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.

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. 

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.

Credit : www.tourismthailand.org/About-Thailand/Destination/Phra-Nakhon-Si-Ayutthaya
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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.
Credit :  www.tourismthailand.org/Attraction/Wat-Phutthaisawan--18
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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
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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

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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. 
Credit : www.tourismthailand.org/Attraction/Chankasem-National-Museum--30
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Bang Pa-In Palace

BANG PA-IN PALACE



Few miles down the Chao Phraya River finds Bang Pa-in Palace, a complex of royal residences first built in around the 17th century to serve as a summer palace of Ayutthaya kings. It was later abandoned and ruined until King Mongkut (Rama IV) restored the complex. Most of the buildings we see today were ordered to build during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), who regularly spent his summers here with his royal consorts. Each building features different architectural style:
For example Wehat Chamroon Palace, the only royal residence currently open to public, was built in a traditional Chinese style with materials imported from China while Aisawan Tippaya Asna Pavilion set in the middle of the lake features traditional Thai style embedded with colorful glass mosaics. On the other side finds a monument of Queen Sunanta, King Rama V's royal consort, and their son who were died in a boat accident. Bang Pa-in Palace is, slightly similar to the Grand Palace, divided into two zones: the outer zone for royal ceremonies and the inner zone that is reserved only for the king, his consorts and their small chikdren.
Places of interest in outer zone:
·        Ho Hemmonthian Thewarat is the stone Prang (pagoda) under a banyan tree near the pond within the outer part of the royal court, where an image of a deity is housed. King Rama V ordered its construction in 1879 to replace an old shrine built by villagers as an offering to King Prasatthong of the Ayutthaya period.
·        Aisawanthipphaya-At Pavilion A Thai design pavilion in the middle of the pond was built in the reign of King Rama V. Originally built of wood throughout, King Rama VI commanded to change the floor and pillars to be reinforced concrete.
·        Warophatphiman Hall was formerly a two-story wooden villa served as a royal living quarter and throne hall. Later during his reign, King Rama V ordered the reconstruction, replacing with a European-style to serve as a throne hall for royal ceremonies.
·        Saphakhan Ratchaprayun. This two-storey building was a resident of relatives of the king and non-consort members and is now an exhibition hall displaying the history of Bang Pa-in Palace.
Places of interest in inner zone:
·        Phra Thinang Utthayan Phumisathian is a 2-story, pink-colored, Victorian style mansion serving as a residence for members of the royal family and their guests. The only mansion in Bang Pa-in Palace that is not open to public, this building is actually a new building ordered a construction by HM Queen Sirikit in 1938 to replace the old one, which was made of wood in Swiss chalet style and was burnt down in a fire accident.
·        Wehat Chamrun Hall was the latest mansion during the reign of King Rama V, built in 1889 as the royal offering by the wealthy Chinese merchants led by Phraya Choduk Ratchasetthi (Fak). The mansion was crafted in traditional Chinese Emperor style and was used as a royal residence for King Rama V, his queen and their son, King Rama VI during a royal visit in the cool.

·        Ho Witthunthassana: This three-storey, tower-style building was used as the view spot to see the royal elephants and the surrounding area. 

Attractions:  Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

Credit : www.tourismthailand.org/Attraction/Bang-Pa-in-Palace--48
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The Ancient Royal Palace

THE ANCIENT PALACE


The Royal Palace or The ancient Palace is located near Wat Mongkol Borpit temple. At present, there is only the remains of the building’s base. Only Wat Phra Si Sanphet is there with the glamorous architecture. It is presumed that King U-Thong ordered to build this palace once he stayed in the small Vienglek palace in 1347.

Once he successfully formed Bangkok in 1350, he moved to stay in this new palace near Nhon Sanon. The area, where Phra Thinang or throne halls were built by wood, now becomes the area of Wat Phra Si Sanphet. Later in 1448, King Phra Borom Trai Lokkanart offered the area of the former palace to be built as a temple in the royal palace area. The temple is “Wat Phra Si Sanphet”. Then he ordered to build a new royal palace located in the North close to Lopburi River. The palaces in the former palace area were the residences of every king in Ayutthaya period. 
Tourists can use Wat Mongkol Borphit’s entrance and pass Wat Phra Si Sanphet, which has beautifully narrated pagodas, then continue walking to the ancient palace. The palace area is divided into the outer area, the middle area and the inner area. 
The outer palace area is the location of Phra Thinang Chakkrawat Phaichayon which was used to observe the procession and the performance. Moreover, it is consisted of many government offices such as jury court, royal court and account list court.
The middle palace area is the location of three great Maha Prasart which are Phra Thinang Viharn Somdej, Phra Thinang Sanphet Prasart, the main residence of the King, and Phra Thinang Suriya Amarin, which is believed to be the place where the Phra Narai’s remain is kept. 
The inner palace area is the location of Phra Thinang Banyong Ratanart, Rong Kriang Ton, 
Phra Thinang Trimook, Phra Thinang Song Puen and the residences of the officers who work in the palace. 
For visiting, take the road around the city, drive pass Wang Chan Kasem palace for only 
2 kilometers and you will reach the palace. The palace opens daily from 07.00 – 18.30. The special event at this palace starts between 19.30 – 21.00 where there are lighting tour for observing the ancient palace. The light and darkness will provide you another experience differently from the daytime visiting. 
The admission fee is 10 baht per Thai adult and 30 baht per foreigner. Tourists can buy a package of mixed tickets which is60 baht for Thai adult and 180 baht for a foreigner. 
Credit :  www.tourismthailand.org/Attraction/Ancient-Palace--4
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Elephant Kraal Pavilion

ELEPHANT KRAAL PAVILION
Elephant Kraal Pavilion (Phaniat) is located in Suan Phrik sub-district. It is four kilometers away from the city along Highway 347 at km 42-43. It is on the same way as Wat Phu Khao Thong, but you need to turn right and go straight along the road, and there will be a sign leading to the Phaniat Palace.
 Phaniat is very big for the king to stay and watch the elephant round-up or catching wild elephants in the Phaniat, which is a traditional ceremony to select elephants to for official use both in peace and war. A mahout would lure elephants from outside the city into the Phaniat then select only the required one for training. When there are state guests, the king would always offer them the Elephant Round-up, because this ceremony is not only an elephant selection, but also a kind of entertainment.
The Elephant Round-up had been performed since Ayutthaya period until the reign of King Rama V. The current Phaniat is a kraal surrounded with the entire log and crow’s wings that spread out on both sides as fences. Around the Phaniat is an earth wall that is comprised of bricks as high as the logs. Its back side opposite to the wings is a pavilion, which was renovated in 1957. The Tourism Authority of Thailand provided the budget to the Fine Arts Department to renovate the Phaniat in 1988 as well.
About 200 kilometers away from the Phaniat is the Ayutthaya elephant nursing center or elephant village. It is a rest area for elephants after work, where calves are taken care of. Tourists are welcome to take photos with young elephants. Anyone interested in watching the bathing elephant should came here before 10.30 am or after 4.30 pm. Homestays are also available at the center.

Attractions:  Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

Credit :  www.tourismthailand.org/Attraction/Elephant-Kraal-Pavilion--44
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Museum Siam

MUSEUM SIAM
Endlessly stimulating creativity and innovation at Museum Siam.
Have you ever wondered who the people of Thailand are, where we are from, and what it is meant to be Thai? Try searching for answers to these questions on your own at the Museum Siam. This latest learning centre can help trigger your curiosity and lead you to countless discoveries.

Museum Siam is housed in the former building of the Ministry of Commerce in Tha Tien district, and after a complete transformation it now a modern museum. Within the vast area of 3,000 square meters, there are exhibitions about the history of our race, the founding of the nation and so on, awaiting the visitor to define the qualities of being Thais. You can travel through time from when this land was called Suvarnabhumi, then Siam and now Thailand in a timeline from ancient times to the present day.

Museum Siam reveals a brand new experience of museum attending. Traditionally museums in Thailand have been considered boring and dull. However, using modern presentations and multimedia, such as models, animations, and exhibits, help integrate all round aspects of knowledge, including history, geography, and natural sciences. The exhibitions here focus on interaction with visitors.

In addition to permanent displays, there are presentations of temporary displays offering a variety of interesting themes and issues. Ultimately, the main purpose is to combine a thought-provoking venue and recreation complex for people of all ages. This is one museum in Thailand that is no longer presents museums as a storage place for antiques or obsolete data as they often used to be.
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