Attraction Ayuttaya

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PHRANAKHONSIAYUTTHAYA

Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya This chapel is located to the south of Wat Phra Si Sanphet. A large bronze seated Buddha image (Phra Mongkhon Bophit) was originally enshrined outside the Grand Palace to the east. It could be dated to the 15th century and was originally intended to stand in the open air. Later, King Songtham commanded it to be transferred to the west, where it is currently enshrined and covered with a Mondop. In the reign of Phra Chao Sua, the top of the Mondop was burnt down by a fire due to a thunderbolt. The King then commanded that a new building be built in the form of a big sanctuary (Maha Wihan) to cover the image in lieu of the former Mondop. During the second fall of Ayutthaya, the building and the image were badly destroyed by fire. The present Viharn and Buddha image have been reconstructed and renovated. The open area located east of the Viharn was formerly Sanam Luang, where royal cremation ceremonies took place.

Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya In 1491, Wat Phra Si Sanphet was located inside the compound of the Grand Palace-the foundations of which are still visible-and served as the royal chapel, as Wat Phra Kaeo does in Bangkok. This Wang Lung Palace (Royal Palace) was built by King U-Thong upon the founding of the city. Used as a residential palace, it became a monastery in the reign of King Ramathibodi I. When King Borom Trai Lokanat commanded the construction of new living quarters, this residential palace was transformed into a temple,and the establishment of Wat Phra Si Sanphet. In Ayutthaya's heyday, this was the largest temple in the city. The three main chedis which have been restored contain the ashes of three Ayutthaya kings. The temple is situated at the northern end of Si Sanphet Road. The royal chapel does not have any monks and novice inhabitants. Admission fee is 20 bahts.

Wat Phanan Choeng, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Wat Phanan ChoengOverlooking the river on the opposite bank from the main city, Wat Phanan Choeng was founded shortly before the establishment of Ayutthaya as the Kingdoms capital. Its main building enshrines a huge, seated Buddha image, that is 57 feet tall an object of particular devotion to Thais of Chinese origin. This principal image called Phrachao Phananchoeng was built of stucco in the attitude of subduing evil in 1325. The temple is a popular stopover for riverboat cruises along the Maenam Chao Phraya. This temple can be reached by boat from the fortress ruins.

Wat Chaiwatthanaram, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Located on the bank of the Maenam Chao Phraya, to the west of the city island is Wat Chaiwatthanaram. Built in 1630 by King Prasat Thong to honor his mother, Wat Chai Wattanaram was conceived as a replica of the Angkor temple. A Royal monastery, the temples unique feature is a huge prang which is surrounded by smaller prangs. This symbolizes Mount Meru, the abode of the heavenly gods. Now restored, the temple is also accessible by a long-tailed boat trip from Chankasem Palace Pier. This 1-hour trip to the temple costs approximately 300-400 bahts (round-trip). Entry fee to the temple itself is 20 bahts.

Elephant Kraal Pavilion, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya The Pavilion, utilized as the royal seat to witness the elephant round up, is situated north of the city island. In the past wild elephants would be trained here to become war or transport animals. It is thought that in the Ayutthaya period the stockade was inside the city wall, but this one was built later and was used up until the Bangkok period. In the middle of the stockade is a shrine where the elephant guardian is supposed to reside. Posts made of whole timbers form the fence where elephants were tied up during the training. An elephant round-up was demonstrated here in 1890, during the reign of King Rama V, for the benefit of the Tsarevitch, who later became Nicholas II of Russia, during his visit to Siam.

Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Craft Centr..., Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Located on the left bank of the Chao Phraya River in Tambon Bueng Yai, Amphoe Bang Sai. Farmers from Ayutthaya as well as from other provinces undergo training in folk arts and crafts here. At this centre, you will have a glimpes of how farmers in the four regions live and work ; how their products of arts and crafts are produced. The centre is under the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques (SUPPORT) which was established under Royal Patronage on the 21st July, 1976. Products and activities which can be seen here are Fern Vien Basketry, Weaving Basketry, Artificial Flowers, Hand-Woven Silk and Cotton, Silk Dyeing, Wood Carving, Miniature Hand - Modelled Thai Dolls, Furniture Making, Cloth-Made Products, etc. All the products are sold at the Centre and in every branch of Chitralada Store. The Centre covers a total area of approximately 1,000 rai and houses several places of interest including: Sala Phra Ming Khwan is a 4-storey applied Thai building with 4 porches, towering in the heart of the Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre. The first floor houses arts and crafts demonstration and shops displaying as well as selling products from the Centre and other arts and crafts centres throughout the country. The second and third floors exhibit the Centre’s masterpieces of the arts and crafts products, and the fourth floor accommodates meetings and seminars. Open daily during 9.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. on weekdays and 9.00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m. on holidays. Admission is free. Arts and Crafts Village The establishment of this village was supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in order to showcase different aspects of architecture of the Thai houses in various regions of the country as well as their ways of living and culture. Lifestyle and handicraft demonstrations are provided daily between 8.30 a.m.–5.00 p.m. on weekdays and 9.00 a.m.–7.00 p.m. on weekends. Thai classical dances and folk entertainment of the 4 regions are performed during 4.30–5.30 p.m. on weekends and national holidays. The village also offers a traditional Thai wedding ceremony of the Central Region which is to include a religious rite, a procession of the groom’s presents for the bride or Khan Mak, a lustral water pouring ceremony, venue decorations, music as well as food and beverage for guests and relatives. For more details, contact the Arts and Crafts Village at Tel. 0 3536 6666-7, 08 9132 0303 (Khun Atchara). Arts and Crafts Training Buildings They are situated in the heart of the Centre and comprise various divisions of arts and crafts. The Centre currently provides 29 divisions of arts and crafts training for farmers from all regions of the country to be their supplementary occupations out of the farming season. Visitors can have a look at all stages of the elaborate arts and crafts production. Open daily between 9.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m. during training periods. One Thousand-armed Kwan Yin Bodhisattva The 6-metre high image of the one thousand-armed Kwan Yin Bodhisattva was carved out of yellow sandalwood and presented to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej on the auspicious occasion of his 6th cycle birthday anniversary by Mr. Tu Zhia on behalf of the Chinese people. His Majesty had the image enshrined in a temporary shrine at the elephant pavilion – Sala Rong Chang - within the Centre for the public to pay respect daily during 9.00 a.m.–5.00 p.m. Phra Tamnak is a royal residence for Their Majesties the King and the Queen and their royal children built into a traditional Thai house of Central Thailand with an open basement, using construction materials available locally and surrounded by a beautiful garden and miniature waterfall. Wang Pla is an aquarium displaying freshwater fish constructed and administered by the Department of Fisheries. The main building contains two large aquariums; one is of a bean shape with a capacity of 1,400 tons, the other of a round shape with a capacity of 600 tons, both accommodating various species of freshwater fish native to Thailand. Open during 10.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m. and closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Suan Nok is a bird park operated by the Wildlife Fund Thailand under the Royal Patronage of H.M. the Queen. There are two large aviaries providing nests for more than 30 species of rare birds within natural-like environments including an artificial stream and waterfall as well as forest. There is a suspension bridge for visitors to have a look and take photos of the birds from on top of the aviaries. Other wild animals are also to be seen nearby. Open daily during 9.00 a.m. – 7.00 p.m. Admission is 20 Baht for adults and 10 Baht for children. Bang Sai Arts and Crafts Centre is open during 8.30 a.m.–5.00 p.m. on weekdays and 8.30 a.m.–6.00 p.m. on weekends and national holidays. Admission is 100 Baht for adults and 50 Baht for children. Visit the Arts and Crafts Village, “Wang Pla” – Thailand’s largest freshwater fish aquarium, arts and crafts training buildings, “Sala Phra Ming Khwan” – a modern Thai building where the Centre’s products are on sale, pay respect to the one thousand-armed Kwan Yin Bodhisattva at the elephant pavilion and take a mini-train free of charge around the Centre. For more information, Tel. 0 3536 6252-4, 0 3528 3246-9 or click www.bangsaiarts.com. How to Get to Bang Sai Arts and Crafts Centre By Car : 1. Route 1 Highway No.9 (Western Ring Road), from Highway No.345 intersection (Amphoe Bang Bua Thong), which is also accessible from Suphan Buri – Taling Chan, or Pathum Thani via Sam Khok elevated intersection – across the Chao Phraya River – turn left at Bo Sa Intersection – straight on to the Centre. 2. Route 2 Highway No.306 (Tiwanon Road) from Pak Kret Intersection – Suan Somdet Intersection – Pak Khlong Rangsit Intersection – Bang Phun Intersection – turn right into Highway No.347 (Pathum Thani – Bang Pahan) at Pathum Thani Technological College Intersection via Chiang Rak Noi Intersection – turn left at Chiang Rak Noi elevated intersection and straight pass Bo Sa Intersection – U turn under the bridge across the Chao Phraya River – turn left at Bo Sa Intersection – straight on to the Centre. 3. Route 3 Pak Kret – Bang Pa-in Expressway – out of the expressway and straight pass Bo Sa Intersection – U turn under the bridge across the Chao Phraya River – turn left at Bo Sa Intersection – straight on to the Centre. 4. Route 4 Highway No.1 (Phahon Yothin Road) from Rangsit, or the North or Northeast – via Bang Pa-in elevated intersection into Highway No.9 (Western Ring Road) – straight pass Chiang Rak Noi elevated intersection – pass Bo Sa Intersection – U turn under the bridge across the Chao Phraya River – turn left at Bo Sa Intersection – straight on to the Centre. 5. Route 5 Asia Highway from Bang Pahan – Ayutthaya along Highway No.347 (Pathum Thani – Bang Pahan) – across the Chao Phraya River – turn right at Chiang Rak Noi elevated intersection–straight pass Bo Sa Intersection – U turn under the bridge across the Chao Phraya River – turn left at Bo Sa Intersection–straight on to the Centre. 6. Route 6 Highway No.3309 (Bang Pa-in–Chiang Rak Noi), from Asia Highway, or Ayutthaya, via Bang Pa-in Paper Manufacture – under the bridge of the Chao Phraya River – turn left at Bang Sai Pier – straight on to the Centre. By Train : Take a train running from Hua Lamphong (Bangkok Railway Station) to Bang Pa-in Railway Station daily every hour starting from 06.40-22.00 hrs. Then, connect a Song Thaeo or mini-bus to Bang Sai Arts and Crafts Centre. Bangkok Railway Station , Tel. 1690, 0 2220 4334 or click www.railway.co.th. By Bus : Take a Public Buse no.838 (Rangsit-Bang Sai Arts and Crafts Centre) leaving from Bangkok from the Future Park Rangsit Bus Stop on Phahonyothin Road to Bang Sai starting 06.00-21.00 hrs. or take a bus from the Northern Bus Terminal on Kamphaeng Phet Road to Bang Pa-in. Then, connect a Song Thaeo or mini-bus to Bang Sai Arts and Crafts Centre. For more details, please call Tel. 0 2936 2852-66 or click www.transport.co.th and Ayutthaya Bus Terminal, Tel. 0 3533 5304 By Boat : Cruise to Ayutthaya The luxurious cruise from Bangkok to the former capital of Ayutthaya is operated by Chao Phraya Princess Cruise Tel: 0 2860 3700, Horizon Cruise Tel: 0 2236 7777, River Sun Cruise Tel: 0 2266 9316, 266 9125-6, Manohra Tel: 0 2476 021-2, and Grand Pearl Tel: 0 2861 0255-60.

Wat Ratburana, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya King Borom Rachathirat II (Chao Sam Phraya) built a temple on the site where his two elder brothers were cremated. His two brothers died in a power struggle to succeed their father, King Nakhon In who died in 1424. A series of bell-shaped chedis surround the main prang and a large oblong-shaped viharn is situated at the front. The architectural style evolved from the Khmer prasat, but has been adapted by the addition of a higher multi-layered base and an extended upper section. More corners were added to the main body and the tower section was extended to become corn-shaped. The antefixes, on the other hand, were attached to the body of the tower instead of leaving a decent gap between them which was common in Khmer prasats. These two temples are separated by Naresuan Road. The Admission fee for each site is 20 bahts.

Chedi Phra Si Suriyothai, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya This pagoda is situated at the original site of the Rear Palace, in the west of the city. It is a memorial to Somdet Phra Suriyothai, who was the royal consort of Phra Mahachakkaraphat and the first heroine in Thai history. When the Burmese army intruded in 1548, Somdet Phra Suriyothai, clad in a warrior's suit, interrupted the fighting between the King and Phrachao Prae of Burma and was cut to death. Her death saved Ayutthaya from another attack from the Burmese.

Chao Sam Phraya National Museum, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya This museum is perfect for history buffs who admire fine arts and handicraft of the Ayutthaya period. Housed in the museum are various original antiques, mostly made of gold and decorated with precious jewels. In addition, there are various antique bronze Buddha images and famous carved panels. Of note is a receptacle in the Thai Pavilion that contains relics of the Lord Buddha and other objects of art that are over 500 years old. The museum which is located on Rochana Road, opposite the city wall is open daily, except Mondays, Tuesdays and national holidays, from 09.00 a.m. until 4.00 p.m. (Admission fee is 10 Bahts). For more information, call: 0 3524 1587

Royal Palace, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya The Royal Palace of Ayutthaya, which is now known as the Old Palace, is situated next to the northern section of the city wall. King Borom Trailokanath turned the palace, which was built in 1350 by King U-Thong, the first sovereign of the kingdom, into a monastery (Wat Phra Si Sanpet) in 1448 when he declared the three grand wooden prasats built by King U-Thong as a phuttawat or religious zone. King Borom Trailokanath then extended the palace grounds further north towards the Lopburi River, which was then used as the city's moat. Several halls have been built since then. Places of interest in the Royal Palace are as follows:- Sanphet Prasat Hall King Borom Trailokanath built this hall which was used as a reception hall for foreign visitors as a sister to the Benjarat Maha Prasat Hall. This prasat-style hall had long porticoes both at the front and the back, with shorter ones on the sides and a small Mondop situated on a mini balcony on the front portico. Tin sheets covered the roof and bralee or small spikes decorated its ridges. In addition, there was a tall spire on top of the roof. On both sides of this hall were stables that housed the white elephants. When Ayutthaya fell to the Burmese the hall was burnt down and only its brick and mortar foundations survives. King Rama IV, desirous of honoring the Kings of Ayutthaya, sent a team of officials from Bangkok to built a small prasat on the foundation of Sanphet Prasat Hall and planned to install a plaque inscribed with the names of all Ayutthaya's kings. However, he died before the construction was completed. In 1907 King Rama V had the unfinished prasat pulled down and built a ceremonial pavilion instead. Chakawat Paichayon Hall King Prasat Thong built this prasat-style hall in 1632 on the inside wall of the palace towards the east. In this hall the king received an envoy sent by the Burmese King to protest King Prasat Thong's proposal to reform the calendar. During the Bangkok period, King Rama I built a pavilion on top of the outer-wall of the palace in the same manner and it was used to view the processions or the military exercises. Trimuk Hall This building, which is believed to be the garden house inside the inner court, is located behind Sanphet Prasat Hall but its date of construction is unknown. The name was first mentioned in the reign of King Borom Rachathirat II in 1427 when it was destroyed by fire. It is believed that the original hall was a wooden structure built on top of a plain foundation and the floor was covered with terracotta slabs. It was a long twin building similar to Sanphet Prasat Hall. The original foundation is still visible. When King Rama V celebrated the 40th anniversary of his coronation in 1907 he had wooden models of various Ayutthayan halls built on top of the original sites and one of which was built on top of the foundation of Trimuk Hall. In addition, when King Rama VI and King Rama VII ascended to the throne they conducted religious rites in honor of the former Kings in Trimuk Hall and in 1953, the Fine Arts Department renovated the Hall.

Thai Boat Museum, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya The museum is located at the residence of its founder, Mr. Phaithun Khaomala, a renowned Thai boat modeller and former boat builder. Inspired by their beauty and relationship to the lives of Thai people, Mr. Phaithun dedicated a part of his residence to preseving what he holds to be fine examples of the country's treasured traditions. On display are a wide range of models from his large and exquisite collection, make in teak. Included in the collection are more than 100 models boats delicately made by hand. They range from Thai and Chinese junks to other traditional Thai boats and ocean liners. Among the most impressive items in the collection are models of Thailand's famous Royal Barges. As some of them are rarely seen nowadays, the museum is considered a must-visit. Open daily from 8.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m. Call 0 3524 1195 for more information. The Thai Boat Museum is situated opposite Wat Mahathat, Bang Iean Road.

Prasat Nakhon Luang, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya This ruin of the royal residence for summer retreats is on the east bank of the Pasak River. It was used by various Kings of Ayutthaya as a temporary camp en route a visit to the Lord Buddha’s Footprint in Saraburi or a trip to Lopburi. Prince Damrong surmised that this residence was built during the reign of King Song Tham when the Footprint was discovered. The original building was later strengthened with brick and plaster during the reign King Prasat Thong. According to the royal annals, King Prasat Thong sent artists to Khmer in 1631 to copy the plan of a Khmer prasat from the capital city of Angkor Thom, hence the name Phra Nakhon Luang. However, only a simplified version of the original prasat was constructed and is currently a part of a temple where the monks help to keep the building in a state of good repair. Aranyik Village The name "Aranyik" is traditionally related to the history of the Ayutthaya period, when wars were fought in hand-to-hand battles. Aranyik village emerged as a place where sword smiths specialised in battle swords worked. To this day, Aranyik Village remains at the forefront as the country’s leading producer of hand made, high-quality knives and swords Now also noted for its five-star OTOP products, Aranyik has diversified its product range to suit modern-day markets and requirements. Cutlery, dinnerware and other table accessories are produced and exported. These represent another great tradition that thrives even in modern times. Production is in the villages of Ban Ton Pho and Ban Pai Nong. However, the OTOP Village is located at Ban Sarai, Tha Chang Sub-District, Nakhon Luang District. It is here that visitors can take a closer look at how Aranyik knives and other related products and made while exploring the villagers’ remarkably charming traditional way of life. Homestay accommodation is available. To Get There The village is now accessible by bus from Chao Phrom Market in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. Take the bus with a sign reading “Ayutthaya–Tha Ruea”, which runs along the Asia Highway (Highway No.32) towards Nakhon Sawan, pass beyond Somdet Phra Sangkharat Hospital for about 100 metres, turn left under the bridge across the Pa Sak River towards Amphoe Nakhon Luang and follow the direction signs. A boat trip is also available from in front of Chanthara Kasem Palace backward against the Pa Sak River via the Military Arsenal Department’s explosives plant and Amphoe Nakhon Luang, respectively. The boat trip takes approximately 2 hours.

Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Located to the Southeast of the island, this temples lofty chedi is visible from most of the town. The monastery was built in 1900 by King U-thong who granted the temple with the name Wat Pa Kaew. The intention was to create a center of Buddhist studies (Ceylonese Sect). As the temple used to be headed by a patriarch, local people also called it Wat Chao Phraya Thai. The present name was given granted to the temple by King Naresuan to commemorate a battle fought against the Crown Prince of Burma in 1592. His momentous victory a single-handed combat on the elephant back brought independence to Ayutthaya after 15 years as a Burmese dependent. Within the complex is a huge image of a reclining Buddha in brick and stucco. The chedi is bell-shaped, about 60 meters high, constructed on a mound of raised ground (15 X 32.4 X 32.4 m.) with steps going up to the Buddhist image placed midway to the top. The chedi itself now has a distinct tilt, but still can be entered via the stairs. The Ubosot or ordination hall is windowless but ventilated by pierced holes stretching down the roof on both walls. Also situated in the compound is King Naresuans statue, which is highly revered by Thais. Admission fee is 20 bahts.

Wat Phra Ram, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Wat Phra Ram Though founded in 1369, the ruins of Wat Phra Ram date mostly from its restoration in the 15th century. Its main feature is a well-proportioned prang situated on a stepped terrace adorned with chedis. Some of the prang's stucco decorations, including Buddha images in the walking and standing poses, still remain

Wat Phra Mahathat and Wat Ratburana, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Wat Phra Mahathat and Wat Ratburana Wat Mahathat is located in front of the Grand Palace to the east, next to Pa Than Bridge. The temple is believed to be one of Ayutthaya's oldest temples, possibly built by King Boromaraja I (1370-88). Its central prang, of which only the base remains, once rose to a height of 165 feet. Traces of the original stucco decorations can still be seen on some of the surrounding chedis.

Japanese Village, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Tambon Ko Rian. In the late 16th Century A.D., there were more foreign commercial traders coming to Ayutthaya. Japanese merchandisers were also permitted to sail their junks to trade with foreigners. A number of them came to Ayutthaya and were granted royal permission by the Thai king at that time to settle around the city island of the Ayutthaya Kingdom like the traders of other nationalities. There were more and more Japanese coming to Ayutthaya ever since. A Japanese headman at that time was Nagamaza Yamada. He was a favourite of King Song Tham and was appointed Okya Senaphimuk before being promoted to be the Ruler of Nakhon Si Thammarat where he lived till the end of his life. A statue of Mr. Nagamaza and an inscription on the historical background of the village in the Ayutthaya period were erected by the Thai-Japanese Association, with a building exhibiting the relations between the Kingdom of Ayutthaya and foreign countries. Open during 8.00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m. Admission is 20 Baht. To get there, turn left at the Chedi Wat Sam Pluem Roundabout for approximately 2.5 kilometres via Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon towards Amphoe Bang Pa-in. For more information, please call Tel. 0 3524 5336.

Khun Phaen House, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Khun Phaen House is a Thai-style house that conforms to descriptions in a popular Thai literary work. Khun Phaen’s house is located on Pathon Road, Tambon Pratuchai, near Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit, which has a total area of 5 rai, is located within the area of the Ayutthaya liquor plant adjacent to Chedi Phra Si Suriyothai. Within the area is a common building, a Somdet Phra Si Suriyothai pavilion, a mound with marble Semas (boundary stones of a temple) aged over 400 years where the fragmented parts of Buddha images taken from Wat Phutthaisawan were buried, etc. The Liquor Distillery Organization, who sponsored the construction of the park, wished to devote all good deeds in transforming the former inner part of the royal compound to all of the late kings who used to live here. King Rama IX graciously named the park Suan Si Suriyothai on 25 May, 1989 and conferred the park to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit on the eve of her 60th anniversary. The park is open daily to the public from 9.00 a.m. until 5.00 p.m.

Portuguese Village, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya This village is located in Tambon Samphao Lom, on the west bank of the Maenam Chao Phraya to the south of the city. The Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive at Ayutthaya in 1151. Antique objects, tobacco pipes, coins and accessories for religious ceremonies have been found at the site.