Ayutthaya (Part 2)
(Part 1)

Before Bangkok was the Capital of Thailand, formerly called Siam, Ayutthaya was the Capital of the Kingdom. This was in the period between -say- the 14th Century and 1782.
The Kingdom of Ayutthaya was very prosperous. It was a Kingdom of 34 reigns, covering about 400 years. The period ended when General Taksin built a new Capital in Thonburi, after Ayutthaya has been destroyed by the Burmese in 1768. Taksin became King, but he was removed by General Chao Phraya Chakri, the later King Rama I in 1782. This King Rama I was the founder of the Chakri dynasty, of which the present King Bhumibol Adulyadej is a descendent. Therefore you might also say that the Ayutthaya period ended with the founding of the Chakri dynasty.
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We continue where the former page ended, at Wat Phra Si Sanphet. Here are two more pictures from the Temple grounds of this important Temple. Please note particularly the good condition of the Buddha image on the right hand side picture. It is centuries old, but in -relatively- splendid condition!

Wat Chai Watthanaram

This also is a Temple that is a "must" to visit. The main part of the Temple ground consists of a square, with gangways around it. Although the Temple grounds contain some fine remains, this square is what I find the most interesting part of this Temple.

The gangways around the square are surrounded by hundreds of Buddha Images, as the two pictures above show. It is true that most of them lack the head, but still the sight is very impressive, as I hope the two pictures will prove. On the left hand side picture you can also see one of the chedis, that we will look at more closely below.

Here are two of the treasures within the chedis. On the left hand side a Buddha image that is in very good condition. Most of them are in poor condition, but some (like this one) are almost worth the trip to Ayutthaya.
The right hand side picture shows a stone carving with -probably- the Buddha and some of his followers. Interesting too is the fact that the Buddha on the carving is walking. This is something that is typical for the Sukhothai period. (Go to the Sukhothai pages of this site, if you wish, by choosing them form the menu at the top. The best part of Ayutthaya is still to come here, however!)

Wat Yai Chai Mongkol

Wat Chai Mongkol is, in my opinion, the most impressive Temple in Ayutthaya. It dates from the 14th Century.
The large pagoda -the most impressive part, where we will take a look soon- dates form the end of the 16th Century.
Here too you have to pay an entrance fee (and Thais can get in free) but this one is so impressive that you simply should pay it without questioning yourself why!
Close to the entrance of the Temple grounds already you find this impressive reclining Buddha.

The large pagoda is shown on the left hand side picture above. It can be seen from quite a distance already. The right hand side picture shows one of the large Buddha images belonging to it. These Buddha Images are several meters high and look splendidly.

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