Thailand Travel Pages

Ayutthaya:

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Ayutthaya is located less than 2 hours drive due north of Bangkok, close enough for a fabulous day trip to one of Thailand’s historical wonders. Many travelers take the day tour from Bangkok, which allows about 3 hours at the sites, but for folks with an interest in archaeological ruins, Ayutthaya justifies an overnight or more.

From its establishment in 1350 by King U-Thong (Ramathibodi I) until its fall to the Burmese in 1767, Ayutthaya was Thailand's capital and home to 33 kings and numerous dynasties. At its height and until the mid-18th century, Ayutthaya was a majestic city with three palaces and 400 splendid temples on an island threaded by canals -- a site that impressed European visitors of the day.

Then, in 1767 Ayutthaya was destroyed after a 15-month siege by the Burmese and today there are but groups of ruins and rows of headless Buddhas where once an empire thrived. The temple compounds are still awe-inspiring even in disrepair and a visit here is memorable and a good beginning for those drawn to the relics of history.

At the end of the day you will be tired, without a doubt by the views from the temples and pagodas of the area are worth the effort to make to the end ot the day.