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 ...
Wat Prasat วัดปราศาท
Wat Prasat or the Monastery of the Castle is located off the city island in the northern
area of Ayutthaya in Khlong Sra Bua area.
The monastery was situated in between Wat Phraya Maen and Wat Jong Krom in an
area called Thung Khwan. Wat Prasat stood northwest and adjacent to Wat Jong
Krom. It is only accessible by a dirt road just to the west of this temple. It’s also in a low area that is prone to flooding so it may be inaccessible during the rainy season.
The site, which is roughly 140 meters long on 100 meters wide, has been excavated in
2016 by the Fine Arts Department. Different monastic structures were unearthed in situ.
There are other temples in and around Ayutthaya bearing the same name this this one being the largest.
Its historical background and period of construction are unknown and most of the ruins were in poor shape prior to restoration with functions and era of building being unknown.
The site is located near a couple other temples ...
Wat Phra Ngam, known as the Monastery of the Beautiful Buddha, is a serene ruined temple site located north of Ayutthaya’s historic city island in the Khlong Sa Bua area.
Though lacking detailed historical records of its founding, archaeological evidence points to its origins in the early Ayutthaya period from the late 14th to 15th centuries, with continued use and restorations extending into later periods.
The temple was likely abandoned following the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767. It is mentioned in 17th-century poetic literature from the reign of King Narai, and excavations have uncovered a rich array of artifacts including terracotta and stucco fragments, decorative motifs of mythical creatures and deities, roof tiles, metalwork, and ceramics from both local Thai kilns and Chinese dynasties, reflecting the site’s long history of religious and trade activity.
Visitors are drawn to the temple’s peaceful, less-crowded atmosphere and its most iconic feature, the so-called Gate of Time. This ...
Owl Night Market, also known as Talad Nokhook or Nonthaburi Bypass Market, stands as one of the most vibrant and authentic night markets in the Nonthaburi area just north of Bangkok.
Originally rooted in the Royal Irrigation Department Market, it was relocated to its current spacious location on Nonthaburi Bypass Road behind Central Rattanathibet around the mid-2010s.
This move transformed it into a large-scale evening destination that blends local shopping, diverse street food, and a relaxed nighttime atmosphere perfect for those who enjoy late outings.
The “Owl” nickname perfectly captures its character, as the market comes alive in the evening and often extends well into the night or early morning on weekends, allowing visitors to stroll, eat, and shop without the heat of the day.
Spanning a vast area with ample parking for thousands of vehicles, the market features over a thousand stalls offering everything from affordable new and second-hand fashion, vintage collectibles, shoes, ...
