🏛️ Ayutthaya Historical Park
Thailand
About This Sacred Site
Ayutthaya Historical Park contains the ruins of Ayutthaya, the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom, which was one of the largest and most cosmopolitan cities in the world during the 14th-18th centuries. At its peak, Ayutthaya had a population of nearly one million — larger than contemporary London or Paris — and was famed for its hundreds of glittering temples. The city was destroyed by Burmese invaders in 1767, and the remaining ruins, including the famous Buddha head entwined in tree roots at Wat Mahathat, are hauntingly beautiful. The park contains dozens of temple ruins including Wat Phra Si Sanphet, which housed a 16-meter-tall gold-covered Buddha before the Burmese invasion.
Key Facts
- •Capital of the Kingdom of Siam for 417 years (1350-1767) with nearly 1 million residents
- •The Buddha head entwined in tree roots at Wat Mahathat is one of Thailand's most iconic images
- •UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991
- •Destroyed by Burmese invaders in 1767 after a 14-month siege
- •At its peak, Ayutthaya had 400 temples and was larger than London or Paris
Location
Coordinates: 14.3577, 100.5686
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