Chandra Kasem Palace, Ayutthaya
A branch of the National Museum, the splendid Chandra Kasem (Chankasem) Palace in Ayuttaya was built in 1577 by King Maha Thamaraja (the 17th Ayutthaya monarch) for his son, who became King Naresuan. It was destroyed but later restored by King Mongkut, who stayed there whenever he visited Ayutthaya.
The palace has been renovated and on display inside are gold artifacts, jewelry, carvings, Buddha images, and domestic and religious objects from the 13th through 17th centuries.
Quick Facts
Location: Northeast part of old city (see map).
Hours: Wed-Sun 9am-noon and 1-4pm
Cost: 30B (75¢)
Chao Sam Phraya National Museum, Ayutthaya
The Chao Sam Phraya National Museum in Ayutthaya is the second largest museum in Thailand. Opened in 1970, its comprehensive collection of Thai religious art and artifacts makes it a must see in Ayutthaya.
The collections are primarily from the Ayutthaya period and include impressive antique bronze Buddha images, carved panels, religious objects, and other local artifacts. Many of the antiques are made of gold and decorated with precious jewels.
Of special note is a receptacle in the Thai Pavilion that contains relics of the Buddha.
Quick Facts
Location: Rochana Road, opposite the city wall and the TAT office (see map).
Phone: 0 3524 1587
Hours: Wed-Sun 9am-4pm
Cost: 30B (75¢)
St. Joseph's Church, Ayutthaya
St. Joseph's Church is a Catholic church in Ayutthaya, built during the reign of King Narai in 1666 at the request of the Vietnamese missionaries headed by Bishop Lambert de la Motte.
The original wooden church was rebuilt in bricks and mortar in the European style between 1685 and 1695. During the second Burmese attack on Ayutthaya the Siamese used the church as a shelter, which led to its destruction on 23 March 1767.
In 1831 Father Pallegoix began restoration on the church, which was completed in 1847. More additions in the Romanesque style were made during the tenure of Father Perros during the reign of King Rama V.
Not remarkable as a church (although it does have some nice stained glass windows), the chief interest of St. Joseph's Church is for its religious history. The church has been a place of continuous Catholic worship in Thailand for over 300 years.
