Bangkok 2012: Ayutthaya Kingdom

The ancient city of Ayutthaya was once the capital of Thai for 417 years. Today, it is one of Thailand's major tourist attractions. Founded in 1350 by King U-Thong, the kingdom was ruled by 33 kings of different dynasties until it was sacked by the Burmese in the 18^th century, leaving behind many ancient ruins and art works. Located 72 kilometers north of Bangkok, Ayutthaya boasts numerous magnificent ruins which indicate that Ayutthaya was one of Indochina's most prosperous cities.

The ruins of Wat Si Sanphet, the centerpiece of Ayutthaya's old royal city.

Ruins of the old city, Ayutthaya, after the Burmese invasion.

Wat Maha That

Buddha head overgrown by fig tree in Wat Mahatat, Ayutthaya historical park

The three stately Chedi of Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, a royal temple built in 1491 that honours three 15th-century kings, houses the remains of King Borommatrailokanat, King Borommarachathirat III and King Ramathibodi II

By car

Alternative I: Take Highway No. 1 (Phahonyothin Road.) then take Highway No. 32 to Ayutthaya.

Alternative II: Take Highway No. 304 (Chaeng Watthana Road.) or take Highway No. 302 (Ngamwongwan Road.); turn righ to Highway No. 306 (Tiwanon Road.), then take Highway No. 3111 (Pathum Thani - Samkhok - Sena) and turn right at Amphoe Sena to Highway No. 3263

Alternative III: Take Highway No. 306 (Bangkok - Nonthaburi - Pathum Thani Road.) then take Highway No. 347 

By bus

Ordinary buses run between the Bangkoks Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit 2 Bus Terminal) and Ayutthaya's main terminal on Naresuan Rd. every 20 minutes between 5 a.m. and 7 p.m. The fare is 30 bahts and the trip takes around 2hours. Air-conditioned buses operate the same route every 20 minutes from 5.40 a.m. to 7.20 p.m. (every 15 minutes between 7a.m. and 5p.m.) at the rate of 47 bahts, the trip takes 1.5 hours when traffic to north of Bangkok is light, otherwise it will take two hours.