Skip to main content

Day trip to Ayutthaya - Bang Pa-In Summer Palace

 Ayuttaya - Today was a day I had eagerly anticipated — a visit to Ayutthaya, the historic city in Thailand brimming with cultural and architectural wonders. Known for its UNESCO World Heritage sites and timeless charm, Ayutthaya promised a glimpse into Thailand's glorious past. My tour, booked conveniently through Klook, included a visit to the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace and three UNESCO-listed temples. 

Founded in 1350, Ayutthaya became the second Siamese capital after Sukhothai. In the mid-18th century, the Burmese Konbaung dynasty invaded Ayutthaya in 1759–1760 and 1765–1767. In April 1767, after a 14-month siege, the city of Ayutthaya fell to besieging Burmese forces and was completely destroyed, thereby ending the 417-year-old Ayutthaya Kingdom. 

First Stop: Bang Pa-In Palace (commonly called Summer Palace)

A serene and picturesque retreat once used by the Thai monarchy. This stunning palace complex is a blend of Thai, Chinese, and European architectural styles, set amidst well-manicured gardens, tranquil lakes, and ornate pavilions.

Beautiful gardens

Ho Hem Monthian Thewarat

Ho Hem Monthian is a small stone structure in the form of a Khemer style prasat (residence of king or god with a corncob shaped super structure) built by King Chulalongkorn in 1880 and dedicated to King Prasat Thong of Ayutthays.



Aisawan-Dhipaya-Asana Pavilion
The highlight for me was the iconic Aisawan Thiphya-Art Pavilion, a beautiful Thai-style pavilion situated in the middle of a lake. The bright golden structure reflected beautifully on the water, creating a postcard-perfect moment.
European sculptures on the bridge


Uthayan Phumisathian Residential Hall

Wehart Chamrunt, or Heavenly Light



I also admired the Phra Thinang Wehart Chamrun, a Chinese-style palace with intricate carvings and vibrant colors. Wandering through the serene grounds, I could see why this place was a favored retreat for Thai royalty.
Ho Withun Thasana

The Ho Withun Tasana or “Sages Lookout” was built by King Rama V in 1881. It somewhat resembles a lighthouse painted in several red and yellow colours and was used to observe the surrounding area.

Memorial to Princess Saovabhark

In the year 1887, the 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 earlier memorial to Queen Sunandakumariratana.


Memorial to Queen Sunandakumariratana

In 1881 Queen Sunandakumariratana drowned when her boat sank in the Chao Praya River while she was on the way to Bang Pa-In Palace.  King Chulalongkorn overcome with grief, set up a marble obelisk as a cenotaph to her memory.  The King composed the dedication himself in Thai and English.

Phra Thinang (Royal Residence)
Phra Thinang Warophat Phiman is a Neo-Classic style, one storey mansion built by King Chulalongkorn in 1876 as his residence and throne hall.   The private apartments of this building, which are located in the inner palace section, are still used by the their Majesties whenever they reside at the Palace.


Labels:
Location: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thailand

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Calesa around Intramuros

Manila - Together with Albert, we took a calesa (horse drawn carriage used in Philippines) around Intramuros. Albert and Lesley Albert and I Intramuros is the oldest district and historic core of Manila.  The walled part of Manila was called intramuros, which is Latin for "within the walls"; districts beyond the walls are known as extramuros meaning outside the walls.  Construction of the defensive walls was started by the Spaniards in the late 16th century to protect the city from foreign invasions.   Guarding the old city is Fortaiago wich is located at the mouth of the river. Gallery of Philippines past and present presidents General MacArthur Battle HQ Entrance of General MacArthur HQ Manila Hotel Manila Hotel in the distance Manila hotel is the oldest hotel in the Philippines and the most well known icon. Baluarte De San Andres Cannons lined in a semi-circle Colegio de San Juan de Letran was founded in...
Post a Comment
Read more

Cheong Guk Jang - fermented bean soup

Seoul - Lunch with Youngjin was at a traditional soup restaurant and it was crowded.   Youngjin asked me many times Cheonggukjang "ok", I said ok not knowing what to expect.  I have tried many weird and smelly good in Seoul, so I was very prepared.   My first time tasting Cheonggukjang and I like it. CheongGukJang 청국장 is fermented soybean soup aka Stinky soup.  Actually, I like fermented food and the smell does not put me off.   I like fermented food because of the many health benefits and also we have them here in Singapore - tempe, belachan, fermented bean curd (which I love with my porridge), chincaluk, etc.. very hot Cheonggukjang  I always buy danjang paste and bring home to make soup.  I understand that they are the same but the difference is Cheonggukjang beans are uncrushed and are fermented for a longer period of time.
Post a Comment
Read more

Temple Street Night Market

Kowloon - This flea market is full of quirky, Hong Kong souvenirs and t-shirts to take home. The actual market on Temple Street is in the Yau Ma Tei and Jordan sections of Temple Street. The flea market starts in the late afternoon every day and continues throughout the evening. You can find fake’designer' handbags, sunglasses, clothes, and electronic gadgets.  The atmosphere was filled with many tourist of different nationalities.  Along the sides were many seafood restaurants, mostly crowded.    You will also find fortuner teller stalls plying their trade.
2 comments
Read more