Thailand Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

Historic city in central Thailand, once the second Siamese capital, known for its extensive archaeological ruins and temples.

Tips from the community

Ayutthaya was once the second location for the capital city of Thailand. By 1700, Ayutthaya was the most populated city in the world with 1 million inhabitants. It was also the trading capital of the world. Three rivers surrounding the city, all lead to the ocean, made it an ideal location for global trade. The glory didn’t last forever, though. In 1767, the city was invaded and most of it was burned to the ground and extensively looted. Local residents were forced to flee. The city was never rebuilt and the capital of Thailand was moved to Bangkok. What now remains is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ruins of the once opulent and influential capital city are fascinating to see, especially by bicycle. The ruin locations are close enough together to walk, but a bicycle affords covering a bit more ground. Of course, I have to recommend hitting the pavement on two wheels early in the day with a lot of water on you, a hat, and some sunscreen. Thailand is hot, but you already knew that.

laurenallain 3 years ago

Whoever said backpacking Southeast Asia can’t be educational? Well…the UNESCO-tagged town of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya certainly is. It was constructed by the old kings of Siam back in the 1300s, lasting more than 400 years before it was razed by the Burmese in the 18th century. What remains is a vast complex of half-crumpled temples, soaring prang (stone spires), and reclining Buddhas. Rent a bike and cycle the sites; it’s the most pleasant way to navigate. Itineraries should certainly include Wat Mahathat and its haunting statues writhed in teak trees, and Wat ChaiWatthanaram, which reflects beautifully in the Chao Phraya River.

jrfrancis 3 years ago

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Guides

  • World Heritage Sites in Asia

    seeker (Seeker Editors)
    Across the vast, diverse continent of Asia, there are seemingly endless World Heritage Sites to explore. Visit the sparse atomic bomb dome in Hiroshima, or walk for hours along the towering Great Wall of China. From sprawling rustic temple grounds to ancient statues of civilizations past- here is a collection of some of the prominent World Heritage Sites in Asia.

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Articles

  • Backpacking Southeast Asia: 41 Destinations That Won’t Blow Your Budget

    Like a bar mitzvah or a grad party, backpacking the well-worn trails of Southeast Asia is nothing short of a rite of passage. For the budding traveler, the trodden route that links electrifying Bangkok to the temples of Angkor and the rolling surf of Bali is a chance to discover what street food and tuk […]

    Read more...

  • 41 of the Best Things to Do in Thailand

    Thailand: the country appropriately named The Land of Smiles. The nation that has something for everyone to enjoy, whether it’s your first international trip or the 57th. The country evolves quickly, so there’s always something new to explore, a neighborhood that’s been redeveloped, or a new trendy food to try. Thailand is never boring and […]

    Read more...