Attractions

	Located here are many of Ayutthaya's most important attraction, among them the Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit, containing one of the largest coated bronze Buddha images in Thailand; the Royal Palace, Wat Mahathat, during from 1958, now on display in the Ayutthaya National Museum.

	The palace was original built King U- Thong in the 14 th century, and was expanded over the years. These pavilions were completely destroyed in 1767 , leaving only brick foundation ,porticos and walls. The Tri Muk Building was rebuilt in its original style during the reign of King Chulalongkorn in 1907.

	[ Grand Palace ] Currently called "Ancient Palace" the residential palace of every king was located close to the city wall of Ayutthaya. A road passes by from Chankasem Palace, which it 2 kilometers away to the north. Important buildings inside the Grand Palace compound are [ Wihan Somdet Hall ] The top of this hall has been decorated in a unique style of architecture called Prang. It has longer space in front and rear gabled rooms, and shorter space in the side gabled rooms. It was surrounded with a three-sided cloister and utilized for various royal ceremonies such as coronations. This was the first building over constructed in Ayutthaya to be affixed with gold leaf. [ Chakkrawat Phaichayon Hall ] With a three - gabled roof, it is on the inner eastern city wall in front of the Grand Palace. It was used to view processions and military practice. [ Sanpet Prasat Hall ] This is the middle building constructed in the same design as Wihan Somdet Hall. Kings used it to welcome foreign enjoys and visitors. [ Banyong Rattanat Hall ] Formerly known by the name of "Phra Thinang Thaisa", it is located in the back compound of the Grand Palace on an Island in a pond. It has four - gabled roof architecture. [ City Wall And Gate ] They were newly constructed by the command of King Rama IV. The original foundation of the city wall has since been found through excavation, thus revealing that the original area was much more spacious than what is visit to Ayutthaya. [ Phiman Rattaya Hall ] A group of buildings located amidst the compound of the grand palace, which once served as government offices and the Provincial Administrative Building for several years. [ Phlapphla Chaturamuk ] This wooden four - gabled roof pavilion is near the east gate of the palace. Originally, a residential place of King Mongkut during his visit to Ayutthaya. [ Trimuk Hall ] This is located behind the Sanphet Prasat Hall. It is believed to have been the residential area of the consort members and is also the royal relaxing place in the garden. [ Phisai Sanyalak Hall ] This is a four storey high tower located close to the western side of the Grand Palace. It was originally constructed during the reign of King Narai the Great, but was destroyed the 2nd fall of Ayutthaya. It was reconstructed according to the original foundation in the 4th reign. King Rama IV used the Tower to observe the stars. The palace is now used as a national museum. It has been decorated for demonstration of antiques such as Chinaware, ancient weapons, King Rama IV's personal things for daily life, Buddha images, sculptures and votive tablets of different times. The museum is open everyday from 09.00 - 16.00 hrs. except Monday, Tuesday, and national holidays. (Admission fee : 30 Baht). [ Chankasem or Front Palace ] On the bank of Pasak River, this palace was built during the reign of King Maha Thammaraja, the 17 Ayutthaya monarch, for his son's residence (King Naresuan). Like other ruins, the palace was destroyed by the Burmese and left un-repaired for a long time. King Mongkut of the present Chakri dynasty ordered reconstruction of this palace for use as a residence during his occasional visits to Ayutthaya. Some of the more interesting sites are: [ Wang Lang or The Rear Palace ] This palace if located close to the western city wall of Ayutthaya (in the vicinity of the present location of the distillery plant of the Excise Department). It was originally the garden where the king made a visit from time to time. There was only one residential in the entire area. King Maha Thammaracha commanded more buildings to be built in the area to mark it a palace which would be the residence of King Ekathosarot. Later on, this rear palace was only the residence of royal family members, so now on one can see the important items. [ Elephant Kraal Pavilion ] The Pavilion, utilized as the royal seat to witness the elephant round up, is located 4 kilometers from the city along Highway No.309. The outlook is a big cage surrounded with logs having, from the front center, fencing lines of 45 degrees spread out to both sides far away into the jungle area. Around the kraal itself, is an earthen wall with bricks to the height of the pillars top. Behind the kraal and opposite the front fencing line, is the pavilion housing the royal seat. The Kraal currently seen was renovated in the year 1957. [ Wihan Phramongkhon Bophit ] Phra Mongkhon Bophit, a large bronze cast Buddha image was originally enshrined outside the Grand palace to the east. King Songtham commanded it to be transferred to the west, where it is currently enshrined and covered with a Mondop. Later in the reign of Phra Chao Sua, the top of the Mondop was burnt down by a fire due to a thunderbolt. Then, the King commanded a new building be built in the form of a big sanctuary (Maha Wihan) to cover the image in lieu of the image were badly destroyed by fire, the one currently seen was renovated but does not have as beautiful craftsmanship as the previous ones. The open area east of the Sanctuary (Wihan) was formerly Sanam Luang, where the royal cremation ceremonies took place (This practice is now held at Sanam Luang, the Phramain Ground of Bangkok)