Ah – How peaceful is this – and, stunning as Bangkok’s monuments are, I like the absence of gold and bright colour for a while!
This is what’s left of the once great city of Ayutthaya. Founded in 1350, it would flourish between 14th – 18th centuries into a major urban centre of commerce and diplomacy at both regional and global level.
Strategically located on an island, the surrounding three rivers connected the city to the sea. Its situation above the tidal bore of the Gulf of Siam prevented attack by the sea-going warships of Arab and European powers. Equi-distant between India and China, it became an important trade hub between east and west and exchanged ambassadors with Europe, India, Japan and China. Diplomats, traders and missionaries all brought their own customs and architecture to this cosmopolitan settlement.
It is estimated that in 1700, with a population of one million, Ayutthaya was the largest city in the world. The Siamese Royal Court kept meticulous records which, along with reports and maps of its many international visitors, means a lot is known about the city. It was laid out according to a systematic grid, consisting of roads, canals and moats. It even had a hydraulic system for water management which was technologically extremely advanced and unique in the world.
1663
1691
1751
Between 1547 and 1767 Ayutthaya engaged in a series of wars with neighbouring Burma. Both sides had periods of dominance but, in 1767, after a 14 month siege, the Burmese army got the upper hand and the city was sacked and destroyed. Survivors abandoned what was left of the place and scattered to other parts of the country. The Burmese victory was short lived but, when the kingdom was restored, its new capital was relocated further down river at Thonburi.
The Historical Park of Ayutthaya is located some 80kms north of Bangkok, Its archaeological area spans 15 square kilometres and is spread out within a modern city. The most important monuments have been designated a UNESCO site since 1991 with plans to eventually incorporate the complete 18th century city. Overall, there are more than 60 temples and ruins including cactus-shaped obelisks (prangs), stupas and temples. Day trips from Bangkok only include some of them of course – anyone truly interested would need to spend a few days in the area.
This looks amazing, sort of a Thai Angkor? I’m very surprised it isn’t teeming with visitors!
There are actually Angkor influences there. I’d say there might have been another dozen or so visitors apart from ourselves … very surprising..
An interesting place to visit!
I love old sites so was delighted with the place…
Like you, I found it ‘refreshing’ to visit Ayutthaya after a few days in Bangkok. I found it convenient to take the train; third-class tickets are dirt cheap. On arrival, tuk-tuks are available at a reasonable price to take you round the main temples. You can give them your own list, prepared in advance. Now, the temples of Ayutthaya are built of brick, which is much more fragile than the stone of Angkor.
That’s the way to do it… Our guide was ok but didn’t really give us any idea of the spread of the area so only took us to a few sites. It was fine at the time to be honest because we were in to our 4th week away and were near burn out! But it was only afterwards I realised he skipped a few gems…
What a truly beautiful place, dear Marie, especially for history lovers and photographers visiting Thailand. I just love how it offers a slower, more historic vibe compared to the frantic energy of Bangkok, plus, of course, a chance to explore many impressive temples. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
It certainly made a pleasant change for a few hours – especially the calmness – we almost had parts of it entirely to ourselves… Hope you enjoying the lovely weather, Aiva!!
I am very much. It’s so nice to finally bask in the much-needed sunshine
Wow! I had no idea there were any cities in the 1700s that had a population of 1 million.
Yes – my thoughts also – especially one I’d never heard of before….
I love those old maps! Thanks
They’re great aren’t they – the city must have been quite sophisticated in its day