Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
Once considered the most spectacular city on Earth, the ruins of the capital of the Kingdom Ayutthaya are now a major tourist attraction easily accessible from Bangkok by car, train, or boat as either a daytrip or overnight excursion.
Ayutthaya is one of Thailand’s historical and majestic highlights. The capital of Thailand, then known as the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya was a glorified as one of the biggest cities in Southeast Asia and a regional power for 417 years. The Kingdom of Ayutthaya reached its apex in terms of sovereignty, military might, wealth, culture, and international commerce in the 16th century, when the Kingdom’s territory extended into and beyond present-day Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar. Ayutthaya had diplomatic relations with Louis XIV of France and was courted by Dutch, Portuguese, English, Chinese and Japanese merchants. During the 17th century, most foreign visitors to Ayutthaya, traders and diplomats alike, claimed Ayutthaya to be the most illustrious and glittering city that they had ever visited. The map of Ayutthaya published in 1691 by Simon de la Loubere in Du Royaume De Siam is proof of such recognition. Visitors can explore and appreciate Thai history in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, which is only 86 kilometers north of Bangkok. Visitors to Ayutthaya can marvel at its grandeur reflected through numerous magnificent temples and ruins concentrated in and around the city, which is located upon an “island” surrounded by the Chao Phraya, Pa Sak and Lopburi Rivers. Although there are numerous attractions, the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park in the heart of Ayutthaya city, is a UNESCO’s World Heritage site and a wonder to behold.
Once the capital of the Thai Empire, Ayutthaya was a truly impressive city; with three palaces and over 400 temples, located on an island threaded by canals, it attracted traders and diplomats from both Europe and Asia. In 1767, 417 years after it was founded and 15 months after the siege began, the Kingdom of Ayutthaya was conquered and the city’s magnificent structures were almost completely destroyed by Burmese invaders. When King Taksin the Great finally liberated the Kingdom, a new dynasty was established and the capital was moved to Thonburi, across the river from modern-day Bangkok. The ruins that now remain, many of which have been painstakingly restored, have been granted World Heritage status by UNESCO. The architecture of Ayutthaya is a fascinating mix of Khmer and early Sukhothai styles. Some cactus-shaped obelisks, called prangs, denote Khmer influence and look something like the famous towers of Angkor Wat. The more pointed stupas are ascribed to the Sukhothai influence. Ayutthaya is only located about 90 kilometers from Bangkok and can be visited on a daytrip; however, if you appreciate history and religious and historical monuments, an overnight stay will allow for two full days of sightseeing, including a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya, past the illuminated Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park, and a visit to only of the city’s many other attractions, including the nearby Bang Sai Folk Arts and Craft Center.
Highlight Attractions
Wat Phra Si Sanphet
Built in 1491, Wat Phra Si Sanphet was the only temple located inside the compound of the Grand Palace, without resident monks—which is the original idea when King Chakri built the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, a no-monk royal temple in the Grand Palace in Bangkok. During the glory days of Ayutthaya Kingdom, this was the largest temple in the city. Ashes of some Ayutthaya kings were stored here. It was damaged and left abandoned after the collapse of Ayutthaya kingdom but the remaining structures still help us picture the temple at its former condition.
Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit
Been given several renovations so it looks new, but Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit is actually an ancient temple with a long history since Ayutthaya kingdom. Phra Mongkhon Bophit, a large bronze Buddha image, was originally enshrined outside the Grand Palace to the east until King Songtham commanded it to be transferred to the west (current location), and enshrined inside a Mondop (a tier-top atructure). Later in the reign of Phra Chao Suea, the top of the Mondop was damaged by lightning so the structure was reconstructed into its current form. The temple was severely damaged during the second Ayutthaya-Burmese war and left ruined until it was given a grand renovation in 1956 by following the form of its original structure. The space of on the east of the wihan was once used as a field for royal cremation ceremonies.
Wat Phra Mahathat
Located in front of the Grand Palace, this ancient temple was built in the reign of King Borom Rachathirat I to enshrine the holy relics of Lord Buddha. One highlight here is a small ordination hall where a head of a buddha image is hidden hugged by the roots of the tree (the temple was left abandoned after the collapse of Ayutthaya), making it's an exotic spot for photography.
Getting Around Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
Songtaew and tuk-tuk will go anywhere around Ayutthaya for 10 to 30 baht/person depending on the distance, destination. A tuk-tuk from the train station to any point in the old Ayutthaya zone is approximately 30 baht. Note that the trip on the island (old Ayutthaya city) itself costs 20 baht/trip maximum.
To tour the ruins, the most economical and ecological option is to rent a bicycle from one of the guesthouses (40 to 50 baht/day). Walking is also an option, but not recommended during the hot or rainy seasons.
It is possible to charter a samlor, tuk tuk or songtaew by the hour or by the day to explore the ruins but the prices are relatively high by Thai standards (150 baht/hour, or 500 baht for the entire day).
Another interesting way to explore the area is to charter a boat from Tha Chan Kasem (Chan Kasem Pier, next to Hua Ro Market) for a semicircular tour of the island that allows visitors to see some of the less accessible ruins. A long tailed boat with a capacity of up to 8 people can be hired for 400 baht for a 2 to 3 hour trip with stopovers at Wat Phutthaisawan, Wat Phanan Choeng and Wat Chai Wattnaram.
Minibus services operating from the railway station into the city are also available. Hiring a minibus within Ayutthaya costs 250 - 300 baht/day. If you wish to travel between Ayutthaya and Bang Pa - In, minibuses regularly leave Chao Prom Market (on Chao Prom Road). Daily schedules start from 6.30 a.m. with a fare of 30 baht. The trip takes approximately 50 minutes.
1. Fish sauce
First of all, grind the chillies. Add the dried chillies, Red onions and garlics into the mortar and then grinding. followed by Shrimp paste and grinding again. Then cut the tomatoes divide each into little pieces. So, they will be well-combined when we toss with the Minced pork. After cutting tomatoes, then put it into the other ingredients and Minced pork in a mortar and grind altogether. After grinding, scoop out of the mortar.
Basically, Nam Prik Ong is sweet , sour and a little salty, You can feel a little spicy, but not very much, You can cook this and keep in the fridge for a week,You can cook at lot at one time.
