Other sights in Ayuthaya
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Wat Na Phra Mehn
North of the old royal palace (wang lŏo·ang) grounds is a bridge to Wat Na Phra Mehn. This temple is notable because it escaped destruction when the Burmese overran and sacked the city in 1767. The main bòht was built in 1546 and features fortress-like walls and pillars. The bòht interior contains an impressive carved wooden ceiling and a splendid 6m-high sitting Buddha in royal attire. Inside a smaller wí·hăhn behind the bòht is a green-stone, European-pose (sitting in a chair) Buddha from Ceylon, said to be 1300 years old. The walls of the wí·hăhn show traces of 18th- or 19th-century murals.
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A
Portuguese Settlement
Due south of the island is the historical district of the kingdom's former diplomatic entourages, many of whom arrived during the reign of King Narai. Japanese, Chinese, Dutch, Portuguese and other foreign representatives came to the Ayuthaya court to encourage trade, serve as advisors or assist in defending the city. One of the eeriest remnants of the foreigners' footprint is the cemetery at the Portuguese Settlement.
An open pit displays the petrified skeletons of Portuguese residents, many of whom died of small pox. The traditional Thai spirit house on the grounds contains figures of St Joseph and St Paul.
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B
Chantharakasem National Museum
The grounds of this national museum are actually more interesting than its collection of artefacts, sculptures and ancient weapons. The museum, near the banks of Mae Nam Pasak, is within the grounds of Wang Chan Kasem (Chan Kasem Palace), which was built for King Naresuan by his father in 1577.
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C
Muslim district
To the west of the Portuguese Settlement is Ayuthaya's Muslim district, a community that dates back to ancient times when many Muslim traders called at the Ayuthaya port.
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Ayuthaya Historical Study Centre
Ayuthaya Historical Study Centre offers informative, professional displays that paint a very clear picture of the ancient city.
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D
Chao Sam Phraya National Museum
The Chao Sam Phraya National Museum features a basic round-up of Thai Buddhist sculpture with an emphasis on Ayuthaya pieces.
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