Ayuthaya Thailand

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Ayuthaya

From Bangkok I took a train 1-1/2 hours north to get away from the pollution and traffic for a few days. The town of Ayuthaya was actually much larger than I expected, and had its own share of traffic and pollution. However, the historical ruins were well worth it.

Ayuthaya was the capital of Thailand (then called Siam) for 400 years. With a population of 1 million at its peack, it was actually one of the world's most cosmopolitan cities until 1767, when the Burmese eventually conquered and destroyed it. Fifteen years later, the new capital was moved to Bangkok by the surviving Thai army that fled Ayuthaya.

Many of the city's temples were levelled, and buddha figures decapitated. Now the site where a majority of the ruins lie is a dedicated historical park and World Heritage Area. I could easily imagine how splendid this city must have been in its hay day.

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Photos

Wat Phra Si Sanphet
Constructed in the mid 1400s. Ayuthaya was originally the capital of Thailand (at that time called Siam). At its peak, it had a population of 1 million people. The temples and palace were mostly destroyed when it was conquered by Burma in the 1700s.

Image of Buddha head entangled in tree roots
Wat Maha That

Fancy tuk-tuk
Most of the tuk-tuk taxis were old and rusty, but this one was fancy! They took a group of us on a night tour of the ruins for 2 hours.

Comments

[jayne]

So glad you got there!
Hi Laura, Isn't Ayuthaya beautiful? So glad you got there :) .... I'm very envious of you right now! Hope you have fun in Vietnam with Dave...and I'll look forward to reading your next update soon. Keep on travelin'.....J

[Brianna]

Happy New Year
Happy New Year Laura!! The history in Ayuthaya is amazing. I have never seen anything quite like it before. Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful adventures. Safe Travels, Brianna

[AnnaAdventuring]

Amazing photos!! Looks like an incredible place to visit.

[anonymous]

incredible