Founded in 1350 AD by King U-Thong or Ramathibodi, Ayutthaya remained the capital of Thailand for 417 years during which it was ruled by 33 kings and 5 dynasties. During the first 180 years, the city was among one of the most prosperous cities in Asia. After nine years of the death of Ramathibodi II in 1529 AD, Ayutthaya was in war with Burma (Myanmar) for the first time, which was followed by many others. first defeated in 1569 AD by Burma, Ayutthaya fought back its lost glory under the reign of King Naresuan. Ayutthaya enjoyed peace and prosperity once more for next 118 years before the one more Burmese attack in 1767 AD, which led to the destruction of the city beyond repair.

During the prime of its splendor, within the 12 km enclosure of the city of Ayutthaya were three palace complexes and 400 Wats. The principle tourist attractions in Ayutthaya are:

Ancient Palace

King U- Thong built the original palace in the 14th century AD, which was extended over the years by the subsequent rulers. Only the foundation, doorways and walls of the palace were left when the palace was completely destroyed in 1767 AD. Later during the reign of Chulalongkrn in 1907 AD, the Tri Muk Building was reconstructed in its original style.

Grand Palace

The Grand Palace, presently known as the 'Ancient Palace' is the residential palace of every king. Located close to the city wall of Ayutthaya, the important buildings with the Grand Palace complex are Wihan Somdet Hall, Chakkrawat Phaichayon Hall, Sanpet Prasat Hall, Banyong Rattanat Hall, City Wall and Gate, Phiman Rattaya Hall, Phlapphla Chaturamuk and Trimuk Hall.

Phisai Sanyalak Hall

Phisai Sanyalak Hall is a four storey high tower located on the western side of the Grand Palace. Constructed originally during the reign of King Narai, the hall was demolished during the second attack of Ayutthaya. It was reconstructed exactly similar to the original hall during the rule of the fourth king. King Rama IV used the Tower to observe the stars. The palace is now a National Museum with exhibits like chinaware, traditional weapons, Buddha images, sculptures, votive tablets and personal belongings of King Rama IV are on display.

Chankasem or Front Palace

King Maha Thammaraja, the 17th king of Ayutthaya, built the Chankasem or the Front Palace on the bank of Pasak River as a residence for his son King Naresuan. Like other structures, this palace was also destroyed during the Burmese attack and was left in ruined condition for a long time. King Mongkut of the reigning Chakri Dynasty undertook the re-construction of Chankasem to use it as his residence during his occasional visits to Ayutthaya.

Wang Lang or the Rear Palace

Located in the vicinity of the western city wall of Ayutthaya, Wang Thang or the Rear Palace was originally planned and build as the garden where the king made frequent visits. There was only one residential building in the whole of the region and more buildings were constructed at the orders of King Maha Thammaracha to convert the garden into a palace that would be the residence of King Ekathosarot. Over the years, Wang Lang or the Rear Palace became the only residence of royal family.

Elephant Kraal Pavilion

Located 4 km from Ayutthaya on Highway No. 309, Elephant Kraal Pavilion was the royal seat used to enjoy the spectacle of the elephants. The structure is a big cage surrounded with logs. The Kraal is also surrounded by an earthen wall with bricks raised up to the pillar top. The pavilion is set behind the Kraal and in front of the front fencing line. The Kraal Pavilion was last renovated in 1957.

Wihan Phramongkhon Bopit

Originally placed outside the Grand Palace towards the east, Phramongkhon Bopit is a huge bronze cast Buddha image. It was shifted towards the west and crowned with a Mondop, where it is situated at present, at the fancy of the King Songtham. During the reign of Phra Chao Sua, a fires caused by thunderbolt burnt the top of the Mondop. The King then initiated the construction of a new building to be built like a big sanctuary or Maha Wihan to replace the image that was badly destroyed by fire. The image presently placed there is the renovated one but it does not possess such refined craftsmanship as the earlier image. The open area towards the east of the sanctuary or Wihan was the erstwhile Sanam Luang where the royal cremation ceremonies took place.

  Important festivals of Ayutthaya are:

  Bang Sai Arts and Crafts Fair
  Songkran Festival
  Bang Sai Loi Krathong (Festival of Lights) and International Boat Racing
  Ayutthaya Loi Krathong
  Ayutthaya World Heritage Site Celebration

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