Ayutthaya Historical Park: A Journey Through Time

• Helloสวัสดี
  [sawasdee]
• Goodbyeลาก่อน
  [laa kon]
• Yesใช่
  [chai]
• Noไม่
  [mai]
• Please/You're welcomeโปรด/ยินดีต้อนรับ
  [proht/yin dee dton rub]
• Thank youขอบคุณ
  [kop khun]
• Excuse me/Sorryขอโทษ
  [kor toht]
• How are you?สุขสันต์ไหม
  [suk san mai]
• Fine. And you?สบายดี คุณละ
  [sabai dee kun la]
• Do you speak English?คุณพูดภาษาอังกฤษได้ไหม
  [kun poot paa saa ang grit dai mai]
• I don't understandฉันไม่เข้าใจ
  [chan mai kao jai]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseขอดูเมนูหน่อย
  [kor doo menu noi]
• I don't eat meatฉันไม่กินเนื้อ
  [chan mai gin neuua]
• Cheers!ชนสุรา
  [chon su ra]
• I would like to pay, pleaseฉันต้องการจ่ายเงิน
  [chan tong gaan jai ngern]

• Help!ช่วยด้วย
  [chuai duay]
• Go away!ไปทางอื่น
  [bpai tang uean]
• Call the Police!โทรตำรวจ
  [tor tam ruat]
• Call a doctor!โทรหมอ
  [tor mor]
• I'm lostฉันหลงทาง
  [chan long tang]
• I'm illฉันไม่สบาย
  [chan mai sabai]

• I'd like to buy...ฉันต้องการซื้อ...
  [chan tong gaan seuu...]
• I'm just lookingฉันแค่ดู
  [chan kae du]
• How much is it?ราคาเท่าไหร่
  [raa kaa tao rai]
• That's too expensiveแพงเกินไป
  [paeng geern bpai]
• Can you lower the price?ลดราคาได้ไหม
  [lot raa kaa dai mai]

• What time is it?ตอนนี้กี่โมง
  [dton nee kee mong]
• It's one o'clockเป็นโมงเดียว
  [pen mong diao]
• Half past (10)สามสิบครึ่ง
  [saam sip kreuang]
• Morningเช้า
  [chao]
• Afternoonบ่าย
  [bai]
• Eveningเย็น
  [yen]
• Yesterdayเมื่อวาน
  [meua waan]
• Todayวันนี้
  [wan nee]
• Tomorrowพรุ่งนี้
  [proong nee]
• 1หนึ่ง
  [neung]
• 2สอง
  [song]
• 3สาม
  [saam]
• 4สี่
  [see]
• 5ห้า
  [haa]
• 6หก
  [hok]
• 7เจ็ด
  [jet]
• 8แปด
  [bpaaet]
• 9เก้า
  [gao]
• 10สิบ
  [sip]

• Where's a/the...?...อยู่ที่ไหน
  [...yoo tee nai]
• What's the address?ที่อยู่คืออะไร
  [tee yoo keu a rai]
• Can you show me (on the map)?ช่วยแสดงให้ดูหน่อยได้ไหม
  [chuai sa daeng hai duu noi dai mai]
• When's the next (bus)?เวลาตอนต่อไปเมื่อไหร่
  [welaa dton dtao bpai meua rai]
• A ticket (to ....)ตั๋ว (ไป...)
  [dtua (bpai ...)]

Ayutthaya was founded in 1350 by King Uthong, who established it as the capital of the Kingdom of Siam. Its strategic location at the confluence of the Chao Phraya, Lopburi, and Pa Sak rivers allowed it to flourish as a major trading hub, attracting merchants from China, Japan, Persia, and Europe.

The 15th to 18th centuries marked the zenith of Ayutthaya's power and influence. The city became renowned for its impressive architecture, intricate arts, and vibrant culture. The construction of grand temples, such as Wat Phra Si Sanphet and Wat Chaiwatthanaram, reflected the city's prosperity and devotion to Buddhism.

Ayutthaya was a melting pot of cultures due to its extensive trade networks. Influences from various countries shaped local customs, art, and cuisine. This period saw the introduction of foreign elements, including the Portuguese, Dutch, and French, who left an indelible mark on the city’s cultural landscape.

The city met its tragic fate in 1767 when it was besieged and sacked by the Burmese army. The devastation led to the abandonment of the city, and many of its magnificent structures were left in ruins. This event marked the end of the Ayutthaya Kingdom and a significant shift in Thai history.

In 1991, Ayutthaya Historical Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, acknowledging its historical significance and the remnants of its grand architecture. The preservation efforts that followed have allowed visitors to explore its ancient temples, palaces, and monuments, offering a glimpse into its storied past.

Ayutthaya Historical Park is easily accessible from Bangkok, the nearest major city. You can take a train from Hua Lamphong Station in Bangkok, which takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Buses from Mo Chit Northern Bus Terminal to Ayutthaya also operate frequently, with a journey time of about 1.5 hours. Once in Ayutthaya, local tuk-tuks and taxis can take you directly to the Historical Park.

Ayutthaya Historical Park is best explored by bicycle, which can be rented from various shops in the area. The park is relatively flat and compact, making it ideal for cycling. Alternatively, you can hire a tuk-tuk or take a guided tour on an electric scooter. Walking is also a great way to fully appreciate the historical sites. Public buses are available in the surrounding areas, but they may not be as convenient for tourists.

Ayutthaya is generally safe for tourists, but it is advisable to stay vigilant, especially in crowded areas. Pickpocketing can occur in busy markets. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas at night. The area around the train station and some back alleys may have higher instances of petty crime, so exercise caution and keep your belongings secure.

In case of an emergency, dial 191 for police assistance and 1669 for medical emergencies. Ayutthaya has several hospitals and clinics available. Ensure you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, local pharmacies are available for over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting temples. Cover shoulders and knees. Religion: Do respect religious customs, such as removing shoes before entering temples. Public Transport: Do be polite and give up your seat to the elderly. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a polite 'Sawasdee,' accompanied by a slight bow. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like boat noodles and accept food offered by locals. Don't waste food or drink in public as it can be seen as disrespectful.

To experience Ayutthaya like a local, visit the local markets, especially the night market for authentic street food. Engage with locals, who are often welcoming and eager to share their culture. Attend a traditional Thai dance performance if possible, and take a boat tour around the island to see the city from a different perspective. Don't forget to try the local specialty, 'Roti Saimai,' a sweet cotton candy dessert.