Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

The ancient city of Ayutthaya, or Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, the Thai capital for 417 years, is one of Thailand’s major tourist attractions. Many ancient ruins and art works can be seen in a city that was founded in 1350 by King U-Thong when the Thais were forced southwards by northern neighbours. During the period of Ayutthaya being the Thai capital, 33 kings of different dynasties ruled the kingdom until it was sacked by the Burmese in 1767.

Ayutthaya is 76 kilometres north of Bangkok and boasts numerous magnificent ruins. Such ruins indicate that Ayutthaya was one of indochina’s most prosperous cities. Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park, a vast stretch of historical site in the heart of Ayutthaya city, has been included in UNESCO’s list of world heritage since 13 December, 1991.

There were three palaces in Ayutthaya : Grand Palace, Chantharakasem Palace or the Front Palace, and Wang Lang or the Rear Palace. In addition, there were many other palaces and buildings for royal visits located outside the city area of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, such as Bang Pa-in Palace at Amphoe Bang Pa-in and Nakhon Luang Building at Amphoe Nakhon Luang.

Ayutthaya covers 2,556.6 square kilometres, and is administratively divided into 16 districts (Amphoes). It is conveniently accessible due to good roads and a short distance from Bangkok.

Information by : Tourism Authority of Thailand

Wang Chan Kasem or Wang Na

Wang Chan Kasem or Wang Na

The Palace is located on U Thong Road on the bank of the Pa Sak River. It was built in the reign of King Naresuan the Great and used to be a residential palace for several kings and crown princes. It was destroyed by fire in the second fall of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya in 1767. Later, King Rama IV had it reconstructed in its original plan to be used as a residential palace. The complex comprises Phlapphla Chaturamuk (a four porched pavilion), Phiman Rattaya Throne Hall and Phisai Sanyalak Throne Hall (an observatory) and currently serves as a national museum.

Ayutthaya Royal Grand Palace

Ayutthaya Royal Grand Palace

The palace was first built by King U.Thong, the first king of Ayutthaya Kingdom (A.D. 1350). Later, King Borom Tri Lokanat (A.D. 1448-1488) built the new palace further north towards the Lopburi River. The fomer palace was then dedicated to Pra Si San Phet temple building area. Several Halls have been built within the new palace. Various functions for different Halls were applied such as : recepting foreign visitors, coronations, living quarters, viewing waterway procession and the military exercises.