Tuesday, February 01, 2005
Ayuthaya
After leaving Kanchanburi we headed to Ayuthaya, which is about 86 km north of Bangkok. Ayuthaya was the capital of the Siam empire from 1350-1767. It was at this time that the kingdom extended well into present-day Loas, Cambodia and Myanmar. Thirty-three kings reigned from this capital until it was sacked by the Burmese. Thai culture and international commerce was at its height at this time, with Dutch, Portuguese, French, English, Chinese and Japanese merchants participating in trade. There were literally ruins all over the city – some only small mounds and some large buildings. There are 4 amazing temples that are almost completely in tact – although the outside layer of plaster has fallen off on most of them.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet is the largest of the temple complexes. It is absolutely huge and amazing, (And although I never saw the movie, I hear it was used as the set for filming for Mortal Kombat.) This temple was used as the royal temple. The most impressive structures on the complex are 3 identical stupas, which are burial places for kings and other nobility. (You seriously need to check out the pictures!)
Wat Mahathat was built about 1369 AD and is surrounded by a moot of water. The main tower looks a little like a corn husk. Since this is Thailand and there are yet to be a lot of rules enforced, we were able to climb all over all the ruins. They are really large and super impressive.
Phra Mongkonbophit is the main temple where royal rituals and funerals took place before the kings were put into the stupas. (It is the large white building with red roofing that looks modern.) The temple houses a huge Buddha, which is covered in gold and considered somewhat of a pilgrimage place for Thais.
Wat Chaiwatthanaram is one of the most impressive Buddhist monasteries. The complex is again huge. The main tower is from about half way up with a shrine to Buddha inside. The temple consists of the main tower, four pointed towers and eight smaller pointed towers. It is located right next to the river and has two large Buddhas in front of the main tower. Additionally there are rows and rows of small Buddhas lining the outside walls.
Ayuthaya was one of the most amazing places that I have ever seen. I was surprised at how well preserved and how many different ruins there were in the city. Additionally, there was a Dairy Queen so I was loving walking around eating a double-brownie fudge Blizzard and looking at the amazing structures. Seriously, what could be better?
Wat Phra Si Sanphet is the largest of the temple complexes. It is absolutely huge and amazing, (And although I never saw the movie, I hear it was used as the set for filming for Mortal Kombat.) This temple was used as the royal temple. The most impressive structures on the complex are 3 identical stupas, which are burial places for kings and other nobility. (You seriously need to check out the pictures!)
Wat Mahathat was built about 1369 AD and is surrounded by a moot of water. The main tower looks a little like a corn husk. Since this is Thailand and there are yet to be a lot of rules enforced, we were able to climb all over all the ruins. They are really large and super impressive.
Phra Mongkonbophit is the main temple where royal rituals and funerals took place before the kings were put into the stupas. (It is the large white building with red roofing that looks modern.) The temple houses a huge Buddha, which is covered in gold and considered somewhat of a pilgrimage place for Thais.
Wat Chaiwatthanaram is one of the most impressive Buddhist monasteries. The complex is again huge. The main tower is from about half way up with a shrine to Buddha inside. The temple consists of the main tower, four pointed towers and eight smaller pointed towers. It is located right next to the river and has two large Buddhas in front of the main tower. Additionally there are rows and rows of small Buddhas lining the outside walls.
Ayuthaya was one of the most amazing places that I have ever seen. I was surprised at how well preserved and how many different ruins there were in the city. Additionally, there was a Dairy Queen so I was loving walking around eating a double-brownie fudge Blizzard and looking at the amazing structures. Seriously, what could be better?
# posted by Doug Spencer : 7:00 AM
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