Ayutthaya the historical royal city

About 190 km from Laem Chabang is the historic ruined city of Ayutthaya, the former capital of Siam. Immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of the former Thai capital. For four hundred years, Ayutthaya was the centre of power until it was finally destroyed and simultaneously looted by the Burmese in 1767. Our excursion first goes to the summer residence of the Thai kings at Bang Pa-In. The palace of Bang Pa In, situated on a small island in the Chao Phraya, was the resort of the last kings of Ayutthaya. Most of the buildings that exist today date from the time of King Chulalongkorn, the ruler who is still firmly anchored in the hearts of the people as Rama V and who travelled extensively in Europe.

There are many stories about this ruler and the fact that the country was not colonised is probably thanks to him. He also abolished slavery and modernised the country. Afterwards, the short drive takes us to the temple Wat Panan Choeng, located directly on the River, one of the most famous Buddhist temples with its oversized Buddha 19 metres high. Dating from the 14th century, it is one of the central temples in the Ayutthaya History Park, and the name Panan Choeng means sitting with legs crossed. Our tour guide can tell you the legend about Princess Soi Dok Mak who took her own life. A Chinese shrine was built in her honour in the temple complex. Afterwards, our journey continues to the next highlight.

Everywhere you look, you can experience Siam's history up close in Ayutthaya and you can vividly imagine how the kings lived here. Then it's off to Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, the former royal temple, on the site of the old royal palace in Ayutthaya. With its three chedis standing side by side, Wat Sri Sanphet can be seen from a distance. This complex, and with it a golden Buddha, fell victim to destruction by the Burmese army. Rama I, founder of the Chakri dynasty that still rules today, began restoration work during his reign. There is time to stroll through the ruins, ask questions and marvel at the massive monuments. Even in the dark, the monuments shine in the spotlight and are of special beauty.

Wat Mahathat with its stone Buddha head growing into the tree is probably one of the most famous images from this "Ancient City". This wat, with its seven chedis arranged one above the other, was the spiritual centre and was partly built in the Khmer style. Here you can also clearly see from the tree branches how high the water was during the floods. Ayutthaya is more or less affected by floods almost every year, especially in the rainy season when the water comes from the north. In order to pay the Buddha the necessary respect, the visitor approaches only in a bowed posture. This is the practice of the Buddhists, so tourists should also show this respect.