Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya (city)


Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, commonly known locally as Ayutthaya, is the capital of Phra Nakhon [Si Ayutthaya province] in Thailand. It lies on an island at the confluence of the Chao Phraya and Pa Sak rivers. Ayutthaya was the capital of the Ayutthaya Kingdom and, between the 14th and 18th centuries, grew into one of the world's largest cities and a major hub of diplomacy and commerce, before its destruction during the Burmese invasion of 1767.
Today, Ayutthaya is a major centre of cultural tourism, while the surrounding area forms part of Thailand's industrial and transport corridor north of Bangkok; its historic core is protected as the Ayutthaya Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Etymology

The name Ayutthaya is derived from Sanskrit अयोध्य - Ayodhya and is from the Thai national epic Ramakien; phra is a prefix for a noun concerning a royal person, and nakhon designates an important or capital city.

History

Ayutthaya was officially founded in 1351 by King Uthong, who went there to escape a smallpox outbreak in Lopburi and proclaimed it the capital of his kingdom, often referred to as the Ayutthaya Kingdom or Siam. Archaeological and written evidence has revealed that Ayutthaya was inhabited as early as the late 13th century, before the arrival of Uthong. Further evidence of this can be seen with Wat Phanan Choeng, which was founded in 1324.
Ayutthaya became the second Siamese capital after Sukhothai. Early Western accounts describe Ayutthaya as a "noble" and "wealthy" city. In the late Ayutthaya period, European visitors described it as among the world's wealthiest and most cosmopolitan cities. It is estimated that by the year 1600, Ayutthaya had a population of about 300,000, with the population perhaps reaching 1,000,000 around 1700, making it one of the world's largest cities at that time, a period during which UNESCO describes Ayutthaya as flourishing into one of the world's largest and most cosmopolitan urban areas and a center of global diplomacy and commerce, with a systematic city-planning grid of roads, canals, and moats supported by an extremely advanced hydraulic water-management system, when it was sometimes known as the "Venice of the East".
In 1767, the city was destroyed by the Burmese army, resulting in the collapse of the kingdom. The ruins of the old city are preserved in the Ayutthaya Historical Park, which is recognised internationally as a World Heritage Site. The ruins, characterised by the prang and gigantic monasteries, give an idea of the city's past splendour.
Modern Ayutthaya was refounded a few kilometres to the east. Although the former royal capital never regained its previous political prominence, the area remained inhabited and gradually developed into a provincial capital. Over time, conservation and archaeological work concentrated on the ruined core of the old city, while the modern urban centre expanded beyond the island. Today, Ayutthaya's historic monuments and cultural landscape continue to shape the city's identity and economy, particularly through heritage tourism and religious pilgrimage.

Population

Since 2005, the population of Ayutthaya has been declining.
Estimation date31 Dec 200531 Dec 201031 Dec 201531 Dec 2019
Population55,09754,19052,94050,830

Geography

The city is located about north of Bangkok, at the confluence of the Chao Phraya, Lopburi and Pa Sak rivers, and on the main north–south railway linking Chiang Mai to Bangkok. The old city is on an island formed by a bend of the Chao Phraya on the west and south sides, the Pa Sak on the east side and the Klong Muang canal on the northern side.

Climate

Ayutthaya, located in the central plains, is affected by three seasons:
  • Hot Season: March – May
  • Rainy season: June – October
  • Cool season: November – February

    Ayutthaya city sites

Notable cultural sites

Museums

The Ayutthaya Night Market offers a plethora of shopping opportunities, including a wide variety of food, clothing, and handicrafts. Visitors can enjoy traditional Thai dishes such as pad Thai, mango sticky rice, and tom yum soup, as well as a range of international cuisine. The market is also famous for its impressive array of souvenirs, including handmade bags, jewelry, and textiles. The atmosphere is lively and energetic, with street performers, music, and colorful lights adding to the festive ambiance.
Khlong Sabua is a floating market in Ayutthaya; it is more popular with Thai tourists than foreign travellers. The main attraction is a Water Theatre featuring live performances of Thai folk tales and musicals.

Transport

Ayutthaya is accessible by air and rail.

Air

The closest airport is Bangkok's Don Mueang International Airport, a hub for regional budget carriers. An elevated walkway connects Terminal 1 to the Don Muang Train Station, where Ayutthaya-bound trains regularly roll through.

Rail

Trains to Ayutthaya leave Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Station approximately every hour between 04:20 am. and 10:00 pm. The 3rd class fare is 20 baht for the 1.5 hour trip. Train schedules are available from the information booth at Hua Lamphong Station, Bangkok.

In fiction