Ayutthaya

The ancient city of Ayutthaya,or Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, the Thai capital for 417 years, is one of Thailand's chief tourist attractions. Many ancient ruins and art works can be seen in a city which was founded in 1350 by King U-Thong when the Thais were forced southwards by northern neighbors. 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. During the first 180 years, the city was peaceful. The main activity then was about the state affair and trading which made Ayutthaya one of the most prosperous cities in Asia. But nine years after King Ramathibodi II's death in 1529 Ayutthaya became involved, for the first time, in a war with Myanmar which led to many wars after that.

Ayutthaya is 76 kilometers north of Bangkok and treasures abundant splendid ruins. Such ruins indicate that Ayutthaya was one of Indo - China's most affluent cities. Ayutthaya covers 2,556 square kilometers, and is administratively divided into 16 districts (Amp hoes). It is conveniently reachable due to good roads and a short distance from Bangkok. The ruins of the former capital now a UNESCO World Heritage site, however, remain extraordinary.