We had booked a tour today to embark on a journey back in time to the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam, Ayutthaya, which is a treasure trove of majestic palaces, ancient ruins, and rich history that's waiting to be discovered. We reached the tour pick up point at CentralWorld quite early.
The bus journey from Bangkok to Ayuthaya took about an hour and we saw some unique building along the way.We had a short rest stop before entering Ayutthaya. The tour guide recommended us to try out the local snacks, which was quite good.
Our tour today included one summer palace and four ancient temples. The first stop being Bang Pa-In Palace that has a history dating back to the 17th century. The site was first used by the royal court as a summer retreat in the 17th century. However, the Palace was destroyed with the fall of Kingdom of Ayutthaya and was restored by King Rama IV in the mid-19th century. Most of the buildings that exist today date from the reign of King Rama V, who regularly spent his summers there.
Similar to most Thai royal palaces, the compound is divided into two sections, the Outer and the Inner Palace. The Outer Palace consists of buildings for public and ceremonial uses whereas the Inner Palace is reserved for the King and his immediate family.
The first structure that our tour guide introduced to us is Ho Hem Monthian Thewarat, a small stone structure in the form of a Khmer-style prasat (residence of king or god with a corncob-shaped super-structure). It was built by King Chulalongkorn in 1880 and dedicated to King Prasat Thong of Ayutthaya, the literal translation of whose name is King of the Golden Palace, because a miniature Khmer-style prasat of gold was discovered during his reign.
Next structure that we visited was Phra Thinang Aisawan Thiphya-art, a Thai-style pavilion with four porches and a spired roof built by King Chulalongkorn in the middle of an outer pond in 1876.
This pavilion now houses a bronze statue of King Chulalongkorn in the uniform of a Field Marshal which was set up by his son King Vajiravudh (Rama VI).
Below is Phra Thinang Uthayan Phumisathian, a Swiss chalet-style residence that was King Chulalongkorn's favorite retreat.
We then walked over to another tower called Ho Withun Thasana (The Sages Lookout). It's an observatory was built by King Chulalongkorn in 1881 as a lookout tower for viewing the surrounding countryside.
Following is a Memorial to Princess Saovabhark Nariratana and three Royal Children. In the year 1887, Princess Saovabhark Nariratana, a consort of King Chulalongkorn, and three of his children died, so the king had a marble cenotaph bearing their portraits built for them near the Memorial to Queen Sunandakumariratana.
There is a huge open field with many interesting topiaries.
Next we visited Phra Thinang Wehart Chamrun (Royal Residence of Heavenly Light), a Chinese-style two-storey mansion built by the equivalent of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce. It was presented to King Chulalongkorn in 1889.
In the past, visitors were able to enter into the interior of the mansion but after covid, it's no longer allowed. The ground floor contains a Chinese-style throne while the upper floor houses an altar enshrining the name plates of King Mongkut and King Chulalongkorn with their respective queens.
This mansion was the favourite residence of King Vajiravudh (1910-1925) when he visited Bang Pa-in Palace.
The tour guides then brought us to other parts of the palace and shared the relevant history of each area.
Below is Phra Thinang Warophat Phiman (Royal Residence of Excellent and Shining Heavenly Abode), a Neo-Classic style one-storey mansion built by King Chulalongkorn in 1876 as his residence and throne hall.We spent about 1.5 hrs exploring this huge Bang Pa-In Palace.
From the palace, our tour bus brought us to Central Ayutthaya Mall for lunch before embarking on our adventure to four different ancient temples.
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