Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WAT SUWAN DARARAM
Temple
This temple is not one of the most-visited sites but its different architectural styles
make it worth seeing. Set in the southeast of the island, King Rama I designed the
exterior of the older-style
uposatha
while Rama III was responsible for the interior.
The slightly bowed line along the temple's edge and its plain finish are typical of the
late Ayuthaya period. Next to it is a
wí·hǎhn
(sanctuary) from Rama IV's reign,
resplendent with a glittering external mosaic.
AYUTHAYA HISTORICAL STUDY CENTRE
Museum
( Th Rotchana; adult/student 100/50B; 9am-4.30pm Mon-Fri, to 5pm Sat & Sun)
An impressive diorama of the city's former glories illustrates how spectacular Ay-
uthaya once was. Other features in this open-plan museum include timelines, ex-
amples of traditional village life and videos.
CHAO SAM PHRAYA NATIONAL MUSEUM
Museum
( adult/child 150B/free; 9am-4pm Wed-Sun)
The largest museum in the city has
2400 items on show, ranging from a 2m-high bronze-cast Buddha head to glistening
treasures found in the crypts of Wat Phra Mahathat and Wat Ratburana.
Off the Island
You can reach some sites by bicycle, but others require a motorbike. Evening boat
tours around the island are another way to see the highlights.
WAT PHANAN CHOENG
Temple
( admission 20B)
Inside this bustling temple is one of Ayuthaya's most revered
Buddha images. The 19m-high Phra Phanan Choeng was created in 1325 and sits
in the
wí·hǎhn
(large hall), surrounded by 84,000 Buddha images that line the walls.
Wat Phanan Choeng, southeast of the old city, can be reached by ferry (5B) from
the pier near Phom Phet Fortress. Your bicycle can accompany you across.
