Bang Pa-In Palace

The Bang Pa-In Palace lies on the banks of the Chao Praya River some 60 kilometres north of Bangkok. The Original summer palace dates back to the late Ayutthaya period, in the reign of King Prasat Thong. In 1632 he had a palace built here as a summer retreat. The oldest of the buildings is the Pra Thinang Aisawan Thipphaya-Art, a formal pavilion surrounded by royal residences. Soon after, a Buddhist monastery, Wat Chumphon Nikayaram, was erected in memory of the King's mother who was a native of the area. The hall was used to conduct some of the royal ceremonies. The place remained a popular summer retreat until the end when the capital moved from Ayutthaya to Bangkok.

I was amazed at the architecture of Aisawan Thippaya-Art in its water setting (picture 1) and Tavaraj Kanlai Gate (picture 2), and climbed to the observation tower inside Ho Withun Thasana (pictures 3 and 4) for the most incredible view across the Palace grounds. Whilst taking a photo by the water's edge I happened to turn and glimpse a huge water monitor making its way up the bank behind me. The grounds were immaculate and I was intrigued by the topiary. I find myself saying this quite often, but this is a tourist destination not to be missed. If you intend visiting Ayutthaya Historical Park, do ensure that you take in Bang Pa-In Palace as well. You'll be glad you made the time.

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Ayutthaya Historical Park

Ayutthaya is an ancient capital and modern city in the Central Plains of Thailand, 85 km north of Bangkok. It boasts numerous magnificent ruins, indicating that Ayutthaya was one of Southeast Asia's (and probably the world's) most prosperous cities in the 17th Century and beyond. Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park, a vast stretch of historical site in the heart of Ayutthaya city, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since December 13, 1991.

Wat Phra Mahathat is a large temple that was quite thoroughly ransacked by the Burmese and the rows of headless Buddha statues is atmospheric. It is also where you can spot the famous tree that has grown around a Buddha head. A highlight for me was Wat Lokayasutharam's giant reclining Buddha. This Buddha is fondly referred to by locals as Phra Bhuddhasaiyart. The Buddha measures a total of thirty seven meters long and a total of eight meters high.

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