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Ayutthaya Travel Guide - with Wired Destinations
Ayutthaya Travel Info – with Wired Destinations
Ayutthaya History
 King U-Thong found a realm called Ayutthaya which had been prosperous with a total of 33 kings of 5 dynasties who ruled the kingdom dominating over Indochina for 417 years. Defense and trades had strengthened the empire’s development throughout centuries. A web of waterways nourishing Ayutthaya also brought the nickname “Venice of the Orient”. M. de la Lubere’s archives, a French diplomat representing Louis XIV, who came to the Ayutthayan court of King Narai remarked that the contours of the city looked like a pocket of gold. Unfortunately, the kingdom's glorious time ended when Burmese troops successfully invaded in 1767.
Praya Taksin later conquered the fallen empire. Concerned about a great loss of the realm, he decided to move southward. A new capital was strategically established and named Thonburi, which lasted until 1782. The Rattanokosin era dawned after Chao Phaya Chakri was crowned as King Rama I of the incumbent Chakri dynasty. During King Mongkut’s reign, he initiated the renovation of one of the Ayutthayan mansions as a memorial to the deceased rulers of the kingdom. King Rama IV also embarked on historical land preservation. In 1982, the historical site Ayutthaya was officially restored by the Thailand Fine Arts Department, concurrent with Rattanakosin’s Bicentennial Celebration. The historic City of Ayutthaya was declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.
Getting around Ayutthaya
 Starting from Bangkok, various means of travel are available. If time and costs are an issue, a bus might be the best choice. But for those who seek a relaxed journey, lingering on a train or boat upcountry is preferable.
Trains
The Thailand railway is the state-owned and the only rail operator in the country. From Hua Lamphong Station in Bangkok, a northern route commences numerous daily trips starting before dawn and arriving in the north around midnight, stopping at Ayutthaya and Bang Pa-In stations. One-trip fare rates, according to classes, range from 11 to 66 Baht.
Travelers can return to past times by means of a stream-locomotive-powered train. A one-day trip around Ayutthaya on special occasions celebrating various anniversaries, i.e. on March 26, the Queen’s Birthday on August 12, October 23 on King Chulalongkorn Memorial Day, as well as King Bhumibol’s Birthday on December 5.
Boats
Several cruises regularly head upstream toward Ayutthaya on Chao Phraya River. Passengers can take pleasure in urban views of briskness and rural surroundings along the way. Passengers have the choice of a one-day boat trip on Sundays carried out by an express boat without food service or indulge in a luxurious atmosphere on hotel boat cruises.
Buses and vans
Buses are relatively cheap and fast, available at the Northern (Mochit) Bus Terminal in Bangkok. Starting at 6 am to 1 pm every day; buses depart half-hourly and take almost 90 minutes to arrive at Muang or Bangsai Arts & Crafts Center of Ayutthaya.
The latest transport option is a van to Ayutthaya which waits for passengers at the roundabout of Victory Monument. It leaves when all seats are filled. This way of traveling is faster but probably less comfortable.
There are provincial air-conditioned buses, pick-up trucks and Tuk-tuk (motored rickshaw) going around Ayutthaya. For those who care for a little work-out while Ayutthaya sightseeing, bicycles are available for rent.
Ayutthaya is following a recent trend with respect to accommodation, home-stay, which simply allows travelers to be close to the locals’ life. Of course there are also Ayutthaya hotels and guesthouses which range in price and place.
Ayutthaya Activities
 Ayutthaya Culture - Temples
Having garnered World Heritage fame, numerous ruins of palace and Ayutthaya temples with beautifully crafted Buddhist sculptures and stucco art stand in the heart of Ayutthaya. To appreciate, visitors may ride an elephant or horse-drawn carriage to go around the islet apart from nature-friendly cycling. Or step onto a long-tail boat and let fresh river wind brush your hair while your eyes stay focused on scenery reflecting a bond between its inhabitants and the rivers.
Ayutthaya has something for everyone when it comes to interesting Ayutthaya sites and attractions. Centuries of history will provide ample input for the knowledge hungry.
Ayutthaya Shopping
Not only historical sites but traditional crafts are also what travelers will encounter when visiting Ayutthaya. There are plenty of village crafts, some of which are traditionally-made weapons, bamboo-woven fans and miniature clay dolls.
Especially at Bangsai Arts and Crafts Center, assorted creations made by skillful farmers are displayed, offering their amazing quality at reasonable prices.
There is an Ayutthaya weekend market with a retro atmosphere of Thai-style wooden houses in Bang Pa-In. Organic vegetable and fruit produce as well as a variety of food are sold by vendors wearing olden Thai period costumes.
All year round festivals are highlights in the former Capital of Siam. Find a calendar to the most popular ones here, Ayutthaya Insider Tips
Ayutthaya Dining
In Ayutthaya, seafood dishes popularly occupy most restaurant tables. As the province benefits from surrounding waterways, bountiful fresh water life is flavored into original Thai foods and international cuisine. Several Ayutthaya restaurants serve up scrumptious dishes while allowing for wonderfully panoramic views of the crooked rivers. Customers can enjoy dining cruise service depending on the restaurant of choice.
Food stalls are also worth a try whenever your stomach growls. A wide variety of noodles, a stick of grilled pork balls in coconut cream and ice-cream are inexpensive and tasty. And you can have a small picnic in the shade of a tree.
Ayutthaya Nightlife
Silence and peace falls upon Ayutthaya when the moon rises. However, ‘Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park’ becomes magical at night as the site is dipped in colorful lights. Also, night markets, restaurants and bars welcome everyone for a chill out.
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