The Glorious Past of Thailand #i-TravelWorld

But it is Bangkok where most religious monuments can be found, and none is better known or, indeed, more spectacular than the Royal Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) complex.

Thailand’s long and colorful history has left it with a rich legacy of ancient temples and monuments as well as evidence that this was home to the world’s oldest known Bronze Age civilization. Archaelogical diggings in the northeastern village of Ban Chiang have revealed skeletons and tools that suggest that an advanced people lived here as long as 5,600 years ago. Interested visitors can visit the site.

The ancient Thai capitals of Sukhotai and Ayunthaya both boast fabulous ruins from two golden periods in the country’s history, while cities like Pimai, Kamphang Phet, Buriram and Nakhon Ratchasima all have temples and monuments of bygone times. Influences from the great Khmer empire which flourished in the 12th century can be seen in many of these relics.

In the north, the ancient city of Chiang Mai (founded in 1296) still retains its original moat and wall, along with slightly later temples such as Wat Chedi Chet Yot. Just outside the city is Wat Phratat Doi Suthep, which is located on Suthep Mountain, some 3,520 feet above sea level. This was built in 1383.

Further north, the even older city of Chiang Rai offers the visitor many ancient temples, some with Burmese influences. In the central area, the Royal Palace at Bang Pa-in, built in the 17th century is a favorite tourist destination.

But it is Bangkok where most religious monuments can be found, and none is better known or, indeed, more spectacular than the Royal Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) complex.
Begun in 1782, this city landmark, with its magnificent temples, stupas and royal households, is one of the finest monuments in Asia. Other temples of note include Wat Po, which houses the gigantic gold-plated Reclining Buddha, Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), which features the 80-meter “Phra Pang” Pagoda, Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha) and Wat Benchamabophit (The Marble Temple).

Elsewhere in Bangkok, there is Wat Suthat (The Giant Swing) and Wat Sa Ket (The Golden Mount) which affords visitors panoramic views of Bangkok.