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  • Writer's pictureEllen

What the hell, Ayutthaya. Seriously. (part 2)

Updated: Nov 26, 2019

Three hundred years ago you were the largest city in the whole world. The WHOLE world. A million people called you home. Empires competed for valuable trading positions. But those rascally Burmese, rocked up back in 1767 and razed you to the ground, ending a period where you were both the capital of Siam (former name of Thailand) and arguably the trading capital of the world. The glory of Ayutthaya faded, and you were replaced by Bangkok... I was oblivious to your existence, but not anymore. Let 's take a closer look at you.


Wat Phra Mahthat was our first stop of the day. It is mostly famous for having a buddha’s head entwined in the roots of a banyan tree. This is of course very impressive to see, but there is more to this series of ruins than a head in a tree, including several prangs and many many crumbly buddha statues. There also exists a legend, but that would take me too far. Let me tell you it was magical to see.


Wat Chaiwatthanaram is an eye-catching Buddhist temple which includes a raised platform and eight towering chedis, or chapels. All of the chedis are attached to secret passageways and have colorful paintings illustrating the life of Buddha inside. There are 120 sitting Buddha statues dotted around the area; originally thought to have been painted black and gold, they now sit dressed in orange drapery.


Wat Panan Choeng is a Buddhist temple on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River. It is overwhelming to see the gigantic golden Buddha figure majestically posed above the site. It is 19 meters high, 14 meters wide, and is universally revered throughout the region as a sacred figure for mariners. This temple is still widely in use for religious ceremonies, so you have to take care when visiting to dress appropriately in accordance with Buddhist custom.


Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, or “the Monastery of Auspicious Victory” is located East of the historical island. Highlight of the monastery is its very large imposing prang dominating the area. It is still an active temple; monks live in kuti on the grounds. A stairway on the East side leads up to the entrance of the 60 meter tall bell shaped chedi. Visitors can climb up to its interior, so I obviously did.



And that about wraps up my visit to Ayutthaya! From now on, you're not oblivious any longer to its existence either ;-) What am I up to next? Today, 11/11 Loy Krathong takes place in Thailand. Also known as Thai Festival of Lights, it's one of the most enchanting festivals here. Stay tuned!


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