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Ayutthaya Images

15 images Created 17 Mar 2009

Ayutthaya was the capital of Siam in its heyday. Conquered by the Burmese in 1767, today only the ruins of its splendor remain. Thanks to its history as former capital of Thailand and original home Siamese royalty it is steeped in Thai culture. Ayutthaya Historical Park was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.
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  • Wat Chaiwattanaram silhouette at sunset - Wat Chaiwattanaram is one of Ayutthaya's most beautiful temples - construction began in 1630 at the request of King Prasat Thong for the memorial of his mother. The temple's name literally means the Temple of Long Reign and Glorious Era.
    Wat-Chaiwattanaram-2.jpg
  • Thai Longtail Boat, Ayuthya - A fun and popular way to get around some the temples and sights of Ayutthaya is on a longtail boat along the moat which encircles the island and the old city.  Evening dinner cruises also offer picturesque views of the temples lit up at night.
    longtail-boat-11.jpg
  • Cloister of Buddhas at Wat Phuttai Sawan - The main Khmer-style prang at Wat Phutthai Sawan is surrounded by a square  cloister enclosed by an outer wall, which along with the pillars inside supports the roof. The inner  wall of the cloister houses rows of Buddha images on decorated bases. Porticos lead into the gallery of seated Buddhas.
    Wat-Phutthai-Sawan-3.jpg
  • Wat Phutthai Sawan or the "Monastery of Lord Buddha of the Heavens" was constructed by King U-Thong along the Chao Phraya River.  Built by the first King of Ayutthaya.  It  has been restored over the centuries repeatedly.  The prang, representing Mount Meru is located in the middle of the ancient compound and is built on a pedestal.
    Wat-Phutthai-Sawan-2.jpg
  • Bang Pa In Summer Palace was originally built by King Prasat Thong in 1632 but abandoned after the end of the Ayutthaya Period.  The palace was partially restored by King Mongkut in the 1850s. The site as it stands today is largely the work of King Chulalongkorn who expanded the area into a Versailles type garden filled with European style buildings.
    bang-pa-in-2.jpg
  • Ayutthaya Style Tuk-Tuk - The vehicles known as Tuk-Tuks originated in Japan by Daihatsu.  They were then  produced in Thailand years later evolving as a motorized relative of the rickshaw. The Tuk-Tuk was given its name from the sound of the early models with single stroke motors powering the first three-wheelers.  They had a distinctive sound when operating, and the "tuk-tuk" sound became a familiar to many in need of convenient transportation in Bangkok. The technology and quality have improved over the years, while emerging as one of Thailand's most recognizable and identifiable symbols. Ayuthaya style Tuk-Tuks are built by hand, with a special and distinctive style slightly different than its Bangkok cousins.
    ayutthaya-tuk-tuk-1.jpg
  • Wat Mahathat Illuminations - Wat Mahathat or the Monastery of the Great Relic was one of the most important monasteries of the Ayutthaya kingdom, not only because it was the religious centre and enshrined relics of the Buddha, but also for its proximity to the Grand Palace. It was a royal monastery till the end of the Ayutthaya period.
    mahathat-ayutthaya-4.jpg
  • Reclining Buddha at Wat Yai Chai Mongkhan - Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon or the Great Monastery of Auspicious Victory was also known by other names: Wat Pa Kaeo, Wat Chao Phraya Thai and Wat Yai Chaya Mongkhon.
    yai-chai-mongkhan-6.jpg
  • Wat Lokayasutharam where the largest reclining Buddha is to be found in Ayutthaya.  It is 32 meters long and 8 meters high.  There is no vihara to shelter the image. In the past the vihara roof was made of tin and was struck by lightning twice so it has been left outdoors ever since.
    Wat-Lokayasutharam-4.jpg
  • A fun and popular way to get around most the temples and sights of Ayutthaya is on an elephant.  Friendly mahouts dress up in colorful costumes and guide visitors around the sites and give you the chance to play with the elephants as well.
    ayutthaya-elephant-2.jpg
  • Bridge at Wat Phra Ram at Ayutthya, reflecting on the waters within the grounds of Ayutthaya Historical Park, listed as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1991.
    Phra-Ram-Ayutthaya-1.jpg
  • Headless Buddhas at Wat Phra Si Sanphet - built by King Boromatrailokanat in 1448, it was one of the grandest temples in the ancient capital and it is still one of the best preserved in Ayutthya. The temple took its name from a large standing Buddha image covered with more than 150 kilograms of gold though it was smashed to pieces when the Burmese sacked the city.  Remaining Buddha relics are usually adorned with flowers and saffron robes.
    ayutthaya-headless-buddha-2.jpg
  • Ho Withun Thasana or Sage's Lookout is a three storey building with a spiral staircase leading to the top floor hall at Bang Pa-in. When residing in Bang Pa-In Palace, King Rama V used this hall as  to get the bird's eye view of the surrounding countryside.
    sage-lookout-1.jpg
  • Chedi at Wat Yai Chai Mongkhan or the Great Monastery of Auspicious Victory.  This chedi is one of the landmarks of Ayutthaya.
    yai-chai-mongkhan-8.jpg
  • The towering prang of Wat Phra Ram - Wat Phra Ram, the Temple of Rama, was probably built by King Borom Trailokanath.  Built in 1369, the temple was restored in the 15th century and continually extended throughout the Ayutthaya period.
    Phra-Ram-Ayutthaya-3.jpg
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