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| AYUTTHAYA TOUR & SIGHTSEEING SERVICES |
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The Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya or Ayutthaya
in short, is one of Thailand's historical and majestic highlights. Serving as
the Thai capital for 417 years (1350 1767: Kingdom of Ayutthaya), it was once
glorified as one of the biggest cities in the world a Southeast Asia center for
civilizations. During the 17th century, most foreign visitors to Ayutthaya, traders
or diplomats alike, claimed Ayutthaya to be the most illustrious and glittering
city that they had ever visited. The map of Ayutthaya published in 1691 by Simon
de la Loubre in Du Royaume De Siam is proof of such recognition.
Today,
there are but groups of crumbling ruins and rows of headless Buddhas where once
an empire thrived. The temple compounds are still awe-inspiring even in disrepair
and a visit here is memorable and a good beginning for those drawn to the relics
of history. The architecture of Ayutthaya is a fascinating mix of Khmer (ancient
Cambodian style) and early Sukhothai style. Some cactus-shaped obelisks, called
prangs, denote Khmer influence and look something like the famous towers of Angkor
Wat. The more pointed stupas are ascribed to the Sukhothai influence. For new
arrivals who had limited their visit to Bangkok, similarities may be noted with
the riverside Wat Arun, an 18th-century structure that was built in the so-called
Ayutthaya style, a melding of Sukhothai Buddhist influences and Hindu-inspired
Khmer motifs.
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Half Day 
Full day 
