Ayutthaya

Only 80km (50miles) north of Bangkok on Route 32, Ayutthaya was the country’s capital from its founding by King U Thong in 1350 until 1767, when it was sacked by Burmese army. 
Centuries-old temples and palaces are scattered widely around the rather nondescript modern Ayutthaya, a commercial and farming centre for the region.  The modern town centre occupies the east end of the ‘island’, with most of the historic sites situated in the west. 
The landscaped Phra Ram Park and its lake nestle in the centre of the ‘island’, with the historic Wat phra Ram temple in the southwest corner of the park

Ayutthaya Attractions

Perhaps the most striking of Ayutthaya’s royal and sacred buildings is the Wat Phra Sri Sanphet.  Built in 1448 the temple is guarded by tree chedis (decorative spires containing relics of the Buddha). 

South of this temple stands the modern Viharn Phra Mongkol Bopit, enclosing one of Thailand’s largest bronze Buddhas. 

Nearby is the large central prang (spire) of the Wat Phra Ram temple, built in 1369 by King Ramesuen, at the southwest corner of Phra Ram Park. 

Facing it across the lake is the ruined temple complex of Wat Phra Mahathat, dating from 1374. 

Wat Ratburana, north of Wat Phra Mahathat, dates from the 15th century. 

Also on the island are the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum and the Chan Kasem Palace.

Ayutthaya’s best preserved temple is the Wat Phra Muru, on the north bank of the Lop Buri river. 

West of it is Phu Khao Thong, a striking chedi erected in 1745. 

On the east bank of the Pasak, Wat Phanan Choeng encloses a 14th-century Buddha image while to the east, Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon is distinguished by its 16th –century chedi. 

Most Ayutthaya tours also include a visit to Bang Pa-in, the royal summer palace, built the 19th century in a joyously eclectic mixture of Thai, Chinese, Italianate and Victorian styles.