The
Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya or Ayutthaya in short,
is one of Thailand's historical and majestic
highlights. Serving as the Thai capital for
417 years (1350 1767: Kingdom of Ayutthaya),
it was once glorified as one of the biggest
cities in Southeast Asia. During the 17th
century, mos t
foreign visitors to Ayutthaya, traders or
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.
The Kingdom of Ayutthaya reached its apex
in terms of sovereignty, military might, wealth,
culture, and international commerce in the
16th century when the Kingdoms territory was
extended far beyond present-day Laos, Cambodia,
and Myanmar. Ayutthaya even had diplomatic
relations with Louis XIV of France and was
courted by Dutch, Portuguese, English, Chinese
and Japanese merchants.
Visitors can explore and appreciate Thai history
in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, which is situated
only 86 kilometers north of Bangkok. Visitors
to Ayutthaya can marvel at its grandeur reflected
through numerous magnificent structures and
ruins concentrated in and around the city
island surrounded by Maenam Chao Phraya, Maenam
Pa Sak and Maenam Lopburi.
More
importantly,Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical
Park, an extensive historical site in the
heart of Ayutthaya city, has been included
in UNESCO's World Heritage list since 13
December, 1991.
Hotels
and Resorts in Ayuthaya coming soon...
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