The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognized the historic city of Ayutthaya in Thailand as a World Cultural Heritage site in 1991.
Located 76 km north of Bangkok, the historic city of Ayutthaya spans a vast area of over 289 hectares. It is truly a magnificent city and one of the most captivating historical sites in Thailand. At the same time, Ayutthaya is also one of the most alluring cultural heritage sites in Thailand due to the splendor of its four centuries of history, which is reflected in hundreds of architectural structures, primarily built of red baked clay.
Ayutthaya was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site in December 1991. The grandeur of the ancient city is reflected in many magnificent architectural works and ruins, most of which are constructed from exposed red bricks, scattered across a land surrounded by three rivers: the Chao Phraya, Lop Buri, and Pa Sak. Perhaps that is why Ayutthaya is remembered by many tourists as an oasis of riverside temples.
The history of Thailand is divided into several periods: Sukhothai (1238-1438), Ayutthaya – which absorbed the essence of Sukhothai culture and thrived for over 400 years from 1350 to 1767, Thon Bori (1767-1782), and Rattanakosin (1782 to present). The ancient city of Ayutthaya, also known as Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, served as the capital of Thailand for 417 years.
The ancient city was founded in 1350 by King U-Thong and was occupied and devastated by Burmese forces in 1767, marking the end of the Ayutthaya period. There were 33 kings who ruled the dynasty and built Ayutthaya into a magnificent capital in the past. Ayutthaya boasted a highly developed agricultural sector and thriving trade relations with both Eastern and Western nations.
Throughout its history, the dynasty constantly faced invasions from neighboring countries, particularly Burma. In 1758, the country was shaken by a royal power struggle, which led to a disastrous defeat in the war with the Burmese in 1767. The Burmese army, during their invasion of the capital, ordered the burning and destruction of many grand architectural structures of the Ayutthaya dynasty. The remaining ruins of the ancient city now form the Ayutthaya Historical Park.
The complex of ruins is quite diverse and remains relatively intact, such as the Wat Phra Chao Phya-thai monastery located in the southeast of the ancient city. The large stupa of the monastery, built in 1357 for monks returning from studying in Sri Lanka, can be seen from within the city. In 1592, a large temple was constructed here with the concept that this gigantic architectural structure would correspond to the grand temple of Wat Pukhao Thong (built during the earlier Sukhothai period). The architectural complex of Wat Yai Chaimongkhon includes monasteries, stupas, and temples, featuring the largest stupa and two gigantic Buddha statues next to a centuries-old frangipani tree.
In the historical park, there are many groups of temples and stupas, each group representing a microcosm with a sacred mountain at the center symbolizing the “cosmic axis”, and walls representing the boundaries of the universe and the endless ocean… The largest stupa in the complex rises 35 meters high, with steep staircases on all four sides leading to the top. From the corridor surrounding the largest stupa, one can observe a vast space bathed in sunlight extending to the horizon and the entire ancient city. Eight smaller stupas are located at the four corners of the square and four corners of the rectangle, connected by long corridors lined with 120 Buddha statues in meditative poses. Most of the sandstone statues have lost their heads due to destruction during the wars with Myanmar in the mid-18th century. Observing and taking photographs with these statues is a highly impressive moment, leaving an unforgettable impression on many tourists.
The capital of Ayutthaya is also known as the “city of ruins” due to hundreds of walls, towers, and temples that have collapsed, remaining only partially or completely destroyed down to their foundations… all of which are carefully preserved. Some structures have been partially restored with new materials but do not evoke any discomfort as they have been meticulously reconstructed down to the smallest details. Other temples and stupas have been almost entirely reconstructed, including the gigantic Buddha statues. Yet, all of them harmoniously coexist with one another and the surrounding natural landscape. Restoration efforts have been ongoing for decades, with many generations of scientists patiently rediscovering every piece of what time has taken away.
Ayutthaya is also considered a Cultural Heritage Park due to the lush greenery of ancient trees and smooth lawns interspersed among the architectural ruins, creating a fresh and tranquil atmosphere. The streets and historical sites are very clean. Ayutthaya is also dubbed an oasis of riverside temples along the Chaophraya River.
Today, the historic city of Ayutthaya is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Thailand. People come here not only to visit a cultural heritage site but also to connect with Buddhism, bridging the present and past, and to rediscover peace and tranquility within their souls.
