Diary of Thailand: 2016

Attractions: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram (Temple of The Emerald Buddha)

CHIANG RAI
THAILAND

My review about Chuang Rai province of Thailand. One of the most interesting place. Let's go!
( https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiang_Rai_Province#)

Chiang Rai (Thai: เชียงราย, pronounced [t͡ɕʰīaŋ.rāːj]; Lanna:ᨿpronounced [tɕiaŋ.haːj]; Burmese:

) is the northern most province of Thailand. It is bordered by the Shan State of Myanmar to the north, Bokeo Province of Laos to the east, Phayao to the south, Lampang to the southwest, and Chiang Mai to the west.

The average elevation of the province is 580 metres (1,900 ft). The north of the province is part of the so-called Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Burma converge, an area which prior to the rise of agricultural production of coffee, pineapple, coconuts, and banana plantations, was unsafe because of drug smuggling across the borders. The Mekong River forms the boundary with Laos, the Mae Saiand Ruak River with Burma. Through the town of Chiang Rai itself, flows the "Mae Kok" Kok River and south of it the Lao River, a tributary of the Kok.

While the eastern part of the province is characterized by relatively flat river plains, the northern and western part consist of the hilly terrain of the Thai highlands with the Khun Tan Range and the Phi Pan Nam Range in the west and the Daen Lao Range in the north. While not the highest elevation of the province, the 1,389-metre (4,557 ft) high Doi Tung ("flag hill") is the most important terrain feature. The Wat Phra That Doi Tung temple on top of the hill, according to the chronicles, dates back to the year 911. Nearby is the Doi Tung royal villa, former residence of the late princess mother (mother of the present king)Somdej Phra Srinagarindra. Thanks to her activities the hills were reforested, and the hill tribes diverted from growing opium poppies to other crops including coffee, bananas, coconuts, and pineapples.

History

Populations have dwelled in Chiang Rai since the 7th century and it became the center of the Lanna Thai Kingdom during the 13th century. The region, rich in natural resources, was occupied by the Burmese until 1786.

Chiang Rai Province's golden triangle bordering Laos and Burma was once the hub of opium production.

Chiang Rai became a province in 1910, after being part of the kingdom of Lannathai for centuries. After Lanna Thai was incorporated into Thailand, it remained an autonomous region and thus the Chiang Rai area was administered from Chiang Mai.

Climate

Rai Cha (Tea Farm) : More photo >>>>>

White Temple

Phu Chi Fah

Attractions: Bangkok

Wat Pho

Wat Arunratchawararam Ratchaworamahawihan (The Temple of Dawn or Wat Arun)

Wat Suthat Thepwararam Ratchaworamahawihan (Wat Suthat)

Chatuchak Weekend Market

Vimanmek Mansion Museum

Museum Siam

Phayathai Palace

City Pillar Shrine, Bangkok

Democracy Monument

Yaowarat Night Market

Kaosarn Road

Attractions: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is one of Thailand’s historical and majestic highlights. The capital of Thailand, then known as the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya was a glorified as one of the biggest cities in Southeast Asia and a regional power for 417 years.

Monday 27 June 2016

About Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

ABOUT PHRA NAKHON SI AYUTTHAYA

Once considered the most spectacular city on Earth, the ruins of the capital of the Kingdom Ayutthaya are now a major tourist attraction easily accessible from Bangkok by car, train, or boat as either a daytrip or overnight excursion.

The Kingdom of Ayutthaya reached its apex in terms of sovereignty, military might, wealth, culture, and international commerce in the 16th century, when the Kingdom’s territory extended into and beyond present-day Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar. Ayutthaya had diplomatic relations with Louis XIV of France and was courted by Dutch, Portuguese, English, Chinese and Japanese merchants.

During the 17th century, most foreign visitors to Ayutthaya, traders and diplomats alike, claimed Ayutthaya to be the most illustrious and glittering city that they had ever visited. The map of Ayutthaya published in 1691 by Simon de la Loubere in Du Royaume De Siam is proof of such recognition.

Visitors can explore and appreciate Thai history in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, which is only 86 kilometers north of Bangkok. Visitors to Ayutthaya can marvel at its grandeur reflected through numerous magnificent temples and ruins concentrated in and around the city, which is located upon an “island” surrounded by the Chao Phraya, Pa Sak and Lopburi Rivers.

Although there are numerous attractions, the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park in the heart of Ayutthaya city, is a UNESCO’s World Heritage site and a wonder to behold.

Once the capital of the Thai Empire, Ayutthaya was a truly impressive city; with three palaces and over 400 temples, located on an island threaded by canals, it attracted traders and diplomats from both Europe and Asia. In 1767, 417 years after it was founded and 15 months after the siege began, the Kingdom of Ayutthaya was conquered and the city’s magnificent structures were almost completely destroyed by Burmese invaders. When King Taksin the Great finally liberated the Kingdom, a new dynasty was established and the capital was moved to Thonburi, across the river from modern-day Bangkok.

The ruins that now remain, many of which have been painstakingly restored, have been granted World Heritage status by UNESCO. The architecture of Ayutthaya is a fascinating mix of Khmer and early Sukhothai styles. Some cactus-shaped obelisks, called prangs, denote Khmer influence and look something like the famous towers of Angkor Wat. The more pointed stupas are ascribed to the Sukhothai influence.

Ayutthaya is only located about 90 kilometers from Bangkok and can be visited on a daytrip; however, if you appreciate history and religious and historical monuments, an overnight stay will allow for two full days of sightseeing, including a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya, past the illuminated Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park, and a visit to only of the city’s many other attractions, including the nearby Bang Sai Folk Arts and Craft Center.

Attractions: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

Credit : www.tourismthailand.org/About-Thailand/Destination/Phra-Nakhon-Si-Ayutthaya

Wat Phutthaisawan

WAT PHUTTHAISAWAN

Wat Phutthaisawan is located on the west bank of Chao Phraya River, opposite Koh Mueang, in Sampao Lom subdistrict, Phra Nakorn Sri Ayutthaya district.

In the Ayutthaya Era, Wat Phutthaisawan was an immence, renowned and most important royal monastery during the reign of Somdet Phra Ramathibodhi I (King U-thong), the first king of the Ayutthaya kingdom. According to the legend, the king commanded the construction of the temple in the royal pavilion compound where he used to stay before the founding of Ayutthaya. The area was referred to in the Royal Chronicles as “Wiang Lek” or “Wiang Hlek” from inconsistent writing.

This subdistrict was the first location where the king and his subjects had settled down in 1350 before Ayutthaya was established as the capital city. Unfortunately in 1353 there was a plague, so the king decided to evacuate and set up a new royal palace near Nong Sano (Bueng Phra Ram) where Wat Phra Sri Sanphet is currently located. On the other hand, Wiang Lek became Wat Phutthaisawan to commemorate the founding of the first capital city.

In 1353 when Ayutthaya was declared a new capital city, King U-thong ordered the construction of Wat Phutthaisawan in remembrance of the subdistrict where he used to settle down. Later on this developed into a royal tradition in which following kings commanded the building of permanent structures. Wat Phutthaisawan was one of the temples survived the Burmese destruction during the collapse of Ayutthaya in 1767, so the temple remains in its decent condition. At present, there are numerous historical remains await your visit.

For instance, the main Khmer-style Prang on Pai-tee pagoda base in the monastic quarter, 2 mandapas in which the main Buddha images are enshrined, the assembly hall located west of the Prang, a dozen of pagodas, the hall enshrining the Declining Buddha image, etc. In addition, there is the residential building of Somdet Phra Phutthakosajarn, one of the senior monks in Ayutthaya. The interior of this residential hall is decorated with mural paintings about deities, hermits, the worship to Buddhapada (the footprint of the Buddha), the pavilion of Jatukam Ramathep, as well as the Chinese junk with which Somdet Phra Phutthakosajarn travelled to Ceylon. Nevertheless, these mural paintings became dilapidated and faded as time goes by.

Attractions: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

Credit : www.tourismthailand.org/Attraction/Wat-Phutthaisawan--18

Wat Mahathat

WAT MAHATHAT

Wat Mahathat is located west of Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, at the foot of Paa Than bridge.

According to some historical records, the temple was built during the reign of Somdet Phra Borom Rachathirat I. Later Somdet Phra Ramesuan enshrined the reliquary inside the foundation of the Prang, and this incident thus originated the temple’s name “Wat Mahathat” or “Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahatat” which means the sacred temple where the relics of the Lord Buddha were installed.

The Prang of Wat Mahathat was built in Early Ayutthaya. Its structure became the traditional model when constructing a temple and can be found nationwide. Within the kingdom of Ayutthaya, the reliquary holds historical and religious significance as the edifice representing the Buddha. It is believe that Somdet Phra Borom Rachathirat I or Khun Luang Pa Ngua granted a permission to build the temple, but the completion took place during the reign of Somdet Phra Ramesuan.

The Prang in which the holy relics were installed was greatly influenced by Khmer-style architecture - the lower part was made of laterite, whereas the upper part was masonry. There was a restoration during the reign of Somdet Phrachao Prasatthong in order to heighten the Prang, but this caused a serious damage to the top and the Prang was left alone with the portico. It was so unfortunate, as it was such an enormous and magnificent one.

In 1956 the Fine Arts Department made another attempt to renovate and found a large number of invaluable antiques, such as the stone casket containing the relics. The casket is in fact consists of 7 superimposing stupas: a combination of lead and tin, silver, copper alloy, ebony, sandalwood, garnet and gold. Nowadays the casket is kept in Chao Sam Phaya National Museum.

Additionally, highlights of Wat Mahathat include the octagonal pagoda, the plaster base of a Buddha image, the medium-size Prang with mural paintings about the life of the Buddha, the resident hall of the Buddhist Supreme Patriarch and other smaller Viharas. What seems to be the most prominent landmark of the temple is the head of a sandstone Buddha image entwined in the roots of a Bodhi tree.

Attractions: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

Credit : www.tourismthailand.org/Attraction/Wat-Phra-Mahathat--7

Chao Sam Phraya National Museum

CHAO SAM PHRAYA NATIONAL MUSEUM

First opened its doors in 1961, Chao Sam Phraya National Museum was built to collect and display antiques, Buddha images and precious items found in the underground crypts of the prang (pagoda) tower of Wat Ratchaburana. The museum was named after the king who ordered the construction of Wat Ratchaburana, King Borommarachathirat II or Chao Sam Phraya. At its opening it was the first museum in Thailand that displays items in the western, modern style. Exhibitions are displayed in three buildings, featuring artifacts in different time periods from archaeological excavations around Thailand.

The museum comprises 3 main buildings:

1. A group of Thai-styled houses
The houses were built and put over a pond. They are displayed as conservation of Thai styled houses in the middle region. House appliances are also displayed showing Thai people houses in the old style.

2. A building showing Thai arts
This two-storey building is used to display artistic objects from many periods, which could be collected in Ayutthaya, such as, from Tawaravadee period {a Buddha image made of stone, standing on Panasbodee’s (king of forest, the big tree that produces fruits without flowers) head and a standing Buddha image made of archaic in the posture of granting blessings}, Srivichai period (a Buddha image’s head made of archaic), Sukhothai period (Thai porcelains, especially dolls), Chiangsaen and Ayutthaya periods (A base for Buddha image made of baked clay , a figure of goddess of the earth and heads of Buddha’s follower images made of baked clay) and Rattanakosin period (a piece of marble carved and telling a part of an epic, Ramayana, from Wat Bodh).

3. Chao Sam Phraya Building
Chao Sam Phraya is the main and important building because it is used to keep important artistic objects and antiques of Ayutthaya period.

Attractions: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

Chankasem National Museum

CHANKASEM NATIONAL MUSEUM

Chankasem National Museum, Chankasem Palace or Wang na is located at U-Thong road near Pah Sak River in the Northeast of Muang island which is near Hua Ro market. According to the historical record, Chankasem palace was built in King Dhamma Racha reign around 1577 in order to be the residence of King Naraesuan Maharacha and was the residence of King Yuparat and many kings.

When Ayutthaya was attacked and seized in 1767, the invaders burnt and destroyed this palace and left it abandonly. Until the reign of King Rama IV of Rattanakosin dynasty, he commanded to repair the throne hall Phra Thinang Piman Rattaya and the pavilion in tetrahedron style to be the residence when

he traveled to Ayutthaya and gave the name “Phra Ratcha Wang Chankasem” on 26th March 1893. Later in the reign of King Rama V, he offered Phra Thinang Piman Rattaya as the old city country office in 1899. When time went by, Lord Phya Boran Ratthanin took charge of intendant of the old city county.

He ordered to build office at the wall in the West and the South and moved the country office from Phra Thinang Piman Rattaya to that office. The Fine Arts Department has taken care of the place and renovated it into Chankasem National Museum until nowadays.

There are interesting ancient buildings in Chankasem palace namely:

The wall and the palace gate: At present, there are brick wall decorated with heart-shaped boundary marker. There is one door on each side so altogether there are four doors for four sides.

Pavilion in tetrahedron style: It is located near the East palace gate and made of wood.

There are 3 porticos in the front and another 3 porticos at the back. At first, it was used as the hall for an announcement of governable issues and the residence. Later, it displays ancient items and is now called Ayutthaya Museum. At present, it exhibits the private royal tools and equipments which were originally used in this palace.

Phra Thinang Piman Rattaya: It exhibits sculptures made from Sila stone. They are made in god figures and Buddha image with the Nakha above in Lopburi style, the Buddha image made from bronze in Ayutthaya period, votive tablets and carved wooden items.

Phra Thinang Pisai Sayyalak or Hor Song Klong: It is 4-storey tower which is used to observe stars and constellations. Now it displays five permanent exhibitions which are about Ayutthaya architecture, baked pottery and import-export Ayutthaya goods, weapons, items related to Buddhism and the old city people lifestyle.

If you travel from Bangkok to Ayutthaya city, when you cross King Somdej Phra Naraesuan Maharat Bridge, turn left and drive until you reach the Y-intersection. Turn left again and drive straight for 2 kilometers. Then you will pass Chao Phom market, the museum is on your left-hand side.

It opens every day from 09.00 – 16.00 except Mondays, Tuesdays and national holidays. The admission fee is 30 baht per Thai person and 100 baht per a foreigner. For more information, please call 0-3525-1586, 0-3525-2795 and fax 0-3525-1586.

Those who are interested in visiting the palace, they should not miss Chankasem National Museum as the palace was once the important scene in “The Four Reigns” musical theatre.

Attractions: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya