Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Japanese Village
(adult/child 50/20B; 8.30am-4.30pm; )
This interesting exhibition, located 5km south of the
island, details how 1500 Japanese came to settle in Ayuthaya. Some came to trade while
others fled the persecution of Christians in their homeland during the 16th century.
The Japanese Village includes a video presentation and a giant electronic image of an
oil painting by Dutch artists of the old city at its zenith.
MUSEUM
Phu Khao Thong
( )
Set northwest of the island, it is worth clambering up the
chedi's
79 steps for splendid
views of the city. Originally built by the Burmese during a 15-year occupation, the top
section was added later by Thais. The statue at the front is a memorial to the all-conquer-
ing King Naresuan. Surrounding him are dozens of statues of fighting cockerels.
Legend says that when Naresuan was a hostage in Burma his invincible fighting cock-
erels secured his fearsome reputation.
MONUMENT
Wat Na Phra Meru
BUDDHIST TEMPLE
(admission 20B; )
This temple was one of only a few to escape the wrath of Burma's invad-
ing army in 1767 as it was used as their base. Inside the
wí·hǎhn
is a magnificent
1500-year-old green sandstone Buddha from Sri Lanka. Its prominent facial features and
joined eyebrows are typical of the Dvaravati period.
The
bòht
(central sanctuary) houses a carved wooden ceiling showing the Buddhist
heavens.
Elephant Kraal
Wild elephants were once rounded up and kept in this
kraal
(stockade). Each year
the king would look on as the finest beasts were chosen and either put to work or used as
war machines. This restored
kraal,
which has 980 teak logs, is northeast of the island.
During the 2011 floods, elephants from a nearby sanctuary found safety in the top sec-
tion of the walls. Boats brought them food for several weeks until the water subsided.
ELEPHANT STOCKADE
Bahn Thanon Dusit
For a scenic side to the city, grab a bicycle and peddle around this rural patch, east
of the island.
Wat Maheyong
is a popular weekend meditation retreat in a leafy courtyard.
BUDDHIST TEMPLES
