Above: River view from a ruined temple at Ayuttaya. Photo by Neil Banas.

Ayutthaya (pop. 76,000) was the capital city of the Thai kingdom of Ayutthaya and one of the world's largest and most sophisticated cities until it was sacked by the Burmese in 1756.

Today, Ayutthaya is one of Thailand's greatest historical treasures, with abundant evidence of its former grandeur. As a bonus, it's easily reached in a day trip from Bangkok.

Much of the ancient city's architecture, art, and literature was destroyed in 1767 when Ayutthaya was sacked by Hsinbyushin of the Alaungpaya dynasty, but several temples still stand. The modern town of Ayutthaya is set among the ruins of the ancient city, and its treasures are preserved in the National Museum. Ayutthaya was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991.

Ayutthaya Map Our own detailed, interactive satellite map of Ayutthaya, plus links to more Ayutthaya maps. Ayutthaya Hotel Reviews Unbiased reviews, ratings and price comparisons on hotels in Ayutthaya from fellow travelers. Ayutthaya Travel Forum Travel advice and insider tips on Ayutthaya from those in the know.

Wat Chaiwattanaram An intact Khmer temple Wat Mahathat The most famous temple at Ayutthaya, best known for the Buddha head nestled in the roots of a tree near the entrance. Wat Na Phra Mane This temple across the river from the Royal Palace survived the destruction of the city. Its highlight is a black stone Buddha from the Mon period. Wat Phananchoeng Wat Phra Sri Sanphet the king's private chapel Wat Ratachaburana by Mahathat; well-restored Wat Yai Chai Mongkon white reclining Buddha Wihaan Phra Mongkol Bopit large bronze Buddha St. Joseph's Church French Catholic church

Sacred Destinations Home     About     Contact     Using Images     Advertise     Blog     Twitter     Privacy Policy
Stock photos of religious art and architecture available for licensing: Sacred Destinations Images
Except where indicated otherwise, all content and images © 2005-10 Sacred Destinations. All rights reserved.

Sacred Destinations is an online travel guide to sacred sites, pilgrimages, holy places, religious history, sacred places, historical religious sites, archaeological sites,
religious festivals, sacred sites, spiritual retreats, religious travel and spiritual journeys.
Free content for your Google homepage or website! Get the Sacred Destinations Daily Photo Gadget

Travel resources: Spiritual Tour Directory, Sightseeing Tours, Hotels, Travel Insurance
Popular categories: Ancient Mysteries, Biblical Sites, Cathedrals, Catholic Shrines, Footsteps of Jesus, Luther Sites
Popular sacred sites: Easter Island, Lourdes, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Oberammergau Passion Play, Shroud of Turin, Sistine Chapel, St. Mark's Basilica, St. Peter's Basilica, Stonehenge
Popular city guides: Rome, Ravenna, Ephesus, Assisi, Paris, Jerusalem
Popular maps: England Map, Italy Map, Jerusalem Map, London Map, Paris Map, Rome Map