Ayutthaya (city)

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Ayutthaya (full name Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thai: พระนครศรีอยุธยา; also spelled "Ayudhya") city is the capital of Ayutthaya province in Thailand. The city was founded in 1350 by King U-Thong and became capital of his kingdom. The king came to escape smallpox outbreak in Lop Buri. Often referred as the Ayutthaya kingdom or Siam. Ayutthaya was named after the city of Ayodhya in India, the birthplace of Rama in the Ramayana (Thai, Ramakien). In 1767 the city was destroyed by the Burmese army, and the ruins of the old city now form the Ayutthaya historical park, which is recognized internationally as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city was refounded a few kilometers to the east.

[edit] Ayutthaya Town Center

Ayutthaya Historical Study Center
Chan Kasem Palace
Chao Sam Phraya National Museum
St. Joseph's Church
Wang Luang
Wat Chai Watthanaram
Wat Lokaya Sutharam
Wat Mahathat
Wat Na Phra Men
Wat Phanan Choeng
Wat Phra Ram
Wat Phra Si Sanphet
Wat Phutthaisawan
Wat Ratchaburana
Wat Suwan Dararam
Wat Thammikarat
Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit

Ruins of Ayutthaya, Thailand

The city is located at the junction of the Chao Phraya, Lopburi and Pa Sak rivers, and on the main north-south railway linking Chiang Mai to Bangkok. The old city is on an island formed by a bend of the Chao Phraya on the west and south sides, the Pa Sak on the east side and, on the northern side, the Klong Maung canal.

Approximate centre of old city: 14°20′N 100°34′E