Historical place in Thailand
WatChaiwatthanaram
(PhraNakhon Si Ayutthaya)
One of the most visited historical site of Ayutthaya, Wat Chaiwattanaram rests on the bank of the Chao Phraya river, to the west of the city island. The temple was ordered to built in 1630 by King Prasat Thong to honor his mother, featuring the architectural style influenced by Angkor temple in Cambodia—its unique feature is a large, central prang (Khmer-style pagoda) surrounded by smaller prangs, symbolizing Mount Sumeru, the gods' mountain according to Hindu belief. The lighting at night makes the temple even more exotic and beautiful.
History
King Prasat Thong (r.1629-1656) built this royal monastery on the bank of the Chao Phraya River in 1630 in order to make merit for his foster-mother, as well to show himself as a man of great Buddhist merit; in fact a political goal. The temple was built on the site where his foster-mother, the wife of Okya Sri Thammathirat, resided in Ayutthaya.
Wat Chai Watthanaram was one of the grandest and most monumental ruins of Ayutthaya The construction of the monastery may have taken 20 years to complete as a gold tablet buried behind a Buddha image in one of the spired roof halls was inscribed: Auspicious occasion in Maha Sakarat 572 (1649 AD), Wednesday of the 4th month, 15th day of the waxing moon, year of the dog with number two ending, firstly established. In the Historical Account written by Van Vliet, in the passage referring to 1637-8, he mentions the King’s temple under construction, indicating that at that time the construction work was still ongoing.
Since the reign of King Prasat Thong all Ayutthayan Kings would regularly make pilgrimages to this sanctuary and attend royal funerals. In the last Burmese war with Ayutthaya (1764-1767), the site may have been used as a stronghold as witnessed by the reinforcement of the walls and the surviving remains of cannons and cannon balls.
After the destruction of Ayutthaya by the Burmese, the temple was deserted, prey for the jungle and looters for 220 years.
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More details
Open - Close: To visitors daily from 08.30 am. - 17.30 pm.
Admission fee: The Thailand 10 baht, foreigners 50 baht.
How to get there:
By car:
From Bangkok, take highway in Bang-pa-in/ Pak-Gret (Udon Ratya) go ahead in to Ayutthaya. Then onto route 347 is approximately 20 km, turn right at the intersection of Worachet and go along this street about 1 kilometer, left to prepare a u-turn under bridge (signposted). When you return the car, and then run the following about 300 meters turn left into the entrance of temple keep diving about 700 metres the temple is on the left side.
By van:
Take the van at mo chit bus station/future Park Rangsit or train ride into the city centre of Ayiutthaya and then take the tuk-tuk from Jao-Prom market to Wat chaiwatthanaram.
Sasiwimon Poka
115710510041-3
Sukhothai Historical Park
The Sukhothai Historical Park contains the ruins of old Sukhothai, the capital of the Sukhothai Kingdom that was founded in 1238. Dozens of well preserved and restored monuments dating back to the 13thuntil 15th centuries are found in a well maintained park like setting with lakes, ponds and trees. The park is much less visited than better known historical sites as Ayutthaya and Angkor.
Sukhothai was the first independent Thai Kingdom, where Thai art and architecture developed into what is known as the Sukhothai style, influenced mainly by Khmer and Singhalese styles. Characteristic for the Sukhothai style are the lotus bud chedi and statues of a walking Buddha, the clothing draped around the body.
Much information about the history of the empire and its Kings is known from several inscribed stone steles like the famous Ramkhamhaeng steel, discovered during excavations in Sukhothai and its vassal towns.
City is surrounded by a moat and city walls enclosing an area of about 2 kilometers long and 1.6 kilometers wide. Entry gates in the center of each side of the surrounding wall provided access to the city. The 3 km2 area contained the Royal Palace and a number of the most important temples. Spread out across several areas outside the walled area are the ruins of dozens more temples in various states of preservation. The historic town of Sukhothai and associated historic towns of SiSatchanalai and Kamphaeng Phet were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.
Royal Palace & temples of the Sukhothai Historical Park
During the over two centuries of its existence dozens of impressive temples and a Royal Palace were constructed by the rulers of the Sukhothai empire. The Palace was located next to the Wat Mahathat in the walled central zone. Nothing of it remains, as it was likely built of perishable materials as wood.
How to get to Sukhothai Historical Park
Sukhothai Historical Park is located in Sukhothai province about 430 kilometers North of Bangkok.
The park is found in Muang Kao district, a little over 10 kilometers West of modern Sukhothai town. The most comfortable way to get there is by private car with driver. Book one through hotel or travel agent. The ride by songthaew, a converted pick up truck with benches in the back, costs around 40 Baht one way. The songthaew will usually wait until there are enough passengers, the ride takes about 25 minutes. A return trip by tuk tuk including a few hours of waiting time will cost around 700 Thai Baht, a one way trip around 200 Baht.
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Getting around in the Park:
The central zone contains a number of the most important monuments and the Ramkhamhaeng National Museum. Distances are small, and the area can easily be covered on foot. A small electric train runs around the park from the entrance at a fee of 50 Thai Baht per person. A fun way to get around independently is on a bicycle that can be rented at 50 Baht per day. To get to the zones further away, charter a tuk tuk or car with driver. A tuk tuk will cost around 500 Thai Baht for half a day.
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Admission & opening hours:
The park opens daily from 8.30 am until 6 pm. The historical park comprises of five zones that each charge an entrance fee of 100 Baht and 10 Baht extra per bicycle. Free maps of the park are available at the ticket office.Visit Sukhothai Historical Park.
Chanamate Tabtimtad
115810510015-5
Temple of the Emerald Buddha
(Wat Phra Kaew) Bangkok
Pay a visit to the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand at Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew). Located in the precincts of the Grand Palace, the temple houses an emerald Buddha statue carved from semi-precious green stone and covered in gold--deemed to be the palladium (protective image) of Thailand.
The surrounding buildings, sculptural forms, and murals complement the regal and spiritual atmosphere of the room in which the Buddha is kept. Take time to wander the grounds, a great place to get lost in. Our Bangkok online trip builder makes visiting Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) and other Bangkok attractions simple, and helps you make a travel plan personal to you.
Pimchanok Srisantitorn
115810510017-1
The Historic city of Ayutthaya, Thailand
The Historic City of Ayutthaya was founded in 1350 as the second capital of Siamese Kingdom. It thrived from the 14th to 18th century during which time it became one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world as well as the global center of diplomacy and commerce.
The city is nestled on an island formed by 3 rivers which connect it to the sea. The site selection for the city was informed by the fact that this ground was well above the tidal bore of the Gulf of Siam. Besides, the natural barriers protected it from the warships from other nations.
In 1767, the Burmese army attacked and burnt the city, forcing its residents to seek refuge elsewhere. Unfortunately, the city would never rise again after this and today, it is an extensive archaeological site.
Presently the city is located in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District. All of its 289 hectares were inscribed into the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1991. Notable monuments in the city include the Buddhist monasteries and reliquary towers that illustrate the city’s lost glory.
The city of Aytthaya was laid out in a rigid urban grid that consists of canals, moats, roads and several other principal structures. The layout sought to maximize the advantages of its position in the middle of 3 rivers. The city also featured a hydraulic system of water management that was way ahead of its time.
The ideal location on which it is situated allowed the expanding Arab and European powers trade with Siam. Apparently, the kingdom was also looking for ways to expand its influence in the region. To promote trade and international relations, the Royal Court of Ayutthaya sent ambassadors to French Court of Versailles, Mughal Court in Delhi and Chinese and Japanese Imperial courts. The historic Ayutthaya City is well worth a visit.
Supawadee Charthai
115810510028-8
THE Royal Crematorium
THE ROYAL Crematorium for HM the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej is immaculately built and is the “pride of all Thais”, as the country prepares to say a final farewell to the much-revered late monarch. HM King Bhumibol had reigned over Thailand for seven decades, with remarkable devotion to his people. His passing on October 13 last year plunged his entire nation into deep mourning, hence his upcoming Royal Cremation has huge significance to Thais worldwide.
“The structure is perfect and secure. It’s the pride of all Thais as it symbolises Thais’ gratefulness to their beloved King and Thai monarchy,”
Standing tall in Sanam Luang, the Royal Crematorium will also be open to members of the public from November 2 and 30.
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Public Health Minister Dr Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn said the government had accorded much importance to the Royal Cremation of the late King and striven to ensure related ceremonies were proper and dignified
The grand structure will be removed following the Royal Cremation.
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Jhantarapa Jaitham
115810510021-3