| i u dia: Perfectly Placed For Access to Ancient City's Attractions | |||
| UPDATE : 17 February 2010 | |||
i u dia on the River is a modern Thai-style building located opposite Ayutthaya Historical Park, separated from the impressive ancient buildings that won the city its World Heritage status from the United Nations' Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (Unesco) by the Chao Phraya River. The development's modern architecture is rather eye-catching given its location, which is close to several leading ancient attractions, including the temple of Wat Phutthaisawan. It's ideal for those visitors who wish to enjoy modern conveniences and comforts while enjoying the incredibly rich history of the ancient city.
The use of the rather unusual spelling - i u dia - apparently comes from the way foreigners are prone to mispronouncing the city's name. i u dia is a rather exclusive property since it has only eight rooms, each individually styled to represent significant former residents during the history of the kingdom of Ayuthaya (1351-1757). Since these eight important individuals were all foreigners, hailing from different parts of the world, certain design features reflect this fact, such as a collection of Chinese ceramics that are located near the main front desk and lobby area. There are other features where the hotel's design team has managed to successfully blend tradition with modernity, such as a combination of plain concrete and wood. Total 'R&R' A small garden located at the center of the property connects the lobby area with i u dia's impressive swimming pool. This spot boasts some extraordinary views, as it's right next to the Chao Phraya River and Wat Phutthaisawan, the ancient temple built during the reign of King Ramathibodi (1350-1369), the first monarch of the Ayutthaya dynasty. I'm sure that if you visit i u dia on the River, like me you'll find it easy to kick back and relax here thanks to the awesome ambiance. The four riverside suites at i u dia – the Constantine Phaulkon and Sheik Ahmad suites on the upper floor, and the Yamada Nagamasa and Zheng He suites on the first floor – reflect the stories of these influential figures from Ayutthaya's rich history. Thematic touches Constantine Phaulkon was a Greek adventurer who became the first counselor to King Narai the Great, who ruled the kingdom of Ayutthaya from 1656-1688. The décor of the suite bearing his name is predominantly red, which made me think of the tunics of the same color that were often worn by Greek noblemen. The Sheikh Ahmad suite boasts a luxurious feel. Sheikh Ahmad was a Persian merchant who became the first spiritual leader of Muslims in the kingdom during the reign of King Prasarttong (1630-1655). In sharp contrast, the suite named after the Japanese adventurer Yamada Nagamasa has a rather more rustic appeal through the use of ornamental bamboo. Nagamasa moved to the kingdom of Ayutthaya in 1612 and eventually became the governor of what is now Nakhon Si Thammarat province. Expertly blended I stayed in a room influenced by the life of Samuel White, an Englishman who was responsible for administering the port of Margui during the 17th century in what is today southern Myanmar. Overlooking a courtyard, the room includes a combination of Western style features, such as a chandelier, with more traditional touches, such as a Thai-style triangular-shaped roof.
The sole poolside room is inspired by the life of Dutch merchant Jeremias Van Vliet, who was responsible for writing the most detailed, fascinating and lively account of old Siam (during 1636-1640). While it's easy to describe the inspiration behind the property’s overall theme and individual suites, really the best way to appreciate it is to experience it first-hand. For further information, or to make a reservation, call Tel: +66 (0)35 323 208. Transport connections: Car: Route 1 - Take Highway 1 from Phahol Yothin Road before switching to Highway 32, which will lead you to downtown Ayutthaya. Route 2 – Take Highway 306 (Bangkok-Nonthaburi-Pathum Thani Road) before switching to Highway 347, which will lead you to downtown Ayutthaya. Bus: Buses depart the Northeastern Bus Terminal (Morchit II) regularly from 5 am until 7 pm. Ayutthaya's main bus terminal is located on Naresuan Road. For further information regarding bus travel to Ayutthaya, contact Tel: +66 (0)2 936 2853. Train: Trains depart Bangkok's central Hualamphong Station hourly during 4.20 am-10 pm. For further information contact Tel: +66 (0)2 223 0341. | |||
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
i u dia: Perfectly Placed For Access to Ancient City's Attractions
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