Thailand travel and tourism - Ayutthaya

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Introduction
The ancient city of Ayutthaya,or Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya,The Thai capital for 417 years, is one of Thailand's major tourist attractions. Many ancient ruins and art works can be seen in a city that was founded in 1350 by King U-Thong when the Thais were forced southwards by northern neighbours. During the period of Ayutthaya being the Thai capital, 33 Kings of different dynasties ruled the kingdom until it was sacked by the Burmese in 1767.

Ayutthaya is 76 kilometres north of Bangkok and boasts numerous magnificent ruins. Such ruins indicate that Ayutthaya was one of Indo - China's most prosperous cities. Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya a Historical Park, a vast stretch of historical site in the heart of Ayutthaya city, has been included in UNESCO's list of world heritage since 13 December ,1991.

Ayutthaya covers 2,556 square kilometres, and is administratively divided into 16 districts (Ampohes). It is conveniently accessible due to good roads and a short distance from Bangkok.

Distance from Ayutthaya city of nearby Provinces - Bangkok 76 kms. - Ang Thong 31 kms. - Saraburi 63 kms. - Suphanburi 53 kms.

Distance from Ayutthaya city to its districts - Bang Ban 10 kms. - Bang Pa Han 13 kms. - Bang Pa In 30 kms. - Ban Phraek 50 kms. - Bang Sai 40 kms. - Lat Bua Luang 56 kms. - Maharat 25 kms. - Nakorn Luang 20 kms. - Pha Chi 35 kms. - Phak Hai 29 kms. - Sena 20 kms. - Tha Rua 59 kms. - U-Thai 15 kms. - Wang Noi 20 kms.

History
Ayutthaya is an ancient city, founded by "King U- Thong or Ramathibodi I " in 1350. It was used as the capital of Thailand for 417 ,during the Ayutthaya period, 33 Kings of 5 Dynasties reigned over the Kingdom.

During the first 180 years , the city was peaceful. The main acitivity then was about the state affair and trading which made Ayutthaya one of the most prosperous city in ASIA. But nine years after King Ramathibodi ll's death in 1529 Ayutthaya became involved, for the first time , in a war with MYANMAR which led to many wars after that.

Ayutthaya was first defeated by the Burmese in 1569 , but 15 years later it was back to its glory agian by " King Naresuan the Great ". Ayutthaya was peaceful again and enjoyed the activities in foreign affairs for about 118 years. It came to its peak until it was invaded and destroyed beyond repair by the Burmese in1767


The capital was moved to Thonburi by "King Taksin the Great" who had fought agianst the Burmese and depeated them. After 15 years of King Taksin's reign. The capital was again moved to Bangkok by "King Rama the first". The founder of the present Chakri Dynasty.



Local flavor
Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya is well known for many distinctive handicrafts, Palm leaf fish mobiles and basketry, including Sand Stone Carvings-Imitation Antiques,knives and swords and doll.