Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District

In Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, the history of Ayutthaya city and a distinctive river landscape meet places with very different cultural associations. The city was founded in 1350 and was the second capital of the Siamese kingdom. When planning your trip, you can consider which aspect of Ayutthaya particularly interests you: the city’s historical role, the location of the city island between three rivers, or individual archaeological and cultural sites. These points of interest can help you tailor your search for a holiday rental in the district to the experiences you want to focus on.

A city island between three rivers

Ayutthaya’s city island is surrounded by the Chao Phraya, the Pa Sak and the Lopburi rivers. The rivers give the city island a clearly defined geographical shape. If you are interested in Ayutthaya’s location, you can keep it in mind as you explore the city’s history: this was the second capital of the Siamese kingdom, and the city island lies within these three rivers. The names of the waterways also provide specific points of reference when you are learning about the district’s geography.

South of the city island lies the Portuguese Settlement, an archaeological site in Samphao Lom Subdistrict on the western bank of the Chao Phraya. Its location can therefore be described using three details: outside the city island, to the south of it, and on the western riverbank. If you would rather focus on archaeological sites than on the city island itself when planning your trip, this location is a useful guide for making your selection. Farther south of the city island, but on the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya, is the Japanese Village. Its location therefore differs from that of the Portuguese Settlement in terms of which riverbank it is on.

Cultural sites with different points of interest

The Chao Sam Phraya National Museum is in Pratu Chai Subdistrict of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District. Gold and jewellery recovered from the crypt of Wat Ratchaburana are on display there. Visitors interested in historical finds will find a specific connection to Wat Ratchaburana here: the objects on display come from its crypt. The museum thus offers a different way to explore Ayutthaya’s history than visiting a site within the city or taking in the surrounding river landscape.

Wat Lokayasutharam is also in Pratu Chai Subdistrict, near the Old Palace and Wat Phra Si Sanphet. The temple is also known as Wat Phra Non and is home to the largest reclining Buddha on Ayutthaya’s city island. The white-painted figure stands outdoors and is made of brick and stucco. It is 42 metres long and 8 metres high. Its name, materials and measurements give you specific details that distinguish this site from the finds in the museum.

Which places shape your stay

The places mentioned appeal to different interests: the city’s history and riverside location, an archaeological site south of and outside the city island, a museum featuring gold and jewellery, and the large reclining Buddha. You do not have to combine these themes into a single focus. Instead, consider which ones matter most to your trip, and use your interests as a guide when choosing a holiday rental in the district.

Ban Run is another place to consider in the district. If you would like to include another location alongside the cultural and landscape features described above, you can add Ban Run to your search.

For the broader travel overview: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya.