Ayutthaya in Central Thailand
Stone Images at Wat Ratchaburana
Ayutthaya is located just 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Bangkok and was the capital of Siam from 1350 to 1767. To this day it remains one of Thailand's best known ancient historical sites. By the fifteenth century the city grew to over a million inhabitants and became the richest in all of Asia, exporting goods such as ivory, animal skins and rice. Not only did merchants arrive from right across Asia but they also came from as far as Europe and the Middle East. Unfortunately neighboring Burmese armies invaded and began battering the city gates before occupying it during the sixteenth century. After a brief period the then Siamese took control again only to lose control once more to the Burmese until finally the Siamese were forced to surrendered in 1767. The city was looted and then burned to the ground with much of the population either killed or enslaved. However most of the monuments were also destroyed and the city lay in ruins and was never re-built. Within a year, the city had become a ghost town and the population was reduced to a mere few thousand. Did you know that this great city was technically built on an island surrounded by three rivers, the Chao Phraya, the Lop Buri and the Pa Sak. Today these ruins still stand alone on the western side of the island while a new modern commercial town has emerged on the eastern side. Steeped in history, it's well worth a visit.
Wat Phra Sri Sanphet
Wat Phra Sri SanphetWat Phra Sri Sanphet is not only one of the largest ancient architectural sites here in this central Thailand city but it also has some of the finest temples ruins. It was originally built in 1491 in honour of three fifteenth century kings. The three restored chedi now house their ashes. Open daily from 8:00am until 5pm.Wat Phra RamWat Phra Ram built in 1369 but later restored during the 15th century and again renovated in the 1941, is situated across the way from Wat Phra Si Sanphet in the middle of an island within the Historical Park. The complex consists of a huge towering prang, some smaller classic style chedis aa well as a few outbuildings.
Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon
Wat Yai Chai MongkhonWat Yai Chai Mongkhon has the largest chedi located outside of the city and was built between 1590 and 1605. If you climb the stairs of the chedi, you will be able to see over the beautiful gardens as well as a great view of the city. Lots of Buddha statues to see in the temple grounds including a reclining Buddha.
Wat Phra Manathat
Wat Phra ManathatWat Phra Manhathat is one of the oldest temple complexes in Ayutthaya dating back to around 1380. It is also one of the most beautiful and is spread over a large area. It's hard to imagine what it must have been like during the prosperous years when first built. The huge stupa that you see in the complex originally stood 46 meters (150 feet) high but later collapsed.
Wat Chai Watthanaram
Wat Chai WatthanaramWat Chai Watthanaram, built in 1630, is located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River and from here you can get a great view of this remarkable temple complex. This site originally following plans of the Hindu Temple at Angkor Wat in Cambodia. It has a huge central stupa or prang which sits on a raised platform surrounded by smaller ones.Wat Phra Ram
Bang Pa-In Royal Summer PlaceBang Pa-In Royal Summer Place is located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River about 20 kilometers or 13 miles downstream from the ruins of Ayutthaya. The present buildings that you see today were built in the late 19th and early 20th century, although the original site dates back to the Ayutthaya period.The complex is beautifully laid out and the charming collection of palaces and pavilions is displayed in a variety of architectural styles including Chinese, Italian and Victorian. Open daily between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm.
Bang Pa-In Royal Summer Palace
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