Treasures - Land of heritage and history
WORLD HERITAGE SITES AND HISTORIC PLACES
Thailand prides itself on its peacefulness and its gentle, contented people who appear to be happily getting on with lives that have not changed in hundreds of years. However, upon closer inspection, the country has been a fascinating melting pot of different cultures. Being close to and between 2 of the greatest ancient civilizations, India and China, Thailand has been at the crossroads of the journeys of many travelers, traders, exploiters, and explorers, some seeking their fortune, others escaping threats and dangers. Thailand reveals evidence of human settlement associated with these groups of people over an extensive period of time.
In 1957, archeologists discovered remnants of unique red painted pottery at Ban Chiang in Nong Han district of Udon Thani province. Further investigation indicated the prior existence of major agricultural communities from the Neolithic Period to the Iron Age - excavated skeletons, graves, gifts, and fragments of rice all indicated important and thriving settlements. The significance of Ban Chiang was established by its later recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The whole of this north-east part of the country, known as Isan, covering the provinces of Buri Ram, Surin, Si Sa Ket, and Nakhon Ratchasima, has exceptional historical importance to students of the Khmer civilization. Visitors must not miss the magnificence of Phimai and the ruins and renovations of Phanom-rung, Muangtam, Ta Muean, Sikharabhum, Sa Kamphaeng Yai, and Phrea Vihear on the Thai-Cambodian border.
Communities in the fertile basin of the Yom and Ping Rivers developed into city states, notably Sukhothai-Si Satchanalai and Kamphaeng Phet. Sukhothai - "Dawn of Happiness" - is regarded as Thailand's first royal capital and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city, true to its name, exudes prosperity and happiness, located in the Yom River Valley, with green hills as its backdrop. The fortified and irrigated historic capital was an important center of the Buddhist faith as shown by the numerous standing and sitting Buddha images in the Sukhothai Historical Park. Kamphaeng Phet, situated in the lower part of the Ping River, was a strategic defensive line or "Solid Fortress," as its name implies. Traces of the fortified city make up the delightful Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park, with ruins of the old palace and Wat Phra Kaeo at its heart. The city was believed to house Phra Kaeo, the Emerald Buddha, as well as Phra Buddha Sihing. Particularly fascinating are Wat Phra Si Iriyabot, the Temple of Buddhas of Four Positions, and Wat Chang Rop, the Temple of the Pagoda Surrounded by Elephants.
Ayutthaya, the glorious royal capital of 417 years, is virtually an island, situated on a vast alluvial delta at the confluence of 3 major rivers, the Chao Phraya, Lop Buri and Pasak. The impressive ruins of the once powerful royal city and the historic settlements in the Ayutthaya Historical Park have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wandering around the old city or Ko Muang area, one can visualize the water-based lifestyle of ancient times, resplendent with palaces and temples, ports and piers, with small communities practising their traditional crafts and conducting their businesses.
In the Bangkok Period, the first provincial royal residence was built in the province of Phetchaburi, south of Bangkok, by King Mongkut, Rama IV. This was known as Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park. The palace was built as a triple level structure, the middle one housing the Chom Phet holy relics, built on an old pagoda. A palace temple was also built and named Wat Phra Kaeo, with a prayer hall, red stupa and small pavilions. The splendid hilltop palace and related buildings are the pride of Phetchaburi.
MAGNIFICENT PALACES
In Thailand, royal palaces were built as administrative centers and focal points of devotion and reverence.
The Grand Palace in Bangkok, encompassing the Chapel Royale or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is a fantasy in real life that takes your breath away. The exquisite structures with gleaming spires stand at the heart of the old city or the Rattanakosin Island and are located in a huge walled compound with the large expanse of Sanamluang and the Chao Phraya River as part of the landscape. Up the majestic river is an opulent royal retreat from the Ayutthaya Period, the Bang Pa-In Palace or the Summer Palace built, on an island on the Chao Phraya River. The palace remains an idyllic sight where visitors can explore the ornate architectural structures in beautiful surroundings.
Palaces built during the Bangkok Period include Sanam Chan Palace in Nakhon Pathom, west of Bangkok. King Vajiravudh, Rama VI, had the palace con-structed in a combination of Thai and European styles, elaborately built in perfect proportions in beautiful, manicured gardens and lush greenery. King Vajiravudh had another unique palace built on the Cha-Am/Hua Hin route, a golden teak mansion by the sea. The palace was designed by an Italian architect and built in just 16 days as a collection of gingerbread villas linked to one another by long open balconies. The area was formerly a mangrove swamp with large herds of deer. It was thus named the Deer Park Palace, Maruekha-thaiyawan Palace, and also called the Palace of Love and Hope by the poet king.
The most sentimental royal residence is Doi Tung Palace in Chiang Rai, a hilltop palace built as a joint effort of a number of organizations as a permanent tribute to the late Princess Mother. Her passion for protection of forests and social welfare was well-known and appreciated by all Thai citizens. The ornate Doi Tung Royal Residence is decked with colorful flowering plants and appears as distant pavilions in the clouds on misty days.
HISTORICAL TEMPLES
A traditional Thai settlement comprises homes and temples that also serve as schools. The Thai temple or wat is a natural center of the community, fulfilling roles as a center for religion, a place for education, and a site for shelter and help. Royal temples were appointed, built or rebuilt in accordance with time-honored traditions.
In Bangkok, Wat Phra Kaeo, also known as Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram, was constructed at the time of the proclamation of Bangkok as the royal capital as the Chapel Royale within the Grand Palace. The temple houses the Emerald Buddha, the most significant and revered image of the country.
Wat Pho, commonly called the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is adjacent to the Grand Palace. King Rama III further developed the temple as the first Open University with the largest collection of local wisdom and folk medicine in stone inscriptions and figurines. Across the Chao Phraya River is the Temple of Dawn or Wat Arun, with its splendid central prang (Khmer-style tower) rising 86 meters, surrounded by 4 satellite prangs. It serves as a perfect backdrop for royal barge processions and adds fascination to a night-time cruise on the Chao Phraya with the shimmering reflections of its illuminated structure on the water's surface.
Wat Ratchanatdaram, built by King Rama III, has a unique structure, Loha Prasat, built within its confines. This building was referred to in the life story of the Lord Buddha as the metal palace built for him and other disciples with the financial support of Lady Visakha. The structure with 37 spires stands proudly as a symbol of the Buddhist faith.
In the reign of King Chulalongkorn, Rama V, the royal capital was extended beyond the city walls with the construction of the Dusit Palace. The temple in the area is Wat Benchamabophit or the Marble Temple, designed by the top royal architect, H.R.H. Prince Naris, who harmonized Thai and European designs with the use of Carrara marble from Italy. The main temple hall is a four-sided structure with roofs of golden bamboo tiles.
In Chiang Mai in the far north of the country, the distinctive landmark of the city is the golden pagoda of Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep where holy relics have been enshrined since 1429. Doi Suthep is at an elevation of 950 meters above sea level, so the temple enjoys a panoramic view of Chiang Mai with the Mae Ping River running through it. In the city itself, Wat Phra Sing is regarded as the most complete example of a Lanna chapel. The temple hall houses Phra Buddha Sihing, the most revered Buddha image of the city.
In Lamphun, the twin city of Chiang Mai, Wat Phrathat Hariphunchai features the most impressive pagoda built in 1108 and regularly renovated and added to since. The 46 meter golden pagoda is under a 9-tiered royal umbrella on a square base. Other major architectural works include an ancient brick arch adorned with fine designs and a pair of sculptured lions at the door.
In the far south of the country, Wat Phra Mahathat in Nakhon Si Thammarat is of prime interest. The gold-topped 77 meter pagoda houses the Lord Buddha's holy relics brought from Sri Lanka over 1,700 years ago. There are 158 pagodas in an extensive complex and interesting and valuable examples of the area's art can be found exhibited in the temple's museum.
IMPORTANT MUSEUMS
Museums are a relatively recent introduction in Thailand, first appearing in 1926 as a result of the actions of King Prajadhipok, Rama VII to create the Royal Institute of Art, Literature and Archeology. The Bangkok National Museum is located near the Grand Palace. Permanent and ever-changing exhibits are displayed in various royal buildings, telling the history of the Thai Kingdom through relics and artifacts such as costumes and textiles of past periods. In the Grand Palace is the Museum of Royal Regalia and Decorations arranged near the entrance to the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall, displaying coins from different periods of Thai history. Also on display are the ornate royal regalia, medals and decorations, including jewel-encrusted pendants bearing emblems or portraits of the king who bestowed them, and brocaded sashes worn with official uniforms.
The Vimanmek Mansion Museum is the world's largest golden teakwood royal mansion and features exhibitions of silver, ceramic, glass, and ivory artworks collected since the time of King Chulalongkorn, Rama V.
The Royal Barges National Museum can be found in the Bangkok Noi Canal. It has 8 royal barges on display, including Suphannahongse, Anantanagaraj, Anekchartbhuchongse, and Narai Song Suban H.M.King Rama IX, placed at the center of the royal barge procession. There are other figure-headed escort barges kept in dry dock for visitors to inspect and admire the expertise of the ornate designs and decorations used on these vessels.
