Ayutthaya

A stunning Buddhist temple, Wat Chaiwatthanaram is the place to visit if you are interested in learning more about the historical cultural of Thailand. The wonderfully designed temple has architectural influences from both Hinduism and Buddhism, featuring detailed edifices, towers and extensive carvings. Highlights: The place is a part of Ayutthaya Historical Park. Although, it is not a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is certainly known for its extensive detailing. Constructed by King Prasat Thong, this is the temple that depicts long reign and a glorious era. Designed in Khmer style of the 17thcentury, the place has a high prang or tower, with four smaller towers.The rectangular platform used construction has hidden entrances with steep stairs that lead to the top. There’s an ordination hall in the two with chedis. Large sitting Buddha statues dominate the overall construction. The royal temple was used for performing religious ceremonies.Location: Ayutthaya Historical Park

Take a break and rest on the island framed by three significant rivers Chao Phraya, Lopburi and Pasak, the historic temples, palaces and remaining architectures of the ancient kingdom of Ayutthaya are one of Thailand’s most precious historical sites. The 715-acre area has been listed the UNESCO World Heritage site since 1991 as it portrays the heydays of one of the largest kingdoms in Indochina history. Highlights: Visit Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Mongkhon Bophit, Wat Na Phra Meru, Wat Thammikarat, Wat Ratburana and Wat Phra Mahathat temples, all of which can be easily visited on foot. Getting There: Ayutthaya Historical Park is located 85 km from Bangkok.

Located a few kilometers from the Ayutthaya island is the Wat Yai Chai Mongkol Temple, which will transport you to a bygone era. The place is a Buddhist temple, built extensively by King U-Thong. The king had constructed this temple to accommodate monks. The monastery here was named as Wat Pakaew. Highlights: The temple is popular for its later constructions as well, including Chedi or Pagoda that was built by the King Naresuan, the great. The large Chedi in the monastery was built for the purpose of unique architecture and later on, it was come to be known as Wat Yai Chiamongkhon.  The Buddha image restored here is considered to belong to the 2508 BE, according to the publication of Wat. Here, there’s a Buddhist temple and the top has been designed extensively. The satellite stupas have structural formation and the place also has a hall meant for important religious ceremonies.Location: 3477 Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District

Explore how kings and queens lived in Thailand by visiting Bang Pa-in Palace. The Palace is located just 60 kilometers north of Bangkok. Situated on the bank of Chao praya River, the temple is a refined reflection of an era that’s bygone. The palace is extensively built, with quite colorful architecture. It was formerly used by the Thai Kings. Highlights : The original complex was built in 1632 by King Prasat Thong. The palace’s use was discontinued over the years and therefore, it became overgrown in the 18thand 19thcentry. That’s when King Chulalongkorn decided to restore it. Now opened to visitors, the palace is sometimes used by King Bhumibol Adulyadej and his family for special occasions. This stunning palace features vast greenery, beautiful gardens and exquisite landscaping. The Royal Palace and Throne room have been inspired by Chinese styles, whereas the brightly painted lookout tower is another attraction at the palace.Location: An Len, Bang Pa-in District, Phra

Ayutthaya’s most ancient temple, Wat Phra Si Sanphet is a grand, beautiful structure that should be explored once in a lifetime. The stunning temple was built in 1350 by King Ramathibodi I and has a beautiful architecture. Although the original temple was destroyed by Burmese in 1767, the structure and its legacy still remains. The temple, during its period of complete existence was the temple of the royal family. No moks lived at the place. Highlights: The impressive structure of the place has additional facilities that are on the raised platform. These platforms are called the three Chedis and has been restored. The design is in Ceylonese style, which is a reminiscent of a bell. Overall, the terrace is surrounded by a cloister. It has symmetrically designed four halls which were once used for meeting purposes. Location: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District

Built during the Late Ayutthaya period, Wat Suwan Dararam is another place of worship It was built by father of King Rama I when he ascended to the throne. The temple is considered a Golden Star in the island. But over a period of time, this temple underwent massive destruction. In fact, after the Burmese invasion of 1767, the temple was particularly in ruins. Highlights: The temple has gone under complete restoration and today, its main highlight is the Buddha image, which is a large stone copy of the Emerald Buddha that is found in Bangkok. The place has stunning roof columns, which have been extensively carved. It also features bot dips in the center, which was once a building tradition of that time. The temple is in service every day and is a serene place of worship.Location: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District

Want to discover the true nature and beauty of Buddhist spiritualism? Then visit Wat Lokkayasutharam. Located inside the temple complex, this is a fascinating historical site that will immediately capture your attention. In fact, it is every bit as fascinating as the Mayan or Inca ruins. The place is serene and beautiful, with peacefulness surrounding all around. Highlights: The main highlight her is the reclining Buddha statue, which is effortlessly detailed and so stunningly depicted that it will leave an imprint on your heart. But it’s not just the Buddha, even the overall culture that will leave an impression on you. Here, you will find other tiny statuettes that people will push you to buy for Good luck. You will also find village women selling flowers and incense at the place. The Buddha itself is quite impressive and you can explore other ruins that mark the beauty of this place.Location: Ayutthaya Historical Park

A stunning place of worship, Wat Na Phra Men is an active monastery in Northern area of Ayutthaya. The temple was originally built in the 13thcentury and it has been renovated over the years, most extensively in the 1990 to ensure that it is still functional. The temple is just opposite Grand Palace on the island. Originally constructed during the reign of King Ramathibodi II, the place is known for its stunning architecture. Highlights: The still functional place has ordination halls for conducting different ceremonies. It is extensively designed to reflect Hindu and Buddhist architectural styles. It is here that one can find crowned Buddha, the structure of which is 6 meters high. It is covered in cast of metal and gold life as well. The royal dress is completed with a crown. It is one of the most popular Buddha images that were used in the Late Ayutthaya Period.Location:Thailand