Photos

Another shot from the day tour I took to the former Thai capital of Ayutthaya from Bangkok. This is one of the few intact Buddha’s, most were decapitated by the invading Burmese. I was simply amazed at this fantastic historical park. I only had 2 hours in the middle of the day to explore the place, but I will definitely be back next time I go to Thailand. Because the city was built on an island the foundations of many of the monuments are sinking unevenly and so you get these leaning towers. These prangs are at Wat Mahathat and date from the 1370s.

From its establishment in 1350 by King U Thong (Ramathibodi I) until its fall to the Burmese in 1767, Ayutthaya was Thailand's capital, home to 33 kings and numerous dynasties. At its zenith and until the mid-18th century, Ayutthaya was a majestic city with three palaces and 400 temples on an island threaded by canals. The former capital rivaled European cities in splendor and was a source of marvel for foreigners.

Then, in 1767, after a 15-month siege, the town was destroyed by the Burmese. Today there is little left but 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 starting point for those drawn to the relics of history.

The architecture of Ayutthaya is a fascinating mix of styles. Tall, ornate spires called prangs point to ancient Khmer (Cambodian) influence (best seen in Bangkok at Wat Arun). These bear a resemblance to the architecture of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. The pointed stupas are ascribed to the Sukhothai style.

Reference: Ayutthaya