The Ayutthaya Kingdom was founded in 1351 by King Ramathibodi I, also known as U-Thong. It was the second Thai empire, after Sukhothai. At the height of its power, Ayutthaya was one of the world’s largest and wealthiest cities with over a million inhabitants.
The city was built on an island surrounded by three rivers, The Chao Phraya, the Pa Sak and the Lopburi river that served as a natural barrier against invaders. Ayutthaya was connected to the Gulf of Siam about 100 kilometers South by the Chao Phraya river.
A number of palaces and many imposing temples were built. Architecture and art were influenced by neighboring empires as Sukhothai and Angkor, as well as China, Japan and several European countries. One of the most clear examples of foreign influence is the large Angkor style prangs like the ones of the Wat Ratchaburana and the Wat Chaiwatthanaram.
During the over four centuries of its existence many wars were fought with rival Kingdoms as Sukhothai, Burma and Angkor. In 1431 ...
Wat Saphan Floating Market, also known as Talat Nam Wat Saphan or Wat Saphan (Ratchaphruek) Floating Market, is a vibrant, community-driven waterside marketplace nestled along the Bang Noi Canal in the Taling Chan District of Bangkok, near the border with Nonthaburi Province.
Established relatively recently through collaborative efforts between local gardeners residing along the canal and the historic Wat Saphan temple, the market aims to revive traditional canal-based commerce while highlighting the temple’s rich heritage.
It operates as a weekend haven, open Saturdays and Sundays from approximately 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM, drawing locals and visitors alike for its authentic, laid-back atmosphere that evokes Thailand’s classic floating market traditions.
The market’s layout blends land-based stalls with boat-accessible vendors, creating an immersive experience amid lush waterways lined with tropical vegetation. Wooden boats gently navigate the narrow canals, offering opportunities to browse ...
Wat Phra Dhammakaya is a prominent Buddhist temple in Thailand, known for its modern approach to Theravada Buddhism, large-scale meditation practices, and distinctive organizational structure. Located in Khlong Luang District, Pathum Thani Province, just north of Bangkok, it is one of the largest temples in Thailand and has garnered both significant following and controversy.
• Founding (1970): Wat Phra Dhammakaya was established on February 20, 1970, by Luang Por Dhammajayo (Phrathepyanmahamuni) and his teacher, Chandra Khonnokyoong (known as Khun Yay Maha Ratana Upasika Chandra), a devoted lay Buddhist practitioner. The temple was founded on a 78-acre plot of donated land with the aim of reviving traditional Buddhist meditation practices, particularly the Dhammakaya meditation technique, which emphasizes visualization and inner light to achieve spiritual purification.
• Growth (1980s–1990s): The temple grew rapidly, attracting a large following due to its structured meditation programs, modern ...
Ang Thong province is one of the central provinces of Thailand. It is about 100 km from Bangkok, so you can take a day trip here from the capital. This province has a lot of tourist attractions, historical and cultural places.
There are more than 200 beautiful temples in this province, Wat Chaiyo Worawihan, Wat Khun Inthapramun, Wat Pa Mok Worawihan, Wat Tonson, Wat Mahanam, Wat Thasutthawat, Wat Siroi, Wat Khian and, Wat Muang are among the best temples to visit.
The province is mostly rural with many of its inhabitants planting rice. It is possible to get up to 3 rice harvests a year with Jasmine rice being the main cash crop. This area misses most of the tourists so if you want to experience Thailand away from the crowds this is the place to come.
Wat Khian is a historic temple. It’s very small with one monk being in residence. The highlight is the Ayutthaya era murals that are painted on the inside of the ordination hall. In order to view them you need to have it opened during ...
