Thailand is a rapidly developing modern country with gleaming cityscapes and towering buildings that hint at its tangible prosperity. But between the busy streets and noisy cities lie the crumbling ruins of Thailand, structures that hark back to Thailand’s history. Thailand’s heritage contains historical sights from royal kingdoms, ancient settlements, early Buddhism, and ruined temples. Artifacts survive and are classified as protected sites in Thailand’s rich history. Each place has a unique story, many of which will take you back to the old days of Thailand.
Wat Chaiwatthanaram
Entering this temple might transport you to Angkor Wat in Cambodia, as the Khmer architecture is similar in both places. However, Wat Chaiwatthanaram is located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in the historic city of Ayutthaya. , and was once used by the royal family. The temple has a large, richly carved central shrine surrounded by many smaller chedis. Galleries with majestic images of the Buddha and walls telling stories from his life adorned the temple grounds. From what was eroded or plundered during the war with Burma, Wat Chaiwatthanaram is one of Thailand’s still magnanimous ruins.
Wat Chedi Luang
Wat Chedi Luang, known as the Temple of the Great Stupa, is one of the most famous temples in Chiang Mai. It is symbolically marked by its unfinished pagoda, which fell from a height of 85 to 60 meters after an earthquake in 1545 and is now partially destroyed. However, it is a vast structure engraved with mythological motifs containing several Buddha images. A replica of the revered Emerald Buddha of Wat Phra Kaeo rests in the temple. The complex also houses the sacred city pillar, making it a highly revered religious site.
Sukhothai Historical Park
Sukhothai Historical Park in Sukhothai Province is a historical site that contains the wondrous remains of the 13th-century kingdom of Sukhothai. The architecture of the city’s temples, statues, and structures significantly influence Khmer and Sinhala traditions. The once-walled town is now well preserved, restored, and divided into different zones, with the surrounding lakes, gardens, and trees enhancing its rustic beauty. Unfortunately, with all its splendor, the royal palace is in ruins. The Monument as was said to be made of wood. However, the National Museum of Ramkhamhaeng contains exhibition after exhibition of unearthed artifacts and antiques that shed ample light on the thriving past of this royal capital.
Wat Umong
Wat Umong is a hidden but famous Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai. It is also known as the “Tunnel Temple” due to its intricate design and secret location in the forests of the Doi Suthep Mountains. The same conditions make Wat Among one of the most peaceful temples in the world and foster its identity as an excellent center for meditation and Buddhist study. The 13th-century building was built by the first king of the Lanna kingdom to house a revered monk. Various relics and murals have since eroded and been destroyed, but a large chedi and many scattered Buddha images remain.
The temple hosts talks with monks every Sunday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., where visitors can learn about Buddhist traditions from practicing monks.
Wat Phra Sri Sanphet
Since Ayutthaya was the former capital of the Kingdom of Thailand, today, it is the country’s historical metropolis with many relics and ancient buildings, including Wat Phra Sri Sanphet. This 14th-century temple was considered the holiest religious site in the kingdom, structured with the most magnificent architecture anyone has ever seen. It was part of the royal palace complex of King Ramathibodi I and his successors. Three imposing bell-shaped stupas are standing next to mondo’s, of which only the bases remain. The temple housed a 16-meter-high golden Buddha statue destroyed during the Burmese invasion.
