"Founded c. 1350, Ayutthaya became the second Siamese capital after Sukhothai. It was destroyed by the Burmese in the 18th century. Its remains, characterized by the prang (reliquary towers) and gigantic monasteries, give an idea of its past splendour." - World Unesco
After living for almost 2 years in Thailand I finally had the chance to go to Ayyuthaya (The old capital of Thailand) yesterday. The city is full of rich history from hundreds of years ago. The Temples (Pagodas) from recent times are still to a certain number existent but also show big damages from wars in the past with the Burmese.
Location
Ayyuthaya is located quite close to Bangkok. You can take Busses or mini vans which drive up and down to the city daily.
The ride takes about 1 1/2 hours either with a car/mini van/train. Depends on the crazy traffic in Thailand ;).
How to go there?
- Mini Van from "Victory Monument"
- Train from "Hualumpong Station"
How to get around in Ayyuthaya?
(once u got to the city there are a several ways how you can travel around)
- By Bicycle - You can rent them in almost every street of the city (Also most hostels & hotels offer them)
- By TukTuk - Ayyuthaya has their own cool looking TukTuk's which bring you around easily (Always negotiate the price BEFORE you take one).
- By Car - If you have a car you can find parking slots on almost every temple.
(Ayyuthayas special TukTuk's)
Ayyuthaya
I was lucky that some friends asked me to join them by car. So it was really easy for us to get there and go around quite comfortable. The pagodas (Wats) are all around the area and we visted the 3 biggest ones of them.
Wat Chaiwatthanaram
Facts:
- It is a large compound part of Ayutthaya Historical Park
- The temple was constructed in 1630 by the king Prasat Thong
- The highest point reaches 35m
- It is surrounded by 120 sitting Buddhas
Wat Ratchaburana
Facts:
"Wat Ratchaburana was founded in 1424 by King Borommarachathirat II of the Ayutthaya Kingdom and built on the cremation site of his two elder brothers. The two brothers had fought to their deaths in a duel for the royal succession to their father Intha Racha."
Wat Mahathat
Facts:
"In the Year of the Tiger 736 C.S. Somdet Phra Borommarachathirat and Phra Mahathera Thammakanlayan built the great, glorious, holy, jewelled reliquary (Phra Si Rattana Mahathat) east of the palace (the Royal gable of the lion). He rose 19 wah in height and equipped with a nine-membered tip that is another 3 wah in height."
Resume
Even most of the Temples are ruins now (Used to be over 2000) - It's still a must go if you are around in my eyes. It was impressive seeing this old monuments of this beautiful religious city with its big history.
Except walking around the temples you also can visit some of the famous Seafood restaurants around the area. Also a lot of shops which offer coffee and traditional Thai deserts are all around. There are some must tries which you should not miss out!
Thanks for reading!
Best,
Chris
Posted from my blog with SteemPress : https://world-capture.com/2019/02/03/ayyuthaya-thailand/