The Timeless Wonders of Ayutthaya Province

• Helloสวัสดี
  [sawasdee]
• Goodbyeลาก่อน
  [laa kon]
• Yesใช่
  [chai]
• Noไม่
  [mai]
• Please/You're welcomeโปรด/ยินดี
  [proht/yindee]
• Thank youขอบคุณ
  [kop khun]
• Excuse me/Sorryขอโทษ
  [khor toht]
• How are you?สบายดีไหม
  [sabai dee mai]
• Fine. And you?สบายดีครับ/ค่ะ คุณล่ะ
  [sabai dee khrap/kha kun la]
• Do you speak English?คุณพูดภาษาอังกฤษได้ไหม
  [khun poot pah saa ang-grit dai mai]
• I don't understandฉันไม่เข้าใจ
  [chan mai khao jai]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseฉันขอดูเมนูหน่อย
  [chan khor doo menu noi]
• I don't eat meatฉันไม่กินเนื้อ
  [chan mai gin nuea]
• Cheers!ชัยโชค
  [chai chok]
• I would like to pay, pleaseฉันต้องการจ่ายเงิน
  [chan tong gaan jai ngern]

• Help!ช่วยด้วย
  [chuay duay]
• Go away!ไปไกลๆ
  [pai glai glai]
• Call the Police!โทรตำรวจ
  [toh tamruat]
• Call a doctor!โทรหมอ
  [toh mor]
• I'm lostฉันหลงทาง
  [chan long tang]
• I'm illฉันไม่สบาย
  [chan mai sabai]

• I'd like to buy...ฉันต้องการซื้อ...
  [chan tong gaan seu... ]
• I'm just lookingฉันเพียงแค่ดู
  [chan piang kae doo]
• How much is it?ราคาเท่าไหร่
  [ra kaa tao rai]
• That's too expensiveแพงเกินไป
  [paeng geen pai]
• Can you lower the price?ลดราคาได้ไหม
  [lot ra kaa dai mai]

• What time is it?เวลาเท่าไหร่
  [welaa tao rai]
• It's one o'clockเป็นโมงเดียว
  [pen mong diao]
• Half past (10)ครึ่งจุด
  [khrung joot]
• Morningเช้า
  [chao]
• Afternoonบ่าย
  [bai]
• Eveningเย็น
  [yen]
• Yesterdayเมื่อวาน
  [meua wan]
• Todayวันนี้
  [wan nee]
• Tomorrowพรุ่งนี้
  [phrung nee]
• 1หนึ่ง
  [neung]
• 2สอง
  [song]
• 3สาม
  [sam]
• 4สี่
  [si]
• 5ห้า
  [ha]
• 6หก
  [hok]
• 7เจ็ด
  [jet]
• 8แปด
  [paet]
• 9เก้า
  [kao]
• 10สิบ
  [sip]

• Where's a/the...?...อยู่ที่ไหน
  [... yu tee nai]
• What's the address?ที่อยู่อยู่ที่ไหน
  [tee yu yu tee nai]
• Can you show me (on the map)?คุณแสดงให้ฉันดูได้ไหม
  [khun sa-dang hai chan doo dai mai]
• When's the next (bus)?รถเมล์ต่อไปเวลาเท่าไหร่
  [rodt mel tor pai welaa tao rai]
• A ticket (to ....)ตั๋ว (ไป...)
  [dtua (pai...)]

Ayutthaya was founded in 1350 by King U Thong, who declared it the capital of his kingdom. The city was strategically located at the confluence of three rivers: the Chao Phraya, the Lopburi, and the Pa Sak, making it an ideal hub for trade and commerce.

Between the 14th and 18th centuries, Ayutthaya thrived as a cosmopolitan hub, attracting traders from Persia, India, China, Japan, Portugal, the Netherlands, and France. The city was known for its grand architecture, including impressive temples and palaces, and its rich cultural heritage.

The kingdom of Ayutthaya faced numerous invasions from neighboring Burma. The most significant of these conflicts occurred in 1569, when the Burmese forces captured and briefly occupied the city. However, Ayutthaya eventually regained its independence and continued to flourish.

In 1767, the Burmese launched a devastating attack on Ayutthaya, leading to the city's fall. The invaders ransacked and burned down much of the city, marking the end of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. This event led to a period of chaos and the eventual rise of the Thonburi Kingdom under King Taksin.

Today, the ruins of Ayutthaya are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring remarkable structures such as Wat Mahathat, known for the iconic Buddha head entwined in tree roots, and Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the former royal temple. These ruins offer a glimpse into the grandeur and historical significance of the ancient city.

Ayutthaya is renowned for its cultural heritage, including traditional Thai arts, crafts, and cuisine. The Ayutthaya Historical Park hosts several festivals throughout the year, such as the Ayutthaya World Heritage Fair, celebrating the region's rich history and traditions.

The Ayutthaya Elephant Kraal is a historic site where elephants were trained and tamed for royal and military use. The kraal is a fascinating testament to the deep connection between Thai culture and elephants, which were considered symbols of power and prosperity.

Ayutthaya Province is located about 80 kilometers north of Bangkok. The most convenient way to get there is by taking a train from Hua Lamphong Railway Station in Bangkok to Ayutthaya Station. The journey typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus or minivan from the Mo Chit Bus Terminal in Bangkok, which also takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. For a more scenic route, you can take a boat trip along the Chao Phraya River from Bangkok to Ayutthaya, which usually takes around 3 to 4 hours.

Once in Ayutthaya, you can explore the province using various modes of transportation. Tuk-tuks are widely available and are a convenient way to get around town. Bicycles and motorbikes can be rented from numerous shops near the train station and are ideal for exploring the historical park. For a more leisurely experience, you can also hire a boat to tour the waterways surrounding the city. Public buses and songthaews (shared taxis) are available for longer distances within the province.

The official currency in Thailand is the Thai Baht (THB). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are plentiful in Ayutthaya, and currency exchange services are available at banks and exchange booths in tourist areas.

Ayutthaya is generally a safe destination for tourists, but it is always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas at night and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur, particularly in busy tourist spots. There are no specific high-crime neighborhoods targeting tourists, but vigilance is always recommended.

In case of emergency, dial 191 for police assistance and 1669 for medical emergencies. Ayutthaya has several hospitals and clinics that can provide medical care. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available throughout the city for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting temples. Shoulders and knees should be covered. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes before entering temples and avoid pointing your feet at religious objects. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a wai (a slight bow with palms pressed together). Avoid touching people on the head. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Ayutthaya like a local, visit the local markets such as the Ayothaya Floating Market where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Thai goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the area's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the historical park, home to numerous ancient temples and ruins. For a unique experience, consider taking a sunset boat tour around the city's rivers and canals.