Today morning, we proceed to visit Ayutthaya Historical Park, situated in the old city of Ayutthaya. The city was constructed by Ramathibodi I in 1350 and was the capital of Thailand until it was destroyed by Burmese – Myanmar army in 1767. Being a ruin with many temples which characterize this handicraft type of architecture built with red bricks, the park was recognized as World’s Heritage Site by UNESCO.
En route, we pass through Royal Summer Palace (Bang Pa-in Palace) – a favorite resort of royal. King Rama IV, who rebuilt the palace, was the first Siamese king came to Europe and was sharply impressed by the architecture there. Therefore, the whole architecture of the palace is in the way of 19th century European style.
Wat Phu Khao Thong is a massive pagoda towering in the middle of paddy fields and can be seen from afar. Built by King Ramesuan in 1395, the pagoda is unique with the combination of 2 architectural styles: Thai – style and Mon – style. There is a high golden plated chedi on the top, which makes the pagoda outstanding.
Wat Phra Sri Sanphet was the most important temple of Ayutthaya and situated within the Ayutthaya Grand Palace grounds. It served as a model for the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok. The highlight of Wat Phra Sri Sanphet is 3 towers standing high together in Ceylonese style, has the same architecture with Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok.
Vihara Phra Mongkhon Bophit is the pagoda in which the bronze Buddha statue in the attitude of subduing Mara is situated. This is one of the biggest Buddha statue in Thailand. It was considered to be built during the Ayuttaya period of King Srongta, who transferred the location from the east side to the west and has been the location since then. After that he ordered to build a dome on top.
Wat Mahathat has the same fate with other temples in the park, it was almost completely destroyed under the Burmese army in 1767. Until 1956, the Thai Department of Fine Arts just restored it, they found many important treasures of objects made of gold, crystal, precious stones and rubies. Especially, they discovered the Buddha statue in 7-layer tower and the Buddha statue in the great tree trunk.
Proceed to Kanchanaburi for overnight.
Accommodation : At the hotel in Kanchanaburi
Meals: Breakfast