Nonthaburi Province is found in history as a part of Krung Si Ayutthaya. In the year 1636 King Prasat Thong commanded a canal dug as a short cut from Ban Talat Khwan to the mouth of Bang Kruai Canal a total distance of five kilometers. In the year 1665 King Narai the Great gave a royal command to build a fortress at the mouth of Khlong Mae Nam Om and the township area was moved over there too. The fortress was demolished during the reign of King Rama III to reuse the bricks for the construction of Wat Chalerm Phra Kiat. In the year 1928 King Phra Pok Klao gave a royal command to relocate the township area to the present site. Nonthaburi was once consolidated with Krung Thep on January 1, 1943; however, it was re-established as an independent province again on May 9, 1946.
Nonthaburi occupies an area of 622.3 square kilometers, only 20 kilometers from Bangkok, and is conveniently accessed by both land and water transportation. It consists of six Amphoes: Muang, Pak Kret, Bang Kruai, Bang Yai, Bang Bua Thong and Sai Noi. The slogans of Nontaburi Province are "Graceful Palace-Suan Suan Somdej's famililiarity-Pottery at Koh Kred-Renowned ancient Wats-Delicious durian-Brilliant Governmental Center".
Nonthaburi Fruits Fair
This annual fair is held during April-June to celebrate the abundance of such local fruits as durian, mangoesteen and mangoes, then at their peak of succulent ripeness. Besides stalls selling the produce of surrounding orchards and local products, there are colourful processions of floats decorated with fruits and flowers, beauty pageants, fruits contests, cultural shows, exhibitions of provincial handicrafts and agricultural produce, and local entertainments.
Wat Prasat
This monastery is on Bang Kruai - Bang Bua Thong Road in the area of Tambon Bang Krang, Amphoe Muang. The Ubosot is of Ayutthaya art having sophisticated craftsmanship. The designs on the gable of the niche entering the Ubosot and the mural paintings maintain special characteristics of the Nonthaburi school of arts which have always been visited by archaeological students.Tourist Attractions
Wat Ku
Located in the vicinity of Tambon Bang Phut, Amphoe Pak Kret, four kilometers from the district township area, this monastery was constructed at the time when the Mon people led by Phraya Cheng migrated into the Kingdom during the reign of King Taksin of the Thon Buri era. Construction is of Mon architecture having mural paintings in Mon style. There is a building constructed to commemorate King Rama V's Queen Suantha who was drowned by shipwreck; her body was temporarily placed in the monastery prior to transfer into Bangkok.
Suan Tan Noi
A flower garden located on the Chao Phraya River bank, amidst an orchard. Within typical Thai houses and a Mon village. To reach the garden one proceeds over the Nonthaburi Bridge passing Wat Ko Kriang, Wat Bang Tanai, and Wat Tan, arriving at the garden. Another way to get there is to park the vehicle at Pak Kret Landing or at Wat Ku; then proceed on to the garden by a ferry. It is open every day from 08.00 to 17.00 hours and the detailed information can be obtained by dialing Tel: 662-5833913.
Floating Market at Khlong Bang Khu Wiang
The floating market is located at the mouth of Khlong Bang Khu Wiang. Tambon Bang Rao Nok, Amphoe Bang Kruai. It takes about 10 minutes by boat to go to this floating market from Amphoe Bang Kruai.
The floating market starts around 5.00 a.m. everyday, and finishes when the sun is hot, shortly before mid-day. Sellers bring a large variety of fruits, vegetables and foods along in their small rowing boats. Monks also come in rowing boats and the people will present food to them. The floating market offers a pictures of Traditional Thai life scarcely seen nowadays.Tourist Attractions
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Buatong flowers bloom festival on Mae au core hill , 2550 yearly.
Buatong flowersOne Buatong flowers bloom budget hill Mae au core field in the tourist attraction like , nature that is famous of Maehongsorn province , be in on Mae au core hill , 6 Tumbol mother groups are neck , amphur feeds or stay far from amphur feeds , about 26 a kilometer , by Buatong flowers bloom will yellow full splendid the field and the valley in the area almost 1,000 a farm , from the beginning November go to until the the middle of the lunar month December , make Mae au core yellow splendid hill covers throughout both of a mountain , there is the beauty very extremely much , and attract give a tourist comes to touch Maehongsorn city greatly , Buatong flowers will blossom to show off the beauty is on the height about 1,600 the meter from water sea level , unless , Buatong flowers bloom beauty has already , with the altitude of Buatong flowers bloom field can make a tourist touches the cold goes to at the same time , for travel at go up lodge still will get dead women who dwelled in the medicine crow corpse forest is tired go down in the evening , and fog sea in the morning field Buatong flowers bloom area , get as well.
In this year , unless a tourist will have seen the beauty has of Buatong flowers bloom field already , between on (day) 11 - 30 November 2550 bake Maehongsorn province , get very the activity enhances the interestedness gives a tourist with going up balloon sees Buatong flowers bloom field and the scenery of national field Buatong flowers bloom park by air for the first time , fully sip brook coffee surrounds , ( taste good coffee of Maehongsorn ) , free on the balloon , round vacate about 15 minute , in the rate just a person vacates 100 a baht only and between on (day) 1 5 November 2550 bake the district feeds , still very the activity adds at airport old area feeds , ( in amphur feeds ) , there is daughter Buatong flowers bloom contest , goods sale , concert , etc. , with.
In the part of the facilities , on Mae au core hill while , Buatong flowers bloom has will to serve stay overnight on the hill keeps sufficiently , for a tourist has touched Buatong flowers bends to roast is close to , in the price the back vacates 150 a baht build 2 persons. For a tourist who lead to come to by oneself , there is the place stretches out don't pay for expenses anyhow , can contact with in done to a turn advance , amphur feeds , the telephone is 6653691108 , besides , still have area residence adjoin , Buatong flowers bloom field , such as , area waterfall mother Surin residence , the residence will be ofing private that invent in the route to will go up Buatong flowers bloom field , and the residence in amphur feeds to support keep amount of again. For a tourist who want side residence easiness , unless , the residence in amphur has fed already , coordination tourism province Maehongsorn center , advise give a tourist contacts with the residence in amphur mother border arranges , which , there are about 400 rooms , and the residence in Maehongsorn city , again about 1,300 room , besides , still have food shop , bathroom , toilet and the seeing offers the convenience , safety to a tourist extremely.
The travel goes up to see Buatong flowers bloom tourist field can lead a car has gone up still Buatong flowers bloom field type , comfortably , both of with individual automobile and use to serve minibus automobile from the entrance go up Mae au core hill from car harbour in the city feed , in the price tours to vacate 800-1,000 baht.
A tourist who take an interest to travel come to touch field Buatong flowers bloom beauty on Mae au core hill , and city attractiveness , Maehongsorn , can inquire travel data and other advice , done to a turn , coordination tourism province Maehongsorn center , the telephone is 6653612982-3 , bake Maehongsorn province , the 6653611385 amphur telephone feeds , 6653691108 telephones bake the district feeds , the telephone is 6653691466.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Monkey mountain
Monkey mountain, Some 6 kilometers from Hua Hin centre, in the popular area called Khao Takiab, lies the famous and beloved Khao Takiab mountain, better known as ”Monkey Mountain”.
Recommended transportation to the Monkey Mountain is by Tuk Tuk. The price is around 200 baht.
If you have been to the zoo in a European country, or if you have traveled into jungles around the world, you should know what monkeys look like. But how close have you really been to them?
For 50 baht you get a sizeable portion of monkey goodies which consist of corn, bananas and peanuts. As you might already have guessed, bananas are their favorite of the three.
The food is bought at the small kiosk that also serves drinks and snacks.
Feeding the monkeys should be done with caution. Although they are used to people, they are still animals and they compete for the food as any other animal living in a pack.
Do not be surprised or startled if a monkey jumps on your neck and tries to eat of the bucket with food. Stay clear of trees and rooftops where the monkeys also sit, as it is from here they take their chances to get into the bucket. If you feel your self complete surrounded by monkeys and the start to get too close, simply empty your bucket of food and the ground and walk away.
If you get in any sorts of problems, the caretakers will gently slap the monkeys with a long stick, driving them away from you. The caretakers also have dogs that keep the monkeys at bay most of the time. So with a little self retain and orderly behavior, you should be in for a unique experience.
Please, Do not hit or kick the monkeys. Do not touch the monkeys in any way. They will bite you.Take care of any lose items, the monkeys are curious.
The view. Follow the street down From the top of Monkey Mountain you can see all of the Hua Hin beachfront. A spectacular view of Hua Hin not available anywhere else in Hua Hin. Just follow the path the sloping road, trough the monkeys and an amazing sight awaits you.
The temple. At the top of more than 100 steps lies a very important temple, called Wat Khao Takiab, holding an important relic believed to be a tooth of buddha him self. As the lead munk explains, it’s only seeable for those with pure merits and for those for pray intensly for it. For the buddha faith, this is a very important place. For the tourist though, it might be more interesting to climb the many steps and experience the view from the top of the temple entrance. Please, do not try this if you have a medical problem!
Recommended transportation to the Monkey Mountain is by Tuk Tuk. The price is around 200 baht.
If you have been to the zoo in a European country, or if you have traveled into jungles around the world, you should know what monkeys look like. But how close have you really been to them?
For 50 baht you get a sizeable portion of monkey goodies which consist of corn, bananas and peanuts. As you might already have guessed, bananas are their favorite of the three.
The food is bought at the small kiosk that also serves drinks and snacks.
Feeding the monkeys should be done with caution. Although they are used to people, they are still animals and they compete for the food as any other animal living in a pack.
Do not be surprised or startled if a monkey jumps on your neck and tries to eat of the bucket with food. Stay clear of trees and rooftops where the monkeys also sit, as it is from here they take their chances to get into the bucket. If you feel your self complete surrounded by monkeys and the start to get too close, simply empty your bucket of food and the ground and walk away.
If you get in any sorts of problems, the caretakers will gently slap the monkeys with a long stick, driving them away from you. The caretakers also have dogs that keep the monkeys at bay most of the time. So with a little self retain and orderly behavior, you should be in for a unique experience.
Please, Do not hit or kick the monkeys. Do not touch the monkeys in any way. They will bite you.Take care of any lose items, the monkeys are curious.
The view. Follow the street down From the top of Monkey Mountain you can see all of the Hua Hin beachfront. A spectacular view of Hua Hin not available anywhere else in Hua Hin. Just follow the path the sloping road, trough the monkeys and an amazing sight awaits you.
The temple. At the top of more than 100 steps lies a very important temple, called Wat Khao Takiab, holding an important relic believed to be a tooth of buddha him self. As the lead munk explains, it’s only seeable for those with pure merits and for those for pray intensly for it. For the buddha faith, this is a very important place. For the tourist though, it might be more interesting to climb the many steps and experience the view from the top of the temple entrance. Please, do not try this if you have a medical problem!
Monday, October 29, 2007
ChonBuri, Thailand
ChonBuri The Nearest Seaside Retreat
Chonburi, Bangkoks nearest seaside town, is located on the eastern coast of the Gulf of Thailand, only 80 kilometers from Bangkok. The area boasts abundant natural resources, which are highlighted by delightful beaches, local colors, traditions, delicacies and fresh seafood. This is a popular resort among Bangkokians who seek the nearest escape from hectic weekly schedules as ChonBuri has something for everyone. In addition, ChonBuri is the center of the Eastern Seaboard Development Project, with its industrial parks and fishing villages.
Pattaya
Pattaya A Travelers Paradise
Pattaya is nestled along a picturesque bay on the East Coast of the Gulf of Thailand, roughly 170 kilometers southeast of Bangkok. From a fishing village in the 1960's, Pattaya has emerged as the favorite Southeast Asian vacation center. A fascinating escape where tourists, holiday makers and vacationers from around the world unfold an incomparable array of possibilities to unwind during an exotic holiday beach vacation.
Unlike other beach resorts, where natural surroundings are used as magnets to attract tourists, Pattaya makes an all-out attempt to provide the best of everything. Here, everything means everything a tourist can imagine while on holiday: recreation, entertainment, sports, sightseeing and fun. To put it simply, Pattaya is a paradise for everyone, as it has a variety of attractions suitable for all types of visitors. This is the place where you can fill your day, from dusk to dawn, with endless activities, or you may choose to do nothing at all and relax.
The Past
Pattaya's name was originated from the march of Phraya Tak (later known as King Taksin the Great) and his followers from Ayutthaya to Chanthaburi just before the fall of the Ayutthaya Kingdom to the Burmese invaders in 1767.
When Phraya Tak's army arrived in the vicinity of what is Pattaya today, he encountered the troops of Nai Klom who tried to intercept him. When the two leaders met face to face, Nai Klom was awed by Phraya Tak's dignified manner and his army's strict discipline, thereby surrendering without a fight. The place where the two armies confronted each other was later called Thap Phraya, which means the Army of the Phraya. This was later changed to Phatthaya, which happens to mean the wind blowing from the southwest to the northeast at the beginning of the rainy season. Today the spelling of the name has been simplified to Pattaya.
For centuries, Pattaya was a small fishing village almost cut off from the outside world. But a big change occurred on 29 April 1961 when the first group of about 100 American servicemen who would join the Vietnam War arrived in Pattaya for relaxation. Soon, sleepy Pattaya became Thailand's premier and most successful beach resort, which annually attracts hundreds of thousands of pleasure-seeking visitors. A full range of accommodations from super deluxe hotels to bungalows and mini-pocket guesthouses replaced fishermens huts along the beach. Fishing vessels were adapted to become tourist boats and swimmers and sunbathers from various parts of the world frequented the quiet powdery golden beaches. Places of nighttime entertainment have also sprung up and are popular among international tourists.
The Present
Pattaya currently integrates the delights of a 1st class beach resort, city-like dining, shopping and night entertainment facilities with more than 300 assorted hotels, thousands of shops, restaurants and bars. In addition, there are an array of sports and recreational activities including beaches, golf courses, tennis courts, go-kart, gyms for working out, weight lifting and Thai-boxing gear. Pattaya offers a broad range of things to do. During the day, one may enjoy riding elephants or driving humble automatic mini-bikes, monstrous motorcycles, or even monster multicolored convertible Jeeps. Others go for shooting firearms, scuba diving and surfing, deep-sea fishing, speed boats, scooters, water-skiing, parasailing, or aerial sports such as gliding ultra-lights and flying motor-propelled gliders. On the other hand, at night, there are restaurants, bars, theaters, cabaret shows, night clubs, bowling halls, billiard & snooker clubs, discos, sauna & massage parlors, not to cite its absolutely incredible shopping which is available non-stop both day-and-night.
Pattaya Facts
This exotic beach resort welcomes approximately 5 million visitors a year. The friendly and hospitable Thai nature boosts its promotion, frequently bringing back the repeat visitors and constantly increasing the number of newcomers.
Pattaya city is located on the eastern coast of the country at latitude 13 N and longitude 101 E in the area of ChonBuri province. It is 147 kilometers from Bangkok and lies parallel to Sukhumvit Road on its east and the coastline on its west. Pattaya occupies an area of 208.1 sq. km. that is divided into 53.44 sq. kilometers of land and 154.66 sq. kilometers of islands and sea. Its coastline is 15 kilometers long.
Pattaya has a plain on the coast with some high mountains to the south. The area on the east slopes down towards the sea on the west.
Administration
Pattaya City has been administered under a special autonomous system since 1978. It has a status comparable to that of a municipality and is administered separately by the mayor of Pattaya City, who is responsible for making policies, organizing public services, and supervising all employees of Pattaya City Administration.
by TourismThailand.org
Chonburi, Bangkoks nearest seaside town, is located on the eastern coast of the Gulf of Thailand, only 80 kilometers from Bangkok. The area boasts abundant natural resources, which are highlighted by delightful beaches, local colors, traditions, delicacies and fresh seafood. This is a popular resort among Bangkokians who seek the nearest escape from hectic weekly schedules as ChonBuri has something for everyone. In addition, ChonBuri is the center of the Eastern Seaboard Development Project, with its industrial parks and fishing villages.
Pattaya
Pattaya A Travelers Paradise
Pattaya is nestled along a picturesque bay on the East Coast of the Gulf of Thailand, roughly 170 kilometers southeast of Bangkok. From a fishing village in the 1960's, Pattaya has emerged as the favorite Southeast Asian vacation center. A fascinating escape where tourists, holiday makers and vacationers from around the world unfold an incomparable array of possibilities to unwind during an exotic holiday beach vacation.
Unlike other beach resorts, where natural surroundings are used as magnets to attract tourists, Pattaya makes an all-out attempt to provide the best of everything. Here, everything means everything a tourist can imagine while on holiday: recreation, entertainment, sports, sightseeing and fun. To put it simply, Pattaya is a paradise for everyone, as it has a variety of attractions suitable for all types of visitors. This is the place where you can fill your day, from dusk to dawn, with endless activities, or you may choose to do nothing at all and relax.
The Past
Pattaya's name was originated from the march of Phraya Tak (later known as King Taksin the Great) and his followers from Ayutthaya to Chanthaburi just before the fall of the Ayutthaya Kingdom to the Burmese invaders in 1767.
When Phraya Tak's army arrived in the vicinity of what is Pattaya today, he encountered the troops of Nai Klom who tried to intercept him. When the two leaders met face to face, Nai Klom was awed by Phraya Tak's dignified manner and his army's strict discipline, thereby surrendering without a fight. The place where the two armies confronted each other was later called Thap Phraya, which means the Army of the Phraya. This was later changed to Phatthaya, which happens to mean the wind blowing from the southwest to the northeast at the beginning of the rainy season. Today the spelling of the name has been simplified to Pattaya.
For centuries, Pattaya was a small fishing village almost cut off from the outside world. But a big change occurred on 29 April 1961 when the first group of about 100 American servicemen who would join the Vietnam War arrived in Pattaya for relaxation. Soon, sleepy Pattaya became Thailand's premier and most successful beach resort, which annually attracts hundreds of thousands of pleasure-seeking visitors. A full range of accommodations from super deluxe hotels to bungalows and mini-pocket guesthouses replaced fishermens huts along the beach. Fishing vessels were adapted to become tourist boats and swimmers and sunbathers from various parts of the world frequented the quiet powdery golden beaches. Places of nighttime entertainment have also sprung up and are popular among international tourists.
The Present
Pattaya currently integrates the delights of a 1st class beach resort, city-like dining, shopping and night entertainment facilities with more than 300 assorted hotels, thousands of shops, restaurants and bars. In addition, there are an array of sports and recreational activities including beaches, golf courses, tennis courts, go-kart, gyms for working out, weight lifting and Thai-boxing gear. Pattaya offers a broad range of things to do. During the day, one may enjoy riding elephants or driving humble automatic mini-bikes, monstrous motorcycles, or even monster multicolored convertible Jeeps. Others go for shooting firearms, scuba diving and surfing, deep-sea fishing, speed boats, scooters, water-skiing, parasailing, or aerial sports such as gliding ultra-lights and flying motor-propelled gliders. On the other hand, at night, there are restaurants, bars, theaters, cabaret shows, night clubs, bowling halls, billiard & snooker clubs, discos, sauna & massage parlors, not to cite its absolutely incredible shopping which is available non-stop both day-and-night.
Pattaya Facts
This exotic beach resort welcomes approximately 5 million visitors a year. The friendly and hospitable Thai nature boosts its promotion, frequently bringing back the repeat visitors and constantly increasing the number of newcomers.
Pattaya city is located on the eastern coast of the country at latitude 13 N and longitude 101 E in the area of ChonBuri province. It is 147 kilometers from Bangkok and lies parallel to Sukhumvit Road on its east and the coastline on its west. Pattaya occupies an area of 208.1 sq. km. that is divided into 53.44 sq. kilometers of land and 154.66 sq. kilometers of islands and sea. Its coastline is 15 kilometers long.
Pattaya has a plain on the coast with some high mountains to the south. The area on the east slopes down towards the sea on the west.
Administration
Pattaya City has been administered under a special autonomous system since 1978. It has a status comparable to that of a municipality and is administered separately by the mayor of Pattaya City, who is responsible for making policies, organizing public services, and supervising all employees of Pattaya City Administration.
by TourismThailand.org
Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thailand
The Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya or Ayutthaya in short, is one of Thailand's historical and majestic highlights. Serving as the Thai capital for 417 years (1350 1767: Kingdom of Ayutthaya), it was once glorified as one of the biggest cities in Southeast Asia. During the 17th century, most foreign visitors to Ayutthaya, traders or 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.
The Kingdom of Ayutthaya reached its apex in terms of sovereignty, military might, wealth, culture, and international commerce in the 16th century when the Kingdoms territory was extended far beyond present-day Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar. Ayutthaya even had diplomatic relations with Louis XIV of France and was courted by Dutch, Portuguese, English, Chinese and Japanese merchants.Visitors can explore and appreciate Thai history in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, which is situated only 86 kilometers north of Bangkok. Visitors to Ayutthaya can marvel at its grandeur reflected through numerous magnificent structures and ruins concentrated in and around the city island surrounded by Maenam Chao Phraya, Maenam Pa Sak and Maenam Lopburi. More importantly,Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park, an extensive historical site in the heart of Ayutthaya city, has been included in UNESCO's World Heritage list since 13 December, 1991.
The Past
The Kingdom of Ayutthaya was built and developed in leaps and bounds. The ruins in Ayutthaya that survived the test of time embody both the glorious and ignominious stories of the Kingdom.
This ancient capital of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, founded in 1350 by King U-Thong, had thirty three kings of different dynasties and reached its peak in the middle of the18th century. A magnificent city with three palaces and over 400 magnificent temples on an island threaded by canals Ayutthaya was truly an impressive city that attracted both Europeans and Asians. After a 15-month siege the Kingdom of Ayutthaya was conquered and completely destroyed by the Burmese in 1767. When King Taksin the Great finally liberated the Kingdom, a new dynasty was established and the capital was moved to Thonburi. The seal of Ayutthaya depicts a conch on a pedestal tray placed in a small castle under a Mun tree. According to legend, King U-Thong, founder of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, discovered a beautiful conch buried in the ground being prepared for the establishment of the seat of his Kingdom. Consequently, he had a tiny castle built to house the shell. Hence, the provincial seal.
The Present
Today, there are but groups of crumbling ruins and rows of headless Buddhas where once an empire thrived. The temple compounds are still awe-inspiring even in disrepair and a visit here is memorable and a good beginning for those drawn to the relics of history.
The architecture of Ayutthaya is a fascinating mix of Khmer (ancient Cambodian style) and early Sukhothai style. 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. For new arrivals who had limited their visit to Bangkok, similarities may be noted with the riverside Wat Arun, an 18th-century structure that was built in the so-called Ayutthaya style, a melding of Sukhothai Buddhist influences and Hindu-inspired Khmer motifs.
Ayutthaya is administratively divided into 16 districts: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Ban Phraek, Bang Ban, Bang Pahan, Bang Pa-in, Amphoe Bang Sai, Bang Sai, Lat Bua Luang, Maha Rat, Nakhon Luang, Phachi, Phak-Hai, Sena, Tha Rua, Uthai and Wang Noi.
by TourismThailand.org
The Kingdom of Ayutthaya reached its apex in terms of sovereignty, military might, wealth, culture, and international commerce in the 16th century when the Kingdoms territory was extended far beyond present-day Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar. Ayutthaya even had diplomatic relations with Louis XIV of France and was courted by Dutch, Portuguese, English, Chinese and Japanese merchants.Visitors can explore and appreciate Thai history in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, which is situated only 86 kilometers north of Bangkok. Visitors to Ayutthaya can marvel at its grandeur reflected through numerous magnificent structures and ruins concentrated in and around the city island surrounded by Maenam Chao Phraya, Maenam Pa Sak and Maenam Lopburi. More importantly,Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park, an extensive historical site in the heart of Ayutthaya city, has been included in UNESCO's World Heritage list since 13 December, 1991.
The Past
The Kingdom of Ayutthaya was built and developed in leaps and bounds. The ruins in Ayutthaya that survived the test of time embody both the glorious and ignominious stories of the Kingdom.
This ancient capital of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, founded in 1350 by King U-Thong, had thirty three kings of different dynasties and reached its peak in the middle of the18th century. A magnificent city with three palaces and over 400 magnificent temples on an island threaded by canals Ayutthaya was truly an impressive city that attracted both Europeans and Asians. After a 15-month siege the Kingdom of Ayutthaya was conquered and completely destroyed by the Burmese in 1767. When King Taksin the Great finally liberated the Kingdom, a new dynasty was established and the capital was moved to Thonburi. The seal of Ayutthaya depicts a conch on a pedestal tray placed in a small castle under a Mun tree. According to legend, King U-Thong, founder of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, discovered a beautiful conch buried in the ground being prepared for the establishment of the seat of his Kingdom. Consequently, he had a tiny castle built to house the shell. Hence, the provincial seal.
The Present
Today, there are but groups of crumbling ruins and rows of headless Buddhas where once an empire thrived. The temple compounds are still awe-inspiring even in disrepair and a visit here is memorable and a good beginning for those drawn to the relics of history.
The architecture of Ayutthaya is a fascinating mix of Khmer (ancient Cambodian style) and early Sukhothai style. 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. For new arrivals who had limited their visit to Bangkok, similarities may be noted with the riverside Wat Arun, an 18th-century structure that was built in the so-called Ayutthaya style, a melding of Sukhothai Buddhist influences and Hindu-inspired Khmer motifs.
Ayutthaya is administratively divided into 16 districts: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Ban Phraek, Bang Ban, Bang Pahan, Bang Pa-in, Amphoe Bang Sai, Bang Sai, Lat Bua Luang, Maha Rat, Nakhon Luang, Phachi, Phak-Hai, Sena, Tha Rua, Uthai and Wang Noi.
by TourismThailand.org
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