Legendary City of the Ayutthaya Kingdom

August 05, 2016

Imagine stepping back 500 years and making your way up the jungle covered Chao Phraya River. The river splits and on the center island you find one of the wealthiest cities of Asia. Surrounded by high walls, a city only divided by well-planned waterways and streets, and decorated with many stupas.  Temple peaks rise into the sky. You have come to the city of Ayutthaya.

Through my research, I found out that Ayutthaya was the most powerful kingdom in the region from the mid-14th Century up until the mid 18^th Century. Due to its worthy remains, UNESCO proclaimed the remnants of the kingdom a World Heritage Site. It was also one of the wealthiest cities in the world at its time.  So I decided this place was a must to visit and discover its glorious past.

Buddha statue in Ayutthaya

Phra Mahathat Temple

My first stop took me to Wat Phra Mahathat. This temple is most famous for the Buddha head that rests entwined in a huge and towering tree. At first, its size is what surprised me. When I looked at photos I would have never guessed it to be so large. Legend has it that thieves attempted to steal it. However, they underestimated the weight of the Buddha statue. Furthermore,  it proved to be too heavy for them to carry. This led them to abandon it leaving mother nature to have her way. Because of the bizarre positioning of the statue, it is now one of the most famous sites.

Sunset at Wat Ratchaburana in Ayuttaya City

Wat Ratchaburana is my next stop which is conveniently right across the road. Though the Wat has some interesting sites around it, the dramatic history is what makes it so fascinating. King Borom Rachathirat II built it in 1424. Interestingly enough, he built it as a cremation site for his two brothers who died in battle against each other while fighting for the throne. Talk about sibling rivalry! As we climb inside I get the shivers as the darkness surrounds. I am a little scared as we enter the doorway of the temple. This is because the guide warned us bats sometimes fly through the prang. But as my eyes adjust, I find beautiful bright ancient paintings cover the walls of the crypt.

I watch as the sun sets over the ancient ruins in all their glory. Sitting back and admiring as the last rays of daylight climb reinvigorates me after a long day of exploration.