Ayutthaya

Bangkok Dolphins' Guide
ATTRACTIONS IN & AROUND BANGKOK

Ayutthaya

The capital of Thailand from 1350 until it was sacked in 1767 by the Burmese, Ayutthaya is 76 kms. north of Bangkok. Magnificent ruins of the old city still remain, some having been restored. Archaeological excavations are still proceeding at many sites in the area. Attractions in Ayutthaya include: Chao Sam Phraya National Museum; the very large Buddha image called "Phra Mongkhon Bophit"; ruins of the former Royal palace which was a complex with many buildings. Ayutthaya can be reached by train from Bangkok or by bus from the Northem Bus Terminal. As for a river excursion, there are some cruisers running from Bangkok to Ayutthaya every day. Contact Oriental Queen (Tel. 2360400-9) and River Sun Cruise (Tel. 2669125-6, 2342250) for further information.

A source for further information in Bangkok is the Tourism Authority of Thailand, phone 226-0060. If you are calling from outside the country, that number will need to be prefaced by country code 66, city code 2. In the U.S. the Tourism Authority can be contacted at (312) 819-3990, fax (312) 565-0359; in Canada at (604) 733-4540, fax (604) 733-4599; in Sydney at 9247-7540, fax 9251-2465; and in London at (171) 499-7679, fax 629-5519.