Just an hour north
of Bangkok is one of the world’s greatest ruins and a UNESCO World Heritage
Site. Ayutthaya Historical Park, ancient
capital of the Kingdom of Sian, is an archaeological site that contains
palaces, Buddhist temples, monasteries and statues. It is one of the three
remnants of Siamese Cities. The others are
Sukhothai, and Lopburi.
The grounds were
still damp when we arrived in Ayutthaya and the sun was trying to pierce
through dark clouds. It was wonderful that the rain stopped as soon as we
arrived in Ayutthaya. Well, we didn’t
have good lighting for our photographs but we didn’t mind so much. We were
there to wander and wonder.
It was also good that it rained because I like
sleeping when it rains. I needed to rest
after a whole morning of temple hopping in Bangkok City and partying in Khao
San Road the night before. It also helped that the van we rented was so
comfortable.
After purchasing
our ticket, 50 baht each, we each headed our own way. We all went there for the same reason, to
temple hop of course, but we each had our own way of exploring.
There were very few
tourists and guards when we visited, so it was like stumbling upon an ancient
city, with my mind constantly and unobstructedly imagining how glorious it must
have been during its prime. The only things (or creatures) competing for my
attention were the dogs, the raccoons and the birds, which have chosen the site
as their homes.
We visited three
sites - Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, Wang Luang and Wat
Phra Ram.
Wat Phra Sri
Sanphet was the most important and the holiest temple of Ayutthaya and is
situated within the Royal Palace grounds.
Its three
magnificent stupas are among the most iconic images of this ancient city.
The three stupas
held the remains of various kings of Ayutthaya.
A number of smaller chedis were also built around to hold the ashes of
other members of royalty. The temple was also the model for Bangkok's
Wat Phra Kaew and Royal Palace.
North of the temple is the remains of the Wang Luang of Royal Palace. Not much can be seen today though. This is what war does.
Near the Wat Phra Sri Sanphet and
the Wang Luang, situated in a swampy area, is Wat Phra Ram.
It was built in 1369 on the site
of the first Ayutthaya king’s cremation.
It was restored in the 15th century.
We didn’t have time to explore the
other sites because we had a train to Chiang Mai to catch. As soon as we rode our van, it rained hard again and we felt how blessed we were to be allowed by the gods that brief journey back to its grand past.
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