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Portuguese settlement, AyutthayaPortuguese settlement, Ayutthaya

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Explo writer
Aug's picture
Aug
32635 pts.
  • Off the path Explo
    76 %
    Off the path Explo rate
    Score
    3.8 / 5
    Comments
    This spot is localy famous, but very singular!
  • Article Quality
    84 %
    Article Quality rate
    • Score
      4 / 5
      Comments
      Good description
    • Score
      5 / 5
      Comments
      Yes, and you added a plan!
    • Score
      2 / 5
      Comments
      Yep, only 2.
    • Score
      5 / 5
      Comments
      Yes!
    • Score
      5 / 5
      Comments
      Yes!
  • Explo Popularity
    %

Vestiges and skeletons of the Portuguese presence in Ayutthaya...

My experience, Explo description: 

The Portuguese were the first Europeans to settle in Siam. They settled in Ayutthaya, the former capital, in 1511.

At this time, Portuguese were arms traders and mercenaries. They developed in the region a trade of guns, ammunition and mercenaries to both side in the Burmese Wars with Siam.

The Portuguese wanted part of the spice trade that was until then controlled by Muslim traders. They developed a strategy of creating fortified outposts from Goa in India to Macau in China.

Hence, they settled an embassy in Ayutthaya, and they were the main foreign community, as the established ruling elite in Siam spoke Portuguese for diplomatic and trade purposes.

The Portuguese village in Ayutthaya formally started when King Ramathiboldi 11 allotted them a piece of land 3.5km south from the city.

By the reign of King Narai there were over 3,000 Portuguese living there. To be accepted by the local population, the Portuguese men intermarried with Asian ladies (the same as did the Chinese).

In the 1767, all the settlement was destroyed.

Today, the Portuguese Settlement are brick ruins.

Inside the modern building, you will discover the vestiges of an ancient church and burials with skeletons (200) of the Portuguese cemetery...

My personal recommendations: 

Have a look at the Saint Joseph church, an other vestige of the European presence (3km NW from the Portuguese settlement).

How getting there: 

The best way to visit Ayutthaya is to rent a motorbike ($10). You can also rent bicycles ($1), but as you will have to go on long distance, I do not advise you this solution, except if you just want to focus on Ayutthaya city centre (but then you will miss many nice visits around the city !).

By car or motorbike : from Ayutthaya, go West and cross the Chao Phraya on the 3263 road bridge. Then make a left to the south (just before the 3469) and pass by the magnificent Wat Chaiwatthanaram.

Go on the road till you reach the 3469. Make a left again. Drive 3km (E) till you reach the Chao Phraya river (after a long straight line, make a left (200m to go) and a left again ! (200m more !)).

A tip to eat: 

No place to eat.

Useful information: 
Open hours: 

When I did go there, there was no guard and the site was wild open.

Visit duration: 

30mn.

Entry fees: 

Free !