Ayutthaya Thailand
Ayutthaya, short for Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, is a small city in Thailand that has archaeological sites such as temples, monasteries, palaces, etc. It is only 80 kilometers north of Bangkok and is the perfect place for a day trip from Bangkok. Often referred to as Krung Kao or ‘Old Capital’, Ayutthaya was an important center of trade, wealth, art and culture in its day and flourished for over 400 years.
History of Ayutthaya
It is a beautiful city full of and history and culture as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It derives its name from the Sanskrit word for the place Ayodhya of the Ramayana, the birthplace of Lord Ram.
The historical city of Ayutthaya, founded in 1350, was the second capital of the Siamese kingdom. It grew from the 14th to the 18th century, during which time it became one of the most developed and largest cities in the world and an international and commercial center. Ayutthaya is very important on the island of three rivers that connect the city to the sea around it, this location was chosen because it was on the waters of the Gulf of Siam as it was at that time. , thus preventing the invasion of the city from the sea. warships of other countries. The place also helped to protect the city from floods in the season.
The city was attacked and destroyed in 1767 by Burmese soldiers who burned the city and forced the inhabitants to leave the city. The city was never rebuilt and is still known today as a major archaeological site.
Currently, it is located in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. The number of world heritage is 289 ha.
Once an important center of diplomacy and world trade, Ayutthaya is now an ancient ruin, of almost a large prang (reliquary tower) and a Buddhist residence of great proportions, which gives a sense of the country’s past and beauty. his walk. . Well known from contemporary sources and maps, Ayutthaya was laid out according to a strict urban planning system, with roads, canals and moats around all the castles. This project made the city located between three rivers and has a hydraulic system for water management of high technology and unique in the world.
The city is conveniently located at the head of the Gulf of Siam, which is between India and China and well protected from Arabs and Europeans extending their influence in the area even Ayutthaya itself gathered and expanded its power to fill the gap. left the fall of Angkor. As a result, Ayutthaya has become an economic and commercial center in the region and the whole world, and an important link between East and West. The royal house of Ayutthaya exchanged ambassadors everywhere, including the French court in Versailles and the Mughal court in Delhi, as well as the imperial courts of Japan and China.
Foreigners serve in the government and live in the country as citizens. From the royal palace of Ayutthaya, there was a camp of merchants and missionaries, each of which built a house in its own style. Foreign influences abound in the city and can still be seen in the art and ruins. The School of Art of Ayutthaya reflects the art and creativity of the Ayutthaya civilization and its ability to assimilate many foreign influences. The large Buddhist buildings and monasteries built in the capital, for example at Wat Mahathat and Wat Phra Si Sanphet, testify to the economic and technological importance of their builders, as well as the passion of intellectual tradition.
The entire building is decorated with beautiful art and paintings, which have a mix of traditional styles that survive from Sukhothai, inherited from Angkor and borrowed from the 17th and 18th century art styles of Japan, China, India. , Persia. and Europe, creating a rich and unique expression of local culture and laying the foundation for the fusion of art forms and architecture known during the Rattanakosin period and beyond.
In fact, when the capital of the kingdom was restored from the decline and a new city was built in Bangkok, an effort was made to recreate the city values and architectural style of Ayutthaya. Many of the surviving architects and builders of Ayutthaya were recruited to work on the construction of the new capital. This model of urban renewal is in line with the idea of urban planning of the world’s best cities trying to emulate the perfection of the mythical city of Ayodhya. In Thai, the official name of the new capital in Bangkok retains “Ayutthaya” as part of its official name.
Things to do in Ayutthaya
Explore the ruins of Wat Mahathat
The construction of this great temple began around 1370, shortly after the founding of the city of Ayutthaya. Originally, Wat Wahathat was the most important temple in the city, royal ceremonies were always held there and the highest monk called this place his home. During the Burmese invasion many of the temples were attacked and destroyed leaving the ruins of the temple we see today. It’s not the best place you’ll see or the best painting, but its location and the history of the city and the city deserve it.
Go on a pilgrimage to Wat Yai Chai Mongkol
One of the most popular temples in the city is Wat Yai Chai Mongkol, and the history of the temple is equally interesting. King Naresuan added a chedi to the Wat to commemorate a historic victory over the Burmese in the 17th century, it was during this battle that the king is said to have killed the Burmese crown prince with his spear. Around the outside of the temple, there are many seated stone Buddhas, all in beautiful condition. The Central Chedi is climbing and from the top you can look out over the city for a great view. Many Thai Buddhists come to this temple for their pilgrimage, and there are always Buddhists burning incense and walking around the chedi for good fortune.
Visit the site of Bang Pa-in Palace
King Rama V enjoyed spending his holidays in this palace, until one day he realized that it needed renovation and had the entire site rebuilt into what we see today. These buildings are very beautiful with intricate designs and landscaped gardens. When you enter the palace, you can stop reading about the royal family. Along the outer walls of the royal palace, you can see a row of small houses, where these are the houses where the king’s “female friends” live.
Visit the Portuguese colony
Even in the 1500s people from other countries went to Thailand to experience new things and the first Europeans were the Portuguese. When they arrived in Ayutthaya, they brought with them weapons and introduced the land to a delicious meal of bread and eggs. The Portuguese liked the Thais as they fought with the Thais in many wars with their neighbors. Most of the villages no longer exist, but you can visit one of their old buildings here and learn more about their way of life.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet
Known as one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand, it was founded by the first king of Ayutthaya named Ramathibodi I in 1350 and later King Ramathibodi II added to the Grand Chedis in 1491. Temple this is the largest of the other ancient temples of Ayutthaya. and know about the Three Chedis which were destroyed during the Burmese war and later restored.
Phanan Choeng
A famous part of Ayutthaya Historical Park, Wat Phanan Choeng is located on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River. The 19 meter tall Lord Buddha statue called Luang Pho Tho is the main attraction for tourists. The statue was rebuilt several times and in 1854, King Mongkut changed its name to Phra Phuttha Thrai Ratana Nayok. If you plan to visit, remember not to put your feet on the platform where the statue stands.
