Ayutthaya was founded in 1351 by King U Thong to escape an epidemic. He chose the rich floodplain of Auytthaya on a island surrouded by rivers which turned into the greatest seaport in Southeast Asia. At its peak, Ayutthaya was the richest and biggest in the East.
The court of famous King Narai (1656-88) had strong ties with Versailles under King Louis XIV of France whose ambassadors compared Ayuthhaya to Paris! When the Thai ambassador visited Versailles in 1686, his robe was so encrusted with diamonds and precious gems he could hardly walk and had to be supported by courtiers!
It was this surfeit of riches that led to Ayutthaya's downfall. Its palaces and temples were coated with gold and studded with diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires, pearls and coloured gems and were the stuff of dreams. The Burmese were envious and plotted to rob Ayutthaya.
One of Thailand's greatest moments in its golden history was the epic battle between Thai King Naresuan and Burmese Crown Prince Mingyi Swa. It was a duel on elephants and King Naresuan famously slew Mingyi Swa and the event is celebrated on 18 January as Royal Thai Armed Forces Day.
Unfortunately, Ayutthaya's star eventually dimmed after several attacks by the Burmese. The first few failed but one succeeded in sacking Ayutthaya in April 1767 and ended the kingdom.
The Burmese carted away all the gold and gems from Ayutthaya to embellish Schwedagon temple in their capital Yangon. It is said should the Burmese sell off all the gold and treasures they looted from Ayutthaya today, they could clear their National Debt and be one of the wealthiest nations in Southeast Asia!
After the downfall and utter destruction of Ayutthaya which could not be rebuilt, General Thaksin established a new kingdom downriver at Thonburi and proclaimed himself King. After his death King Rama I moved the capital across the river to what is now Bangkok.
TAT hired the whole boat for us
Picturesque
Famous icon
Golden magic
Night market
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