Search Results: Ayutthaya

The royal city of Ayutthaya (ah-you-tah-ya) was a small kingdom in Siam (modern Thailand), and it was an unrivalled commercial and maritime power from 1350-1767 CE. Ayutthaya became the second capital of Siam in 1438 CE when it absorbed the...

This map shows the layout of temples and ruins at Ayutthaya Historical Park in Thailand. Map image - 2007 CE.

Any itinerary for a visit to Bangkok, Thailand would include some of the city's must-see historical and cultural sights: The 24-hour flower market (Pak Khlong Talat) filled to the brim with jasmine-scented garlands, fragrant carnations...

Temple ruins in Ayutthaya Historical Park, Thailand. Photo taken 2014 CE.

Sukhothai or Sukhothai Historical Park was the former capital of the Kingdom of Sukhothai (1248-1438 CE), which was founded by King Si Inthrathit (r. 1238-1270 CE) and was the first in a series of independent polities that would eventually...

Buddha image in the Wat Na Phra Meru in Ayutthaya, Thailand. The Buddha is seated in the 'subduing Mara' position and wears royal attire. Photo taken in 2019 CE.

A small carved figurine sits high on a grand multi-tiered pedestal in a magnificent wat (temple) in Bangkok, Thailand. It has been sitting there since 1784 CE and was originally thought to be made of emerald. Hundreds of tourists and pilgrims...

Buddha head at Wat Mahathat, Ayutthaya Historical Park, Thailand. Wat Mahathat is called the Monastery of the Great Relic and was built during the reign of two kings: Borommaracha I (r. 1370-1388) and King Ramesuan (r. 1388-1395). The Buddha...

Buddha image at Wat Lokayasutharam, Ayutthaya Historical Park, Thailand. The date of this Buddha image is not known but the vertical arm that supports the head (which rests on a giant lotus flower) is characteristic of the middle-Ayutthayan...

King Naresuan (r. 1590-1605 CE) of Ayutthaya (Thailand) was riding an elephant into battle and the elephant stumbled over the roots of a jujube tree (pud sa in Thai). The king expressed his gratitude by ordering jujube trees to be planted...