The Most Popular Sightseeing Combinations: Recommended Itinerary :Welcome to Bang Pa-In Palace
The Royal Palace at Bang Pa-In has a history dating back to the 17 th century. According to a chronicle of Ayutthaya, King Prasat Thong (1629-1656) had a palace constructed on Bang Pa-In Island in the Chao Phraya River. A contemporary Dutch merchant, Jeremias van Vliet, reported that King Prasat Thong was an illegitimate son of King Ekathotsarot (1605-1610/11), who in his youth was shipwrecked on that island and had son by a woman who befriended him. The boy grew up to become the Chief Minister. After having usurped the throne, he became known as King Prasat Thong. The King founded a monastery, Wat Chumphon Nikayaram, on the land belonging to his mother on Bang Pa-In Island, and then had a pond dug and a palace built to the south of that monastery. The chronicle records the name of only one building, the Aisawan Thiphaya-art Royal Residence, which was constructed in 1632, the year of the birth of his son, the future King Narai (1656-1688). It is not known whether or not the palace was in use till the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767. However by 1807, when the Kingdom's best known poet, Sunthon Phu, sailed past Bang Pa-In, only a memory of the palace remained, for the site was neglected and overgrown.
The palace was revived by King Rama IV of the Chakri Dynasty, better known in the West as King Mongkut (1851-1868), who had a temporary residence constructed on the outer island that became the site of the Neo-Gothic style monastery, Wat Niwet Thamprawat, which was built by his son and heir, King Chulalongkorn (Rama V).
The present-day royal palace dates from the reign of King Chulalongkorn (1868-1910), when most of the buildings standing today were constructed between 1872-1889.
Today the palace is used occasionally by Their Majesties King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) and Queen Sirikit as a residence and for holding receptions and banquets.
The Summer Palace at Bang Pa-In: Displaying history dating back to the 17th century. Today, the palace is used occasionally by our King and Queen as a residence and for holding receptions and banquets.Ayuthaya Historical Study Center: One thing of special interest is the model of the Royal Grand Palace and the Royal Temple of Ayutthaya Kingdom. There are also some fine displays. The subjects treated are Ayutthaya as a capital, as a port city, and as a centralized state, traditional village life, and foreign visitations
Viharn Phra Mongkhon Bophit: The viharn holds a large image of Buddha subduring the Mara which is 12.45 meters high and has a knee span width of 9.55 meters. it was built with brick and plaster and was covered with bronze 3-4 inches thick
Ayutthaya Historical Park: When King U Thong built Ayutthaya as his island capital some 650 years ago, the city was to last for 417 years. Over its long history from 1350 to 1767 there were five Thai dynasties and a total of 33 kings. When people from other countries came to the kingdom they remarked on its’ size and wealth and the beauty of the place. It has now been designated a World Heritage Site. See ruins which have survived from this once magnificent city. Visit the Royal Grand Palace and the Royal Temple (Wat Phra Si Sanphet)
Enjoy a Boat Ride to view some of the major monuments as they were designed to be seen - from the waterways of the three rivers which converge on this fabled jewel of Siamese history
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Thailand Ayutthaya Tour Guide Bang Pa-In Palace (Approximately 1 hour from Bangkok)
Friday, February 8, 2008
PHRANAKHONSIAYUTTHAYA : General Information
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.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
History of Wat Na Phramane, Picture
History of Wat Na Phramane
Local known as Wat Na Phramane, The temple was built in A.D.1503 by Angel indra in the Reign of King Ramathibodee II, The tenth throne of Ayutthaya, named Wat Phramerurachikaram. It is the roral Aram of the third rank, Ordinary type.
The temple has marked a historical event in the reign of King Maha Jakrapad. He chose it as a meeting place to stop the war in A.D.1563. And another event happened in A.D.1760 when King Alongphaya of Burma comes to attack Ayutthaya. The Burmese soldiers had installed cannon at Wat Na Phramane and Wat Hassadawad (Wat Chang). King Alongphaya commanded the troop and fired the cannon by himself. Un fortunately the cannon exploded and The King was seriously injured. So the troop had to be withdrawn to the noethern direction No sooner had the troop left Tak than The King passed away.
With the sanctity of Phra Buddha Nimitwichitmara Molee Srisanphet Boromtrikokanat, The Main Buddha image in Phra Ubosot, It has long been believed to help save Ayutthaya from It’s enemy always. Furthermore the Buddha image is still in the same condition as it was once as Well as the temple which is the only one was not sacked by Burmese. Hence, It’s worthwhile visiting and appreciating its historical splendors.
Place and Object of Attraction
1. Phra Budha Nimitwichitmara Molee Srisanphet Borom Trilokanat, The main Buddha image cast in bronze then lacquered and covered with gold plate is in the style of subduing Mara clad in Kingly decorations, It is nine soks (arm-length measure) wide from one end to the other of its Lap and six meters high. It is one biggest decorated Buddha image Built in the early period of Ayutthaya. It’s shape is so splendid with the explicit name of holiness and sacredness to respect for those of the three worlds.
2. Phra Khandhararat, Dvaravati period, Is the biggest stone Buddha image aged around 1,500 year old with 1.7 meters wide in lapand 5.2 meters high. The image was carved out of green sand stone in sitting position on the seat of first preaching style. It was recorded that it was removed for Sri Lanka when Phra Ubalee and the Buddhis delegates of Siamese sect went to establish Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Then Phraya Chaiwichit removed it here from Wat Maha Tat in the isle of Ayutthaya
3. Phra Ubosot was built in the early Ayutthaya architectural style. From the outside it looks like the shape of a samp an with 16 meters in width and 50 meters in length. The gable of the front, Entrance was carved out of teak wood in the design of God Naraya on Garuda stepping on Naga’s Head. On both sides of naga’s head are two Rahu. The scene is surrounded by 26 praying angles. From the inside there are two roes of sixteen octagonal posts with lotus cornice which is typical of Ayutthaya style. The ceiling was also carved out of teak wood in the pattern of beautiful complex layers of stars.
Google Earth Map - Wat Na Phramane
Friday, February 1, 2008
History - Wat Lokaya Sutha
Wat Lokaya Sutha
This Temple is situated to the west of the Ayutthaya Grand Royal Palace. No evidence has been found to indicate when it was built. Only comparative study of art style of the temple mail prang reflects early period of Ayutthaya arts.
In front of the main Prang to the east locating with groups of Vihara buildings while behind the Prang is the Ubosot building being surrounded with gallery and the Ubosot itself is also decorated with chides at four corners.
The main shrine of this temple here a brick and mortar image of Reclining Buddha in Ayutthaya Style. The Buddha image is about 42 meters long and 8 meters high It underwent a restoration in A.D. 1956. This Buddha image is under the vihara roof.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
History - Phra Vihan Luang in Wat Phra Si San Phet
The architectural aspect of the building reveals Ayutthaya of Thai Classical style. The vihara is a brick and mortar rectangular building. There are round columns with lotus bud capitals, only 2 complete columns left over. The vihara is covered with three layers of roofs that have a corbelled shape.
Phra Vihan Luang was renovated two times, firstly in the reign of King Prasat Thong and secondly in the reign of King Boroma Gote.
History of Phra Mongkhon Bophit
History of Phra Mongkhon Bophit
Phra Mongkhon Bophit is one of the largest bronze Buddha images in Thailand. The image measures 9.55 metres at the widest point across the lap, and 12.45 metres high without the base This Buddha images is seated in the position of subduing mara and situated on the west side of the old palace compound in the Vihara of Phra Mongkhon Bophit temple. The image is believed to have been constructed in the early Ayutthaya period between 1448 to 1602 A.D. and was originally situated at the east side and a Mondop was built to shelter it. During the reign of King Phra Chao Sua (1706 A.D.) the top part of the Mondop and the head of the image were damaged by lightning. The Mondop was converted into a Vihara and the main restoration of Phra Mongkhon Bophit was completed during the reign of King BoromaKote (1742 – 1743 A.D.)
During the fall of the Ayutthaya Kingdom in 1767. the roof of the Vihara was damaged by fire and the head and the right arm of the image were broken. Later, the image was repaired and the Vihara was completely restored again in 1956.
On 23rd March 1990, the Supreme Patriarch presided over a candle lighting ceremony in front of the image and announced that people could honour the image by covering it with gold leaf. H.M. Queen Sirikit auspiciously paid homage to the image and donated Baht 70,000 to the restoration fund. Henceforward, the Mongkhon Bophit Foundation undertook to cover the image with gold leaf in celebration of the 60th birthday of H.M. Queen Sirikit.
History - Wat Ayothaya @ Picture, Map
Monday, January 28, 2008
Wat Samanakot Tharam - Ayudthaya
Wat Samanakot Tharam
The Bell-shaped Chedi
From its bell-shaped form and the decoration on the throne, it is assumed that this Chedi was restored during the 18th century A.D. It was probably in the reign of King Narai the great.
Google Earth Map
Sunday, January 27, 2008
History - Wat Yai Chaimongkhon
Phra Rachathibodi then appointed the director of this sect as the right – sided patriarch named “Phra Wanratana” while “Phra Putthakosajarn,” held the position of the left – sided patriarch. Since the patriarch stayed here, this monastery was named Wat Chao Phayatai. The ubosot of this monastery was the place where King Tianracha had prayed for the throne before he could beat Khun Worawongsathiraj, another candidate for the throne. In 2135 B.E. in the reign of King Naraesuan the Great, Phra Maha Uparacha of Burma marched his army to Ayutthaya in order to take control over the Thai Kingdom. King Naresuan then marched his army to combat the invader. They met at Nong Sarai, Supan Buri district. King Naraesuan had a fight on elephant back with Phra Maha Uparacha. King Naresuan was able to kill his rival but he could not destroy the enemy’s army because his soldiers were further behind. King Naraesuan was full of rage when he came back to Ayutthaya and wanted the commanders to be executed because they were unable to follow him. However, Phra Wanratana of Wat Pa Kaew asked him for the death penalty and suggested him to build a Chedi to celebrate the victory instead. King Naraesuan the great then decided to construct a large Chedi in this monastery named Phra Chedi Chaimongkhon. This monastery became Wat Yai Chaimongkhon later on.
The Reclining Buddha
The Reclining Buddha image and its vihara were probably built in the reign of King Narasuan. It was particularly used for worship and meditation. The present image was restored in A.D. 1965.
The Ubosatha Hall
The Ubosatha Hall is the main hall for Sangha (Brotherhood of monks). It is used to hold important religious ceremonies. It was first built in A.D. 1357 by King U Thong, the first king of Ayutthaya. It was King U Thong who proclaimed this as the royal monastery of the forest order (The Aranya Vasi School).
In A.D.1549, King Maha jargravati (before becoming King by overthrowing the usurper of the throne) came to pray in this very hall. He consulted his fortune by lighting an oracular candle.
In A.D.1592, King Naresuan, his nephew, enlarged the Ubosatha Hall. We can still see parts of its old walls.
In A.D.1766 Ayutthaya was sacked by the Burmese army. The hall was ruined and the monastery deserted.
The monastery was re-established and officially recognized in 1957. The Ubosatha Hall was rebuilt in 1979 with the size diminished inorder that the original structure is left for detection and reverence.
The Great Chedi Chaya Mongkhol
The Great Chedi Chaya Mongkhol was built by the command of King Naresuan the Great, to commemorate his decisive victory over the Burmese invasion in A.D. 1592. The event was climaxed in the momentous elephant combat between the King and the Burmese crown prince Maha Uparaja, in the province of Suparnburi the renown of King Naresuan was Such that there was no more outside invasion for the following two hundred years.
Thus, the Great Chedi serves as a symbol of prowess and sacrifice of the King and his soldiers, who with their national and religious devotion have brought about calm and peaceful assurance to the Thai people.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
History - Wat Panan Choeng
Overall view of the main wiharn from the parking lot.Originally, the Buddha image was exposed to the elements of nature in accordance with Thai tradition where no covering structure was made over a large statue so that the magnificence of the image could well be admired from any angle as well as from any visible distance.
Though an old temple, Wat Panan Choeng has never been deserted by its followers. In fact, continuous development has been made through time, as evidenced by the existing landscape and Thai architectural structures ornated by decorative art motifs attributed to different periods, side by side. The intoner and its facilities have constantly changed in adaptation to time, to ease the process of worshipping and study.
1. Sukhothai gold Buddha image in the attitude of subduing Mara Its width is 3 cubits and 3 inches, its height is 4 cubits and 3 inches.
3. Sukhothai Buddha image made from an alloy of copper and gold, in the attitude of subduing Mara Its width is 3 cubits and 13 inches, its height is 5 cubits.
One assume that the gold Buddha image and an alloy of copper and gold Buddha image were built in the end of Sukhothai period about 1357 A.D. It is believed that originally they were covered with stucco and lacquered and gilt from the last clefeat to Burma in 1767 A.D.
Next in 1965 A.D., while cleaning these Buddha images, the stucco began to flake off and it was realized that gold Buddha image and alloy of copper and gold Buddha image existed inside.
Thus the stucco that covered these images was flakes until today.