Celebrate world heritage at Ayutthaya

Lined with ruins of historical palaces and temples, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park will come back to life and return visitors to its glory days as the "Yor Yos Ying Fah: Ayutthaya World Heritage" fair returns to the ancient capital from March 13-22.

The event will kick off with striking processions in tribute to eight monarchs of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, including King Ramathibodi I, King Ramathibodi II, King Borommatrailokkanat, King Naresuan the Great, King Songtham, King Prasatthong, King Narai the Great, and King Borommakot.

As with every year, the highlight is a light and sound show at Wat Maha That in honour of five major kings of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, while Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya Rajabhat University presents an exhibition honouring King Rama IX and King Rama X.

During the day, visitors can dress in beautiful Thai traditional costumes and wander the retro market on Kin Sen and Kin Koong streets, with hundreds of local vendors selling a variety of street foods and sweets like grilled river prawns and boat noodles.

Shoppers can check out a wide selection of fresh farm produce and One Tambon One Product (Otop) products from 16 districts. The Red Cross fair offers a variety of goods and lucky draws. Nearby, local villagers welcome visitors with traditional paddleboat services to explore the Phra Ram swamp.

At Wat Phra Ram, the shady courtyard will be turned into a playground for families to enjoy cultural performances, play traditional games and create their own handicrafts and toys. The fair also features such creative contests as The Best To Be Number, Singing Thai Folk Song, Talented Kids, Ayutthaya Talent and Ayutthaya Music Challenge, plus beauty pageants Krung Kao Kids and Miss Ayutthaya.

The areas around the old provincial hall -- the city pillar shrine, Wihan Phra Mongkolbophit, Wat Phra Si Sanphet and Wat Phra Ram -- will be adorned with colourful lights.

photos courtesy of The Government Public Relations Department