THAI FOOD

Technorati Profile
Thai food is internationally famous. Whether chilli-hot or comparatively blands, harmony is the guiding principle behind each dish. Thai cuisine is essentially a marriage of centuries-old Eastern and Western influences harmoniously combined into something uniquely Thai. The characteristics of Thai food depend on who cooks it, for whom it is cooked, for what occasion, and where it is cooked to suit all palates. Originally, Thai cooking reflected the characteristics of a waterborne lifestyle. Aquatic animals, plants and herbs were major ingredients. Large chunks of meat were eschewed. Subsequent influences introduced the use of sizeable chunks to Thai cooking.

With their Buddhist background, Thais shunned the use of large animals in big chunks. Big cuts of meat were shredded and laced with herbs and spices. Traditional Thai cooking methods were stewing and baking, or grilling. Chinese influences saw the introduction of frying, stir frying and deep-frying. Culinary influences from the 17th century onwards included Portuguese, Dutch, French and Japanese. Chillies were introduced to Thai cooking during the late 1600s by Portuguese missionaries who had acquired a taste for them while serving in South America.

Thais were very adapt at 'Siamese-ising' foreign cooking methods, and substituting ingredients. The ghee used in Indian cooking was replaced by coconut oil, and coconut milk substituted for other daily products. Overpowering pure spices were toned down and enhanced by fresh herbs such as lemon grass and galanga. Eventually, fewer and less spices were used in Thai curries, while the use of fresh herbs increased. It is generally acknowledged that Thai curries burn intensely, but briefly, whereas other curries, with strong spices, burn for longer periods. Instead of serving dishes in courses, a Thai meal is served all at once, permitting dinners to enjoy complementary combinations of different tastes.

A proper Thai meal should consist of a soup, a curry dish with condiments, a dip with accompanying fish and vegetables. A spiced salad may replace the curry dish. The soup can also be spicy, but the curry should be replaced by non spiced items. There must be a harmony of tastes and textures within individual dishes and the entire meal.

	[ By Car ] Alternative I: Take Highway No. 1 (Phahonyothin Road.) then take Highway No. 32 to Ayutthaya. Alternative II: Take Highway No. 304 (Chaeng Watthana Road.) or take Highway No. 302 (Ngamwongwan Road.); turn righ to Highway No. 306 (Tiwanon Road.), then take Highway No. 3111 (Pathum Thani - Samkhok - Sena) and turn right at Amphoe Sena to Highway No. 3263. Alternative III: Take Highway No. 306 (Bangkok - Nonthaburi - Pathum Thani Road.) then take Highway No. 347 [ By Bus ] Ordinary buses run between the Bangkoks Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit 2 Bus Terminal) and Ayutthaya's main terminal on Naresuan Rd. every 20 minutes between 5 a.m. and 7 p.m. The fare is 30 bahts and the trip takes around 2hours. Air-conditioned buses operate the same route every 20 minutes from 5.40 a.m. to 7.20 p.m. (every 15 minutes between 7a.m. and 5p.m.) at the rate of 47 bahts, the trip takes 1.5 hours when traffic to north of Bangkok is light, otherwise it will take two hours [ By Train ] Trains to Ayutthaya leave Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Station approximately every hour between 4.20 a.m. and 10 p.m. The 3rd class fare is 15 bahts for the 1.5 hour trip. Train schedules are available from the information booth at Hua Lamphong Station. Alternatively, call 0 2223 7010, 0 2223 7020, or 1690 [ By Boat ] There are no scheduled or chartered boat services between Bangkok and Ayutthaya. However, several companies in Bangkok operate luxury cruises to Bang Pa-In with side trips by bus to Ayutthaya for approximately 1,500 bahts to 1,800 bahts per person, including a sumptuous luncheon. Longer two days trips in converted rice barges start at 4,800 baht. For further information please contact the following companies: THE BANG PA - IN AND AYUTTHAYA CRUISE Cruise Time Pier Price :: ONE-DAY EXCURSION :: 1.CHAOPHRAYA EXPRESS BOAT Tel: 0-2222-5330 Fax:0-2225-3002 08.00 -17.30 HRS. every Sunday (including ROYAL FOLK ARTS AND CRAFTS CENTER - BANG SAI) Maharat B250/person (transportation only) 2. ORIENTAL QUEEN & AYUTTHAYA PRINCESS Resv: Tel: 0-236-0400-9 Fax: 0-2236-1939 attn: ORIENTAL QUEEN 8.00 -17.30 HRS. everyday (going by cruiser and returning by air-conditioned coach or vice versa) Oriental Hotel B 1,550/person (including lunch and tour) 3. RIVER SUN CRUISE Tel: 0-2266-9125-6, 0-2266-9316 08.20 -16.30 HRS. everyday (going by air - conditioned coach and returning by cruiser) River City B 1,600/person (including lunch and tour) :: TWO-DAY EXCURSION :: 4.MEKHAIA Tel: 0-2256-7168-9 everyday (going by curiser and returning by coach or vice versa) Charoen Nakhon B 5,000/person (including 3 meals, accommodation and tour) [ Distance from Ayutthaya city of nearby Provinces ] :: Bangkok 76 kms. :: Ang Thong 31 kms. :: Saraburi 63 kms. :: Suphanburi 53 kms.

Dek Ayuttaya

Hello I am Keng.

I'm Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya person. I born at Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya.

I will take everybody tours with a province of me.

Let's Go!!

Let’s go to Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya,

With me Keng!! In the original historical of Kroung sri Ayutthaya and I will take you to the old

culture and the memorize history of Thailand. I’m sure that you will enjoy with me.


YEAH!!

Attractions2

	[ Ayutthaya Historical Study Center ] Located on Rochana Road, this center is a national research institute devoted to the study of Ayutthaya, especially during the period when it was the capital of Thailand. The center is responsible for the museum of the history of Ayutthaya, which exhibits reconstructions from the past. The center also supports an information service and a library containing historical materials about Ayutthaya. The center is open everyday from 09.00-16.30 hrs, official holidays from 09.00-17.00. For more details please contact Tel: (035) 245 -124 (Admission fee: 100 Baht) [ Suriyat Amarin Hall ] A four - gabled roof building constructed of sandstone and brick; it is close to the riverside city wall. It was used as a place to witness the royal barge processions. [ Chao Sam Phraya National Museum ] This is on Rochana Road, opposite the city wall. It houses various antique bronze Buddha images and famous carved panels. a receptacle at the Thai pavilion contains relics of lord Buddha and objects of art more that 500 years old. The museum also has a substantial collection of local artifacts. The museum is open everyday except Monday, Tuesday and national holidays from 09.00 -16.00 hrs. (Admission fee: 10 Baht). For more information Tel: (035) 241-587 [ Khun Phaen House ] Khun Phaen's Thai - style house conforms to descriptions in a popular Thai literary work. Khun Phaen's House is near Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit. [ Wat Phra Si Sanphet ] This important and most outstanding monastery is located in grand palace compound like Wat Phra Si Ratanasatsadaram (Wat Phra Kaeo) of Bangkok. Used as a residential palace, it became a monastery in the reign of King Ramathibodi I. When King Borom Trai Lokanat commanded new living quarters built, this residential palace was given to be a temple area, thus originating Wat Phra Si Sanphet: the royal chapel does not have any monks and novice inhabitants. [ Wat Phraram ] This monastery was situated outside the grand palace compound to the east. King Ramesuan commanded it built on ground, where the royal cremation ceremony for his father King U -Thong, took place. A big lagoon is in front of this monastery. its original name was "Nong Sano", it was changed to be "Bung Phraram" or currently Phraram Public Park. [ Wat Phra Mahathat ] Located in front of the grand palace to the east near pa than bridge it was constructed in the reign of King Borom Rachathirat I. [ Wat Ratchaburana ] This monastery was located near pa than bridge opposite Wat Mahathat. King Borom Rachathirat II (Chao Sam Phraya) commanded two pagodas built on the ground where Chao Ai and Chao Yi engaged in single hand combat from elephant's back, and both were killed. Later, he established a Wihan combined with the pagodas and upgraded it to be monastery. [ Suan Somdet ] Situated on U - Thong Road to the southwest of the city, is a big public park offering various plants referred to in Thai literature and archaeological sites. [ Wat Senasanaram ] This ancient monastery named "Wat Sua" is behind Chankasem Palace. The main attractions are two Buddha images: Phra Samphuttha Muni, the principal image enshrined in the Ubosot, and Phra In Plaeng enshrined in the Wihan; both were transferred from Vientiane. [ Wat Suwandaram Ratchaworawihan ] is the monastery within the royal compound, located to the southwest on the edge of Pom Phet, an ancient fort. First, it was called "Wat Thong". Established in the Ayutthaya period, the monastery was extended and restored several times during the reigns of the Chakri kings. The mural paintings on the upper part of the inside wall of the Ubosot depict the gathering of the deities, and on the lower part, the jataka stories of Wetsandon, Temi, and Suwannasam are described. The front wall shows a picture of the Buddha subduing evil. Within the Vihara, there is a picture of the bravery of King Naresuan the Great, which is a masterpiece of several copies found in many places. [ Chedi Phra Si Suriyothai ] The memorial for the first heroine in Thai history, is located in Ko Muang to the west. Among various places of interest within the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park, this ancient place is of much importance as a proof of honor that ancient Thai society gave to Thai women. Phra Si Suriyothai was the royal consort of Phra Mahachakkraphat. In 1548, only 7 months after being crowned as king he was challenged by a Burmese attack under the supervision of Phrachao Tabeng Chaweti and his warlord, Burengnong. The Burmese army intruded into the kingdom through the Three Pagoda Pass in Kanchanaburi and came to set up military camps around the royal compound. During the fighting on elephant back, Phra Mahachakkaraphat faced danger. Phra Si Suriyothai, clad in a warrior's suit, interrupted the fighting with the intention to provide assistance for her husband. she rode her elephant in the way of Phrachao Prae, a Burmese commander, and was cut to death by his sword. after the end of the war, Phra Mahachakkraphat arranged a funeral and established the cremation site to be a temple named "Wat Sopsawan". In the reign of King Rama V, there was a quest for the historical sites as mentioned in the royal chronicle. The exact location of Wat Sopsawan was identified with a large indented stupa which was renamed by King Rama VI as Chedi Phra Si Suriyothai. In 1990, the government assigned the Fine Arts Department and the National Security Command to restore the chedi, which had deteriorated over time. Fortunately, on 20 May 1990, some antique objects were found such as a white rock crystal Buddha image in the posture of subduing Mara, a chedi replica, and a golden reliquary. These ancient objects were brought to be under the care of the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum. [ Si Suriyothai Park ] Is located within the area of the Ayutthaya liquor plant adjacent to Chedi Phra Si Suriyothai. On its total area of 5 rai, there is a common building, a Somdet Phra Si Suriyothai pavilion, a mound with marble Semas (boundary stones of a temple) aged over 400 years where the fragmented parts of Buddha images taken from Wat Phutthaisawan were buried, etc. the liquor distillery organization, who sponsored the construction of the park, wished to devoted all good deeds in transforming the former inner part of the royal compound to all of the late kings who used to live here before. King Rama IX graciously named the park "Suan Si Suriyothai" on 25 May, 1989. Then, the park was conferred to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit on the eve of her 60th birthday anniversary. The park opens daily for the public from 09.00-17.00 hrs. [ Wat Lokkayasutha ] This monastery is over a kilometer behind Wat Suanluangsopsawan adjacent to Wat Worachettharam. Accessible by the road inside the compound of the distillery plant, or through the road behind the Phlapphla Trimuk (three-gabled roof pavilion), it is in the area of the ancient palace passing Wat Woraphot and Wat Worachettharam going to the site of the large reclining Buddha, made of brick and covered with plaster, approximately 29 meters long. Many large hexagonal pillar ruins near the image are believed to be the ruins of the Ubosot. [ Wat Kasattrathirat Worawihan ] Is the monastery located outside Ko Muang, opposite Chedi Phra Si Suriyothai, on the bank of the Chao Phraya river. Its former name was Kasattra or Kasattraram. It is an ancient temple of the Ayutthaya period with a main Prang (stupa) as its center. [ Wat Chaiwatthanaram ] Another monastery that is located on the bank of Chaophraya River, on the west of the city island. King Prasat Thong commanded it built. The great beauty has been reflected from the main stupa and its satellite stupas along the gallery, an architecture influenced by Khmer. Traveling can be made by river form Chankasem Palace. A long-tailed boat service is available at 300-400 Baht for a round trip, consuming about one hour. [ Wat Phutthaisawan ] Is the monastery situated on the riverbank opposite Ko Muang to the south. Travel by car along the route Ayutthaya - Sena to the west of Ko Muang. After passing the bridge in front of Wat Kasattrathirat, turn left to Wat Chaiwattanaram. Follow the direction signs, you will find a left turn to Wat Phutthaisawan. This monastery was built in the area where King U-Thong moved to establish his city. The area was first known as Wiang Lek, named after the royal palace of King U-Thong the most interesting part of Wat Phutthaisawan is the great principal Buddha image; its style is of the early Ayutthaya period. [ Mu Ban Protuket ] is the Portuguese village located in Tambon Samphao Lorn, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya river and to the south of the city. The Portuguese were the first Europeans who traveled to trade with the Ayutthaya kingdom. In 1511, Al Fonco De Al Buquerq, the Portuguese governor to Asia, dispatched a diplomatic troupe led by ambassador Mr.Du Arte Fernandes to Ayutthaya during the reign of King Ramathibodi II. After that, some Portuguese came to the kingdom for different purposes: trade, military volunteers in the Ayutthaya army, or on a religious mission. They built a church as the center of their community and to serve religious purposes. Presently, some traces of former construction have been found at the village site. At the ancient remains of San Petro, a Dominican church, some antique objects were excavated together with human skeletons such as tobacco pipes, coins, and accessories for a religious ceremony. [ Wat Phukhao Thong ] Located two kilometers northeast of the grand palace, this monastery was constructed in the year 1387 during the reign of King Ramesuan. [ Wat Na Phramen ] The former name of this monastery was Wat Phra Merurachikaram. Located on the bank of Khlong Sabua opposite the grand palace, the date of construction is unknown. The Ubosot design is of very old typical Thai style. The most interesting objects are the principal Buddha image, fully decorated in regal attire, and another image make of black stone in the small Wihan. [ Wat Kudidao ] Located in front of the railway station to the east, this old monastery has beautiful work with better craftsmanship than many other temples, but it has deteriorated to a high degree. [ Wat Samanakot ] Located near Wat Kudidao, it was renovated by Chao Phraya Kosa (Lek) and Phraya Kosa (Pan) during the reign of King Narai the great. The main attraction is a large Prang having an unusual outlook different from the others. It is believed to imitate the design of Chedi Chet Yot of Chiangmai. [ Wat Yai Chaimongkhon or Wat Chao Phraya Thai ] This monastery constructed in the reign of King U-Thong is located outside the city to the southeast in the same direction as the railway station; one can see its large pagodas from far away. King Naresuan the great commanded the pagoda built to celebrate the victory of his single-handed combat on the elephant's back. he also aimed at a huge construction to match the large pagoda of Wat Phukhao Thong, and named it "Phra Chedi Chaiyamongkhon". [ Wat Phananchoeng ] this monastery located south of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya has no record as to its date of construction , or the person causing its construction. It existed before Ayutthaya was founded as the capital. The principal image in the Wihan called "Phrachao Phananchoeng" was built in a.d. 1325; it is made of stucco in the attitude of subduing evil; considered beautiful, it is most revered by the inhabitants of Ayutthaya. [ Japanese Village ] This is located 1.5 kilometers far from Wat Phanancheong in Tambon Ko Rien. There is an additional building of the Ayutthaya Historical Study Center, where the foreign affairs of Ayutthaya period are on exhibition.

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)