Central Thailand
Ayutthaya
To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countriesAldous Huxley 1894 - 1963Central Thailand is probably best associated with the ancient ruins of Ayutthaya which nestles on an inland island surrounded by the three rivers of Chao Phraya, Lop Buri and Pasak. Four centuries ago and thirty three kings later, the ruins are enormously eternally impressive. As the palaces and temples were constructed, so too were a fine network of canals and streets. The entire island was then enclosed with a fortified wall some twelve kilometers or seven miles in length. A population of one million lived within the complex which was also home to over 400 temples. Many of the temples were decorated with gold obtained from trade relations with the Japanese, Portuguese, Dutch, French and British thus allowing the city to prosper remarkable by the 15th century. Ayutthaya is situated some 85 kilometers or 55 miles North of Bangkok which one can reach either by road or with ease, journey up the Mae Nam Chao Phraya river on one of the deluxe boats. Just like the interiors of many countries, the central plains of Thailand are often overlooked as tourists tend to explore elsewhere either in the north or south of the country instead. Those who discover these regions are pleasantly surprised as the foundations of Thai society and culture are best uncovered here.
Wat Phra Manathat
Wat Phra Manathat is considered one of the most significant temple complexes in Ayutthaya. Not only is it the largest but it is also the oldest dating as far back as the late 14th century. These ruins are situated towards the northeast end of the island. The splendor of this particular site has got to be it's huge prang which originally stood some 46 metres or 150 feet tall. It later collapsed but was then rebuilt to a height of 50 metres or 163 feet. (see photo at top of page) Not far off from the temple complex, you will find a replica of what it may have looked like in it's glory days. The grounds are open daily from 8:00 am until 6:00 pm.
Wat Ratchaburana
Wat Ratchaburana is a temple complex situated across the road to the north of Wat Mahathat. It was built between 1424 and 1448 by King Borommaracha ll in remembrance of his two elder brothers who fought for supreme power over the kingdom and yet somehow managed to kill each other. It is certainly one of the finest architectural wonders of the region. Renovations to the site were carried out in 1958 which resulted in the findings of a crypt that contained valuable Buddha images, traces of mural paintings, and golden jewellery, all of which can now be viewed at the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum. The grounds are open daily from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm. Sukhothai Heritage Site
Sukhothai Historical Park is an impressive historical site in Central Thailand which can be seen from inside the walls of the ancient kingdom of Sukhothai. Fortunately much of this ancient site still remains today. Within the walls of these ruins are some 20 temples and monuments. Sukhothai lies at the northern edge of the central plains 425 kilometers or 255 miles north of Bangkok and 350 kilometers or 210 miles south of Chiang Mai. Open from 8:30 am until 4:30 pm.
Iron Bridge over the River Kwai
Central ThailandKanchanaburiThe profound ambiance surrounding the beauty of Kanchanaburi with it's rolling limestone hills and enchanting expansive countryside can be truly breath-taking at times. Then again it can also feel hauntingly eerie on occasions especially when you ponder the horrors of what took place here decades ago. I still get shivers running down my spine every time I visit this place. Writing about it as I am now only brings back heartfelt memories of being on such an infamous site.Walking across the bridge over the River Kwai, taking a train ride on part of the winding track, strolling around the town's cemetery or visiting the death museum that is dedicated to all those young lives lost, you cannot help but feel the pain. Although Kanchanaburi has a dark side it is certainly well worth the unexpected. The town's footings are at a junction of two rivers called Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai, which later join to form the Mae Klong river.
Wooden Bridge at Sangkhlaburi
Central ThailandSangkhlaburiThe remote town of Sangkhlaburi is situated close to Burmese territory on the central western plains of Thailand. It nestled around a large lake and surrounded by high lush mountain peaks. If you head out from Kanchanaburi on highway 323, you will bare witness to some of Thailand's most wondrous natural and historical diversions. Ancient burial sites, a classic 13th century Khmer city, the notorious Hellfire Pass, mineral rich hot springs and spectacular waterfalls are just some of the many surprises along the way. The outlying area of Sangkhlaburi is also host to Karen and Mon hill tribe villages, Thailand's longest wooden bridge, wildlife sanctuaries, caves full of bats and the Three Pagodas Pass to name but a few.Khao Yai National Park - Saraburi
Central ThailandSaraburiThe province of Saraburi is situated on the east side of the Chao Phraya river valley in central Thailand. The surrounding area is mainly made up of high plains and plateaus to the east and low flat plains to the west. The Buddha footprint seen at the small temple of Wat Phra PuddhaBat is one of the main attractions.
Phra Prang Sam Yot - Lopburi
Central ThailandLopburiFurther north of Ayutthaya lies the town of Lopburi which was once the former ancient town of the Khmer's from the 10th to 13th century. This town lies 155 kilometers or 96 miles north of Bangkok and is home to hundreds of monkeys who seem to have the freedom of the city. Places of interest here are King Narai's Palace and Wat Phra Si Ratana Mahathai.
Riverfront at Bridge over the River Kwai
Books from Central Thailand
Thailand's Political History from the author B.J. Terwiel covers the fall of Ayutthaya to recent times. This paperback book takes a fresh insight into Thailand's history over the past 250 years, from the fall of the old capital Ayutthaya in 1767 in the opening scene to present times with the country's massive economic expansion.
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