Phra Nakhon - traces of ancient Ayutthaya

Modern Thailand is the quintessence of the heritage of various peoples. Their traditions belonged to the relic Mon-Khmer, as well as Hindu and Buddhist culture. All this was woven into the traditions and art of the Siamese (Thais), whose ancestors joined this "ethnic cauldron", having come from northern China.

The best confirmation of the rich history of the state is the remains of Phra Nakhon, the capital city of Ayutthaya (the richest of the three independent principalities of Ancient Thailand). It is only 70 kilometers from Bangkok. Phra Nakhon is one of the monuments of the turbulent history of Siam. Its name is translated as "ancient stronghold". However, more often it is called the name of the principality itself - Ayutthaya. After 400 years of prosperity, the southern Siamese city fell into decay.

It became the site of dramatic events in domestic politics associated with the maturation of class contradictions and dynastic struggles.

The tragedy was aggravated by the fact that in the second half of the 18th century, the army of neighboring Burma burned Phra Nakhon. However, to spite the enemies, the quickly rebuilt Ayutthaya became the largest metropolis on the planet, because in the last years of the 18th century 15 million people lived here. The fact is that from a certain time the settlement became the capital of all of Thailand. Tourists admire the ruins of ancient Khmer, Hindu and later Buddhist architecture. 

Vacationers should definitely look at the temples erected in honor of victories in countless civil and domestic wars:
- Wat Phra Si Sanphet;
- Wat Rachaburana;
- Wat Phra Ram;
- Wat Chinathanaram;
- Wat Kudidao;
- Wat Thammakarat;
- Wat Mahayong;
- Wat Napramen;
- Wat Pananchoeng;
- Wat Yai Chaimongkhon.

The last of the masterpieces of cult architecture deserves special attention - it was in his courtyard that the huge reclining Buddha "settled". The first building here was built in the 14th century. After the victory over the Burmese, a new sanctuary appeared on its ashes, and the Buddha “lay down” to remind posterity of the feat of King Narasuan, who allegedly personally killed the Burmese invader ruler, fighting on the back of an elephant. Not far from here is the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum, where visitors can see the ruins of the old Phra Nakhon. 

After all, after its destruction, the ruins were not touched. The capital was moved to neighboring Thonburi. It is he who is considered the residential part of the current Ayutthaya. Having settled down in a local hotel, you can later order a taxi and an excursion "in one bottle" - catch a tuk-tuk.