The World Heritage Festival in Ayutthaya, Thailand, Revives Ancient Royal Market Life

By Liu Jiawen, compiled and reported

To celebrate the Ayutthaya Historical Park in Thailand, which was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, Ayutthaya will hold its annual “Ayutthaya World Heritage and Red Cross Festival” from February 10 to 19 at the Ayutthaya Historical Park (Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park). The celebration includes performances and entertainment such as folk music, traditional songs, and local beauty pageants. Visitors can also experience demonstrations of the traditional lifestyle of Thailand’s water-based communities and sample delicious Thai cuisine and local specialties.

Strolling through the traditional market area offers a taste of life during the ancient Ayutthaya Kingdom. Visitors must first exchange modern currency for Phot Duang, the ancient coin, to purchase a variety of tasty foods and snacks from vendors. The event also features booths from 16 local villages in Ayutthaya, selling regional specialties and handmade crafts. During the festival, the local Red Cross Society will offer charity lottery tickets as a fundraising initiative. The celebration will conclude with a spectacular sound and light show at Wat Mahathat Temple, marking a perfect finale to the festivities.

The 10-day Ayutthaya World Heritage and Red Cross Festival is free to attend, and visitors are welcome to join in freely. Located in central Thailand, Ayutthaya is about 100 kilometers from Bangkok. Travelers can take a bus from Bangkok’s northern bus terminal, arriving in Ayutthaya in approximately 90 minutes, then transfer to a tuk-tuk or minibus to reach the Ayutthaya Historical Park.