The ancient city of Ayutthaya, or Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, The Thai capital for 417 years, is one of Thailand's major tourist attractions. Many ancient ruins and art works can be seen in a city that was founded in 1350 by King U-Thong when the Thais were forced southwards by northern neighbours. 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.

Ayutthaya is 76 kilometers north of Bangkok and boasts numerous magnificent ruins. Such ruins indicate that Ayutthaya was one of Indo - China's most prosperous cities. Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya a Historical Park, a vast stretch of historical site in the heart of Ayutthaya city, has been included in UNESCO's list of world heritage since 13 December ,1991.

Ayutthaya covers 2,556 square kilometers, and is administratively divided into 16 districts (Amphoes). It is conveniently accessible due to good roads and a short distance from Bangkok.

Ayutthaya is an ancient city, founded by "King U- Thong or Ramathibodi I " in 1350. It was used as the capital of Thailand for 417, during the Ayutthaya period, 33 Kings of 5 Dynasties reigned over the Kingdom. 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 city in ASIA. But nine years after King Ramathibodi ll's death in 1529 Ayutthaya became involved, for the first time , in a war with MYANMAR which led to many wars after that. 

Ayutthaya was first defeated by the Burmese in 1569 , but 15 years later it was back to its glory again by " King Naresuan the Great ". Ayutthaya was peaceful again and enjoyed the activities in foreign affairs for about 118 years. It came to its peak until it was invaded and destroyed beyond repair by the Burmese in1767 The capital was moved to Thonburi by "King Taksin the Great" who had fought against the Burmese and defeated them. After 15 years of King Taksin's reign. The capital was again moved to Bangkok by "King Rama the first". The founder of the present Chakri Dynasty.

By Car
Alternative I: Take Highway No. 1 (Phahonyothin Road.) then take Highway No. 32 to Ayutthaya.
Alternative II: Take Highway No. 304 (Chaeng Watthana Road.) or take Highway No. 302 (Ngamwongwan Road.); turn righ to Highway No. 306 (Tiwanon Road.), then take Highway No. 3111 (Pathum Thani - Samkhok - Sena) and turn right at Amphoe Sena to Highway No. 3263.
Alternative III: Take Highway No. 306 (Bangkok - Nonthaburi - Pathum Thani Road.) then take Highway No. 347
Ordinary buses run between the Bangkoks Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit 2 Bus Terminal) and Ayutthaya's main terminal on Naresuan Rd. every 20 minutes between 5 a.m. and 7 p.m. The fare is 30 bahts and the trip takes around 2hours. Air-conditioned buses operate the same route every 20 minutes from 5.40 a.m. to 7.20 p.m. (every 15 minutes between 7a.m. and 5p.m.) at the rate of 47 bahts, the trip takes 1.5 hours when traffic to north of Bangkok is light, otherwise it will take two hours. Time Table Trains to Ayutthaya leave Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Station approximately every hour between 4.20 a.m. and 10 p.m. The 3rd class fare is 15 bahts for the 1.5 hour trip. Train schedules are available from the information booth at Hua Lamphong Station. Alternatively, call 0 2223 7010, 0 2223 7020, or 1690. Time Table There are no scheduled or chartered boat services between Bangkok and Ayutthaya. However, several companies in Bangkok operate luxury cruises to Bang Pa-In with side trips by bus to Ayutthaya for approximately 1,500 bahts to 1,800 bahts per person, including a sumptuous luncheon. Longer two days trips in converted rice barges start at 4,800 baht. For further information please contact the following companies:

THE BANG PA - IN AND AYUTTHAYA CRUISE
Cruise	Time	Pier	Price
:: ONE-DAY EXCURSION :: 1.CHAOPHRAYA EXPRESS BOAT Tel: 0-2222-5330 Fax:0-2225-3002	08.00 -17.30 HRS. every Sunday (including ROYAL FOLK ARTS AND CRAFTS CENTER - BANG SAI)	Maharat	B250/person (transportation only)
2. ORIENTAL QUEEN & AYUTTHAYA PRINCESS Resv: Tel: 0-236-0400-9 Fax: 0-2236-1939 attn: ORIENTAL QUEEN	8.00 -17.30 HRS. everyday (going by cruiser and returning by air-conditioned coach or vice versa)	Oriental Hotel	B250/person (transportation only)
3. RIVER SUN CRUISE Tel: 0-2266-9125-6, 0-2266-9316	Tel: 0-2266-9125-6, 0-2266-9316 08.20 -16.30 HRS. everyday (going by air - conditioned coach and returning by cruiser)	River City	B 1,550/person (including lunch and tour)
:: TWO-DAY EXCURSION :: 4.MEKHAIA TTel: 0-2256-7168-9	4.MEKHAIA Tel: 0-2256-7168-9 everyday (going by curiser and returning by coach or vice versa)	Charoen Nakhon	B 1,600/person (including lunch and tour)

:: Bangkok 76 kms.
:: Ang Thong 31 kms.
:: Saraburi 63 kms.
:: Suphanburi 53 kms. Bang Sai Arts & Crafts Fair
:: January
:: The Royal Folk Arts & Crafts Center At Bang Sai
:: The annual fair showcases products of the SUPPORT project under H.M. the Queen's Royal Patronage. Visitors will enjoy shopping, and viewing exhibitions and a display of local products from each district of Ayutthaya province. Folk entertainment performances enliven the fair. :: April 13
:: In Front of Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit
:: The traditional Thai New Year is an occasion for merry making in Ayutthaya, with religious ceremonies as well as public festivities. Anyone who ventures out on the streets is likely to get a though soaking, but all in a spirit of fun and welcome at the peak of the hot season. :: November
:: The Royal Folk Arts & Crafts Center At Bang Sai
:: Celebrations include traditional float (Krathong) and beauty contests, handicrafts demonstrations and exhibitions, and krathong - launching beneath the full moon. :: November
:: In Front of Chantakasem National Museum
:: At the Loi Krathong Festival, little floats with candles are set adrift on the river under the full moon, creating a beautiful sight. :: December
:: Ayutthaya Historical park
:: The ancient Siamese capital of Ayutthaya was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1991. Ayutthaya celebrates its glorious past with historical exhibitions, traditional cultural processions and performances, light & sound presentations around city ruins, and numerous forms of entertainment.

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