
Though Thailand is warm throughout the year, the climate in Ayutthaya does vary. Make sure you choose the right time to get the most from your visit.
Although Ayutthaya is Thailand’s main historical site, it may, nevertheless, prove a disappointment to some visitors.