Understand

Ayutthaya, an ancient city founded around 1350, played a significant role in the history of Siam. It became the second capital after the flourishing city of Sukhothai. Situated in a strategic location between China, India, and the Malay Archipelago, Ayutthaya became the trading capital of not only Asia but the entire world. By 1700, Ayutthaya had grown into the largest city with a staggering one million inhabitants. It attracted international merchants from far and wide, including the Arab world, China, India, Japan, Portugal, the Netherlands, and France. These merchants marveled at the city's grandeur, with its golden palaces, extravagant ceremonies, and a bustling array of trading vessels sailing from across the globe. Tragically, in 1767, Ayutthaya fell to the Burmese invasion, which nearly razed the city to the ground. Today, Ayutthaya's ruins offer a glimpse into its former splendor and have earned recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Due to its proximity to Bangkok, Ayutthaya remains a popular day-trip destination for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in its rich history and cultural heritage.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Pad Thai: Pad Thai is a signature Thai dish consisting of stir-fried rice noodles with a uniquely balanced blend of sweet, sour, salty, and tangy flavors. It typically includes shrimp or chicken (though can be prepared with tofu for a vegetarian version), scrambled eggs, bean sprouts, and is garnished with crushed peanuts, lime wedges, and fresh herbs like cilantro and green onions. The dish is served with a side of som tam (green papaya salad) and mango sticky rice for a complete meal.

Tom Yum Goong: This spicy and aromatic soup is a beloved Thai classic that features a fragrant broth made from stock, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, galangal, lime juice, fish sauce, and chili paste. It's packed with succulent prawns, mushrooms, tomatoes, and other vegetables, with optional additions like snakehead fish or even chicken. The dish is often garnished with fresh cilantro and a sprinkling of pepper.

Mango Sticky Rice: This iconic Thai dessert is a delightful combination of sweet, creamy mango and glutinous rice. The sticky rice is cooked in coconut milk and sugar until it achieves a chewy texture, then served alongside ripe, juicy mango slices. The dish is sometimes garnished with toasted coconut flakes or sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor. It's typically enjoyed during the mango season (May to September) as a sumptuous, refreshing treat.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing