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Formally known as Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, the ancient
city
of Ayutthaya, was founded in 1350 by King U-Thong and remained the
capital city of the Kingdom of Siam for 417 years, (from 1350 to 1767.)
 During
this time, 33 kings of various Siamese dynasties reigned in Ayutthaya, each
contributing to the the Kingdom's many cultural treasures. However it was
during the reign of His Majesty King Narai the Great that the Kingdom of
Siam established international diplomatic and trade ties with many western
countries such as France, Holland, Portugal and Spain.
During its heyday, international trade flourished with Dutch, Portuguese,
French, English, Chinese and Japanese sea-faring traders sailing up the Chao
Phraya River, the River Of Kings, to this ancient capital. Ayutthaya was one
of Asia's most prosperous cities with a proliferation of magnificent
temples, palaces and pavillions signifying its wealth and properity.
This impressive heritage has become the bedrock of Thai society and has
shaped the Thai way of life as it exists today.
With a culture and civilisation so outstanding and timeless, Ayutthaya
was designated a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site on 13 December 1991.
Each year, Ayutthaya celebrates its glorious past with displays of
traditional culture and lifestyle, numerous forms of entertainment amid the
ruins of this ancient city.
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