By Liu Jiawen, compiled and reported
To celebrate the UNESCO World Heritage inscription of the Ayutthaya Historical Park 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 event features performances and entertainment such as folk music, folk songs, and local beauty pageants. Visitors can also experience demonstrations of traditional Thai water-based community lifestyles and sample delicious Thai cuisine and local specialties.
Ayutthaya, Thailand will host its annual “Ayutthaya World Heritage and Red Cross Festival” from February 10 to 19. (Image provided by Tourism Authority of Thailand)
Strolling through the traditional market area offers a taste of life during the ancient Ayutthaya Kingdom. Visitors must exchange modern currency for Phot Duang ancient coins before purchasing various tasty foods and snacks from vendors. The site also hosts booths from 16 local villages in Ayutthaya, selling regional specialties and handicrafts. During the event, the local Red Cross Society will sell charity lottery tickets to raise funds for good causes. The festival will conclude with a spectacular sound and light show at Wat Mahathat Temple, bringing the celebration to a perfect close.
The festival site will host numerous activities, including folk song performances and traditional market experiences, culminating in a grand sound and light show at Wat Mahathat Temple to mark the end of the festivities. (Image provided by Tourism Authority of Thailand)
The 10-day Ayutthaya World Heritage and Red Cross Festival requires no admission fee and is open to all visitors. Located in central Thailand, Ayutthaya is about 100 kilometers from Bangkok. Visitors can take a bus from Bangkok’s northern bus terminal, arriving in Ayutthaya in about 90 minutes, then transfer to a tuk-tuk or minibus to reach the Ayutthaya Historical Park.