Ayutthaya (or Ayutaya) - a historic city in the valley of the Chao Praia River.
This town is the old one, there was a basis in the middle of the 14th century. He, his family and the retinue went to this place to escape from the outbreak of smallpox in Lopbury, where he lived and ruled. The place to him so liked that he even proclaimed him with the capital. So Ayutthaya became the second capital of the Great Siamese state. Since then, the remains of the structures of the pores (towers) and monasteries remain in the city. Scientists argue that by the beginning of the 17th century Ayutthaya was a very multi-populated city, there were already 300 thousand people already lived.
A century later, the people have become more than a million. So, for that time, it was one of the largest cities in the world. Unfortunately, in 1767, the Burmese troops destroyed Autthai, and the Siamese state fell apart.
Anyway, today Ayutthaya, who is also called "Eastern Venice", is under the protection of UNESCO. Ayutthaya is not a resort town. He is not on the coast. But from Bangkok is only about 80 km, so if you are planning to visit the glorious capital of Thailand, and visit Ayutthai.
If you go there, visit Wat Phra Si Sanphet (Wat Phra Si Sanphet).
This is a Buddhist temple complex (or "wat"). It was built in the middle of the 15th century. After that Burmese invasion, the temple was very destroyed, and today we can see only his ruins, although it is a little restored since the 20s of the last century.
From the middle 14 to the middle of the 15th century in place, where the temple is currently worth, there was a royal palace. However, the king ordered to demolish the palace and build a wat on the sample of the Temple of Mahathat in Sukhothai. After the death of the ruler, his son built 2 cdi in this place (stupes), where the ashes of the king and his brother were placed. Some time later, the rule of the ruler's son was placed in the third.
These three stupas standing in the line today is one of the most famous sights of the city. Chedi are made in the best traditions of Ceylon architecture, and look like huge bells. On the sides of these stations built small chapels, to which you can get on the stairs. Also, each of these three dollars have a mondop (the room where the sacred Buddhist Scriptures are stored), and in them, it seems like, there is a footprint of the Buddha.
The temple was called in honor of the Buddha, more precisely, his big statue, which was established at the beginning of the 16th century. If you think that a big statue is, tell me, with human growth, then you are mistaken. That figure was as much as 16 meters in height. And, moreover (everyone is sitting, do not fall!), Covered 150 kilograms of pure gold (we would have such a beauty would not be delayed :). In general, when the damned Burmese warriors attacked the town, this statue was broken and partially confused. The king ordered to preserve and transport the remaining parts of the statue in Bangkok, where they were placed in a special larger deer in Wat-Po. By the way, by the time there were other dollars, smaller than those three royal. In these kids, Chedi kept the dust of other distant relatives of the king. Despite the fact that this is a temple complex, the monks never lived there. And they lived and conducted ceremonies only the royal tsarevichi.
Address: Pratu Chai, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
Palace Bang Pa-In (Bang PA-in Palace) - Another great attraction of the town.
This is the summer residence of Thai kings. The palace is located on the banks of the River Chao Praia in the area in Bang Pa-Ying, Ayutthaya province. Initially, the complex was rebuilt in 1632, however, nobody used them until the end of the 18th and early 19th century. King Mongkut began to restore the construction somewhere in the middle of the 19th century. It can be noted that most of the structures of the complex were built between 1872 and 1889, however, during the reign of King Chulalongcorn (Rama V).
By the way, he is considered the greatest ruler in the history of the state, it literally equates to the Buddha and deified. In addition to the fact that he was a first-class politician, he became famous in the fields of science and culture. There were luxurious gardens around the palace, everyone was cleaned and wondered. The complex includes Wehart Chamrunt (Heavenly Light) - the Royal Palace and the Throne Hall in the Chinese style;
Warophat Phiman (shining heavenly abode), royal residence; Ho Withun Thasana (Oko wise men), the observation tower with balconies, from which you can admire the luxurious types of gardens next to the palace;
Aisawan Thiphya-Art (Divine Temple of Freedom), Pavilion in the middle of the pond in the traditional Thai style.
The palace complex is open to visits (however, perhaps not all parts, but the tower and the palace - for sure). The royal family (the King of Thailand - Phuumipon Adulyadad) uses the palace only in rare cases for banquets and solemn events.
It is worth noting that the construction is slightly different from other Thai palaces. And all because the ruler of the frame ordered to make the palace so that European comrades felt here as at home. On the territory of the complex still built a Catholic temple, so that the king's guests could also pray, but over time the temple became Buddhist, although the external and inner appearance changed little. Is that Christ changed to Buddha.
Address: Ban Len, Bang Pa-in, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
Visit I. Wat Mahathat (Wat Mahathat) At the corner of Chikun Alley and Naresuan Street. It was built in 1374
The main part, a huge stue of 46 meters in height, destroyed Burmese. During archaeological research on this land, a lot of gold was found.
In general, it is possible to get from Bangkok from Bangkok from the bus station Mo Chit (Northern Bus Station). This station is a 15-minute walk from Mochit metro (BTS) and Chatuchak Park (MRT), which are located on each other. From the subway you can smear the bus number 3 or 138 - they will take you to the station.
Most likely, a ticket to a historic town can be bought right on the bus, so, do not lose time. Before Ayutthai, buses, as a rule, are standing near the exit 131. The ticket costs somewhere 50 baht (1.5 dollars), and it will have to go and a half hours. Do not miss buses back - the latter leaves about 6.30 pm and departs from the same place where he landed you.