Information: For visitors who come to see the glory of ancient Ayutthaya and would like to know more of its part in a short time, visit the Ayutthaya Historical Centre. The Center is both a reserch institute and a museum.

The museum is on the upper floor of this two-storey building, very different from the usual museums in Thailand which is equipped with beautiful lighting, upgrading the museum to international standed.

The museum exhibits are divided into 5 groups: Ayutthaya as the Capital City, Ayutthaya as the Port, Ayutthaya as the Central State, The life of a Thai Villager and The relations of Ayutthaya with other countries.

The focal point of the museum display are the archaeological relics, carefully verified by the Fine Arts Department.

The establishment of the Center was also funded by the government of Japan who donated 999,000,000 Yen in commemoration of His Majesty, King Bhumibol's 60th birthday.

An annex building which is located in Ko Rian sub-districy is known today as the Japanese Village.

Information: The Chandra Kasem Museum is well worth a prolonged visit. The exhibits include statues of Buddha and Bodhisattva, gold and decorative work, carvings, tympana, and various domestic and religious objects dating from the 13th to the 17th centuries. The museum is housed in a palace which was rebuilt by King Mongkut (Rama IV); originally occupied by the heir to the throne it was later used as a residence for royalty visiting Ayutthaya. While the items on display scarcely do justice to the power and magnificence of the early Thai kings, they do offer an insight into the lives of the city's inhabitants.

Information: 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.