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Top Tourist Attractions of Ayutthaya

Before Bangkok, Ayutthaya became the capital of the Kingdom of Siam. Before the royalty of Bangkok, there was the glory of Ayutthaya. Long time ago, this Kingdom was one of the biggest and wealthiest cities in the East as described by foreign traders. It is also sometimes called the Venice of the East. Now all is left is ruins, and this site is known today as the Ayutthaya Historical Park.

Our sweat were dripping hot as we troop around this Ancient City named as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. There are several buddhist temples and point of interests that covers this old city. To begin with is Wat Mahathat.

Wat Mahathat

Wat Mahathat was built in 14th century by King Rachatirat to house a relic of the Buddha. Similar to as any of the temples, stupas and chedis are scattered around. You can see a lot of Buddha images but perhaps the most recognizable image from Thailand is the Buddha entwined within the roots of this fig tree.

The Buddha Head on the tree in Wat Mahathat

This iconic symbol can be found in Wat Mahathat, Ayutthaya. One thing to remember is, it is a sacred place so politeness must be observed. The presence of a guard and a chain is surrounded on the site so visitors cannot come too close to the much-revered statue and as for the photo ops, it should be taken from a kneeling position.

Wat Ratchaburana

Just opposite of Wat Mahathat is Wat Ratchaburana. This Wat was built to house the remains of the two elder brothers of King Borom Ratchathirat II, who died in a power struggle following after their father, King Intharatcha I. As soon as you enter this ruins, you will see the tall tower in Khmer-style prang and brick walls on the side. You can climb the prang for nice views of the area. And also, inside is a little exhibit and paintings still visible on the walls.

Reclining Buddha in Wat Yai Chai Mongkol

You have probably seen a lineup of sitted Buddha statues dressed in safron robes from postcards or random images, well, if you see that picture, that is Wat Yai Chai Mongkol in Ayutthaya. Or maybe, if you wanna see another huge reclining buddha with a length of 15 metres, this is the place to be. It was the great victory of King Naresuan in the battle over the Burmese, that this temple was restored and got its name as "Chai Mongkol" or "Auspicious Victory".

Reclining buddha in Wat Lokayasutha

Another temple most famous for the large reclining Buddha is Wat Lokayasutha or "The Temple of the Earth". The white washed Buddha measures 37 meters in length.

Phra Mongkhon Bophit

Phra Mongkhon Bophit houses a seated Buddha image, one of the largest bronze Buddha images in Thailand measuring approximately 9.5 meters across the lap and a height of 12.5 meters without the pedestal.

Ayutthaya is surely worth a visit of its rich history. Must include in your itineraries!!!

14 comments:

phboy said...

Nice work! :D

phboy said...

Nice Work!!

Michael said...

Hey RD, i'm digging the lively colors and the shots. Enjoy your vacation and well -- see you some other time. I'm headed back to Bicol this weekend. ☺

Unknown said...

Hope I can visit this place soon....

Pinay Travel Junkie said...

We weren't able visit Ayutthaya when we visited Thailand some years ago and I actually regret it. I'm certain though we'll have another chance someday.

ardee sean said...

@Phatphong Preeprem: thanks for visiting my blog.. :P

ardee sean said...

@Michael: thanks, mike.. enjoy yours too.. :P well, late reply lol.. u probably gone to bicol by now.. yeah, ill see you too.. :P

ardee sean said...

@Irvin Cg: yeah, it's really worth a visit.. there's a lot to see and experience there.. enjoy!!!

ardee sean said...

@Pinay Travel Junkie: mommy gay, yup don't miss it the next time you visit Thailand.. it's really nice.. :)

zherwin said...

The other night, my wife and I watched a GMA 7 documentary on backpacking (by spending a day each on Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam on a P4,500.00/day budget). It woke the travel junkie on us and we decided to do it this year or next year, iwan muna ang baby so we can do backpacking again. :)

zherwin said...

My wife and I watched a GMA7 documentary the other night about backpacking (by spending a day each on Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam on a P4,500/day budget). It woke the travel junkie on us and we decided to do it this year or next year. Iwan muna ang baby para maka-backpacking ulit kami. :)

zherwin said...

My wife and I watched a GMA7 documentary the other night about backpacking (by spending a day each on Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam on a P4,500/day budget). It woke the travel junkie on us and we decided to do it this year or next year. Iwan muna ang baby para maka-backpacking ulit kami. :)

Happy Philippines said...

Wat Ratchaburana is my all time favorite!

melvin said...

mabalikan nga yang thailand na yan.baka mag ayutayaa na rin ako next time.nice photos!