Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province was once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam which flourished from 1350-1767. The Ayutthaya Historical Park is located in Ayutthaya Island District and has been listed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage since 1992. Ayutthaya is home to hundreds of ancient temples. This is why the museum collects historical data and antiquities from the past to study about the glory of the capital city of Siam, currently known as Thailand. Ayutthaya was once the epicenter of commerce and trade in Southeast Asia.
Tips: Ayutthaya is only 70 kilometers from Bangkok. Visitors can arrange a 1-day trip (Bangkok-Ayutthaya-Bangkok) in the morning and return in the evening by car or train.
Among the valuable artefacts found in the historical park area, the gold artefact is considered an important antiquity due to its exquisite craftsmanship. Gold is also regarded as historical evidence that tells the story of the Siamese people in the past; and paints a picture of the prosperous trade conducted with foreign nations 300-400 years ago.
Since archaeological excavations in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province were initiated – all gold artefacts that were excavated here have never been put on display together until the establishment of the Ayutthaya Gold Treasure Exhibition Building at the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum in 2022. This is the first time that the public get to see a collection of more than 2,200 gold artefacts from the Ayutthaya period. Highlights of the gold ornaments include the Phra Saeng Khan Chai Sri (Sword of Victory), Phra Kachathan replica (Royal Elephant), Chula Mongkut (Royal Coronet), Phra Suwanmala (Head ornament of noble women), and other gold artefacts never seen in public.
The Ayutthaya Gold Treasure Exhibition Building is located within the National Museum Chao Sam Phraya – the design of the building takes the appearance of a modern 2-storey Thai building with an exhibition area of approximately 3,275 square meters. There are 3 sections:
Section 1 is dedicated to displaying Royal Regalia jewelry from Ratchaburana Temple. There are royal utensils and royal gold accoutrements for the body and legs (Thanim Pimpaporn). The highlight of this section is the Sword of Victory (Phra Saeng Khan Chaisri) which is one of the five key items of the royal regalia; it features a beautiful three-petal flower design and three-leaf pattern influenced by Persian-Islamic art.
Section 2 also displays gold artefacts from Ratchaburana Temple but has a religious theme in the guise of royal antiquities used for Buddhist offerings, dedications and bone relics of the Buddha. A highlight is a magnificent replica of Ratchaburana Temple in the exhibition room which details the dungeon or crypt of the temple. This was where gold antiquities and bone relics of the Buddha were kept before the excavation.
Section 3 displays content regarding the belief in the placement of the Buddha’s relics found in ancient sites at Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province such as the spire structures called Phra Prang Wat Phra Ram, Phra Prang Wat Mahathat, Srisanpetch Temple Stupa and Srisuriyothai Stupa.
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 09.00-16.00
Inspired to visit Ayutthaya? Fly to Bangkok with Thai Airways!
