The Historic City of Ayutthaya

Wat Phra Si San Phet & The Ancient Palace

This royal temple was the inspiration for the Emerald Buddha Chapel in Bangkok, and is the focal point of a complex currently called the 'Ancient Palace'. Much like the Grand Palace complex in Bangkok, the 'Ancient Palace' was the traditional residence of Ayutthayan monarchs.  
 

The entire complex is dominated by Wat Phra Si San Phet's three towering Ayutthayan-style chedis, and contains several satellite ruins of meeting halls used for state ceremonies, to welcome foreign envoys, to view military parades and royal barge processions, and for leisure. Adjacent to the complex is the Phra Mongkhon Bophit Chapel which houses a massive bronze Buddha image.

Wat Phra Ram

This temple was constructed during the late 1300s by King Ramesuan to commemorate his father, King Ramathibodi I, who founded Ayutthaya as his new capital in 1350.

Wat Ratchaburana

Located opposite Wat Mahathat, this temple was built by King Borom Rachathirat II during the 1420s.

Wat Mahathat

Dating from the late 1300s, this extensive temple was destroyed in 1767. Golden memorabilia from the temple is displayed in the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum.

Wat Suwandaram Ratchaworawihan

This temple, noteworthy for excellent murals in the main classsic Ayutthayan-style chapel, near the Pom Phet fortress, is a royal monastery of the present Chakri dynasty.

Chanthrakasem or Front Palace

This palace was built as the residence of King Naresuan the Great (reign: 1590-1605). The palace was renovated during the mid 1800s by King Mongkut (Rama IV) to be his residence during occasional visits to Ayutthaya. The palace is now part of the National Museum under the responsibility of the Fine Arts Department. The museum is open every day, except Monday, Tuesday and national holidays, between 9.00 AM and 4.00 PM. Admission: 10 baht.

Chao Sam Phraya National Museum

The museum contains many Ayutthayan-style objets d'art, including exquisite golden royal memorabilia excavated from local temples. The museum is open every day, except Monday, Tuesday and national holidays, between 9.00 AM and 4.00 PM. Admission: 10 baht.

Ayutthaya Historical Study Centre

This centre is a national research institute devoted to the study of medieval Ayutthaya. The centre contains reconstructions from Ayutthaya's historical past, an information service and a library. The centre is open from 9.00 AM until 4.00 PM every day, except Mondays, Tuesdays and national holidays. Admission: 100 baht.

Khun Phaen's Residence

This teak traditional Thai-style residence, as might have been owned by a wealthy merchant, located near the Phra Mongkhon Bophit Chapel, evokes a bygone era's lifestyle.

Wat Phuttaisawan

This riverside temple was constructed in the area where King U-Thong (later crowned King Ramathibodi I) and his followers founded the new capital of Ayutthaya in 1350.

Wat Phananchoeng

This riverside temple predates Ayutthaya's founding as the Siamese capital in 1350. The principal Buddha image was built in 1325 and is highly revered by local inhabitants.

Wat Yai Chaiyamongkhon

This monastery dates from the mid-1300s, The enormous pagoda was built by King Naresuan the Great to celebrate his victory in 1592 over the Burmese Crown Prince in single-handed combat on elephants.

Wat Chaiwattanaram

Another riverside temple built by King Prasat Thong during the 1600s. The main prang and pagodas remain in good condition.

Wat Na Phramen

This temple, still in use today, is the only temple not completely destroyed during the 1767 invasion and destruction of Ayutthaya.

Elephant Kraal

This unique teak and brick structure, just beyond Ayutthaya's riverine island, was formerly used to entrap wild elephants herded down from the North..Such occurrences were traditionally presided over by Ayutthayan monarchs, partly because the mighty beasts were vital to Ayutthaya's military strength.

Wat Phukhao Thong(Golden Mount)

This temple was constructed in 1387 during the reign of King Ramesuan.