One reason Ayuthaya's rulers lasted so long was that they could talk a good game. As a result of their adroit diplomacy and tolerance towards other religions and cultures up to 40 ethnic groups settled here. Today evidence of this remains in the Portuguese Settlement, St Joseph's Church and a Muslim market.
The Portuguese were first to arrive in 1511, followed by the Dutch, British and Japanese. Up to 2000 Portuguese traders and diplomats lived in the area and there were three Catholic churches. A small group of Thai Catholics still lives near the site.
The Portuguese brought guns with them, and this modern weapon helped the Thais defeat the Burmese in 1520. As a result of this victory, the Portuguese were given land on which to build. In 1767 the Burmese invaders burned down the settlement and it wasn't until 1985 that a Portuguese foundation came to restore the village.
Just south of the island, the Portuguese Settlement displays the skeletal remains of 40 Portuguese settlers in an open pit. Look for the unusual spirit house with figures of St Joseph and St Paul. To the west of the Portuguese Settlement is a Muslim quarter , where an evening market is held on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The area is picturesque and ideal for cycling. Along the way, stop at Wat Phutthaii Sawan to see a reclining Buddha and Khmer-style prang.
