Baan Hollanda บ้านฮอลันดา is a former Dutch trading village in Thailand, founded in 1643 during the Ayutthaya era. Located along the Chao Phraya river near the Ayutthaya Historical Park, to the south of the city island. It was established by the Dutch East India Company (VOC).
The term "Wilanda" was used by the Siamese in the past to mean those from the Netherlands, or the Dutch. It was derived from the Malay "Orang Belanda". It was used to denote the Dutch in Java and elsewhere in the East Indies. "Belanda" itself was possibly derived from the Portuguese "Hollanda" (Holland).
The Dutch first established formal trade relations with Siam in 1604, towards the end of King Naresuan’s reign. In 1608, King Ekathotsarot granted permission to the Dutch East India Company (VOC) to open its trading post in Ayutthaya.
The location was in the southern part of the walled island city and was a rather constricted space. In 1634, during the reign of King Prasat Thong, a new VOC ...
The Cathedral of the Nativity of Our Lady อาสนวิหารแม่พระบังเกิด บางนกแขวก, also known as Bang Nok Khwaek Cathedral, stands as a serene and striking landmark along the banks of the Mae Klong River in Bang Nok Khwaek subdistrict of Bang Khonthi district, Samut Songkhram Province, Thailand.
Constructed between 1890 and 1896 under the direction of French missionary Father Paolo Salmone, this historic Roman Catholic church rises as one of the oldest and most distinctive places of worship in the country, serving as the cathedral for the Diocese of Ratchaburi.
Its architecture embodies classic French Gothic Revival style, featuring a tall, slender spire that reaches approximately 50 meters into the sky and crowns a cross-shaped structure, drawing the eye upward in a graceful expression of verticality.
The exterior presents a blend of white and gray tones, achieved through fired brick walls coated in a unique plaster mixed with crushed sugarcane ...
Wat Suwandararam วัดสุวรรณดาราราม
The 'Temple of the Golden Star', is one of the surviving ancient temples in the UNESCO recognized World Heritage Site, Ayutthaya. Famed for its exquisite mural paintings, magnificent architecture and grandeur, the temple has served as an important symbol of legitimacy for the rulers of the Chakri dynasty. It continues to be revered by generations of Thai nationals, civilians and royals alike.
All those wishing to learn about the exploits and heroic deeds of the Thai royals through the gorgeous murals won’t be disappointed while visiting Wat Suwan Dararam. The recent renovations of the temple have added a mystical touch to the structure. With its elaborate murals and grand architecture, the Wat Suwadararam is a visual delight to history and art buffs alike. The complex boasts of a complicated and textured history, that has survived generations of neglect and attempts at subordination. If you wish to discover Thailand in a new...
Wat Phraya Tikaram วัดพระญาติการาม
Wat Phraya Tikaram is located off the city island in the eastern part of the city.
Wat Phraya Tikaram is an active monastery. It has all the required structures for providing services to the local community. Most of the buildings in site appear to be designed in the Bangkok Period. The ordination hall was built in an east/west axis. Its triple layered roof frames an intricately carved gable. This has been partially decorated with mirrored tiles. The outer walls of the ubosot have been painted yellow, and sema stones (old and new) mark the boundaries.
The ordination hall also has a number of votive tablets on display. Many Buddha images and Hindi deities had been placed in increments around this building. The images are in a variety of poses, but standing and walking Buddha images are a reoccurring theme at Wat Phraya Tikaram (which is uncommon in Ayutthaya). The bell tower is situated in front of the ordination hall. It has windows in ...
