The Khmer Empire was a powerful Kingdom in South-East Asia. Its major architectural works (temples and sculptures) are located in present day Cambodia, where the capital of the empire was located. However, during long periods of time the Khmer ruled over parts of present day Thailand, Laos and Vietnam.
Like other major ethnic groups in the history of South-East Asia (the Thais, the Mons, The Chams) the Khmer are thought to have descended in the prehistoric period from the river valleys in Eastern Tibet and Southwest China. The Khmer appear first on the scene (in Chinese records) in the second half of the 6th century A.D. with the Kingdom known as Chenla.
Since the Khmer reigned for long periods over extended areas of present day Thailand, Thailand has a substantial number of important Khmer monuments on its territory, mainly in its Northeastern Region (such as Phonom Rung and Muang Tam in Buriram Province, Phimai in Nakhon Ratchasima province, Muang Singh in Kanchanaburi province). Any look around the...
Wat Traimit, formally known as Wat Traimit Withayaram Worawihan, is a prominent Buddhist temple located in Bangkok’s bustling Chinatown district.
Established in the early 19th century during the reign of King Rama III, the temple originally served as a modest community wat for Chinese immigrants and locals, reflecting a blend of Thai and Chinese architectural influences with its ornate roofs, intricate carvings, and guardian statues.
Over time, it evolved from a relatively obscure site into one of Bangkok’s major attractions, particularly after the discovery of its hidden treasure in the mid-20th century.
Today, the temple complex features a striking multi-tiered structure with white marble stairs leading to the main hall, golden spires piercing the sky, and additional facilities like the Yaowarat Chinatown Heritage Center, which explores the history of the area’s Chinese community.
It draws millions of visitors annually, both pilgrims and tourists, who come to admire its cultural and spiritual ...
Wat Senasanarama Rajvaravihara was originally named 'Wat Sue', which was established during Ayutthaya period and restored during the King Rama IV reign. It's a prior royal Temple.
This ancient Temple, which is located behind Chankasem Palace houses two Buddha images that were transferred from Vientiane.
Highlights inside the temple are the ubosot in the Ayutthaya style, with a beautiful carved wood gable covered with gold and a signet of the King Rama IV. This indicates that the temple was restored by the former Thai king.
Inside the ubosot, there are paintings from King Rama V era, including the painting of the gathering of the angels, the painting of 12th month royal ceremony, and a photo of the king wearing the Phra Maha Pichai crown and sitting at the throne.
Inside the ubosot is an important Buddha image covered in gold, Phra Sumbhud Munee which is the attitude of subduing Mara. Decorated with an arch carved with Khmer writing.
There is also a reclining Buddha image next to the Chedi, ...
Wat Phleng, also known as Wat Phleng Ruang or the abandoned Wat Thong Phleng, stands quietly beside Khlong Sak Yai in Bang Kruai District, Nonthaburi Province. This historic site forms the third jewel in the peaceful cluster of old temples near Wat Sak Yai and Wat Sak Noi, just a short drive from Bangkok across the Chao Phraya River.
The temple dates to the mid-Ayutthaya period, likely constructed during the reign of King Narai the Great in the 17th century. Its original name may have been Wat Thong Phleng or Wat Phreng.
It fell into ruin after the Burmese invasion and the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767, when monks and villagers fled, leaving the structures to the elements for nearly two centuries.
The Fine Arts Department now protects it as a national archaeological monument, and in the 1980s the meditation master Luang Por Khruba Sri Nuan helped draw attention back to the site.
What remains today is a large open-air ubosot built in classic rectangular Ayutthaya style with European-influenced Wilanda ...
