A Glimpse Into Thailand's Glorious Past in Ayutthaya

by Heng Wah, Jun 8, 2002 | Destinations: Thailand / Ayutthaya
Elephants have long been revered in the Thai Kingdom. Besides being used as a major form of transportation in the past, the elephant is also considered the "royal" animal. The intricately carved elephant heads among the ruins is an indication of the animal's importance even during the Ayutthaya days.

Elephants have long been revered in the Thai Kingdom. Besides being used as a major form of transportation in the past, the elephant is also considered the "royal" animal. The intricately carved elephant heads among the ruins is an indication of the animal's importance even during the Ayutthaya days.

Elephants have long been revered in the Thai Kingdom. Besides being used as a major form of transportation in the past, the elephant is also considered the "royal" animal. The intricately carved elephant heads among the ruins is an indication of the animal's importance even during the Ayutthaya days.
In the 13th century, Ayutthaya was the capital of the Thai Empire. At the peak of its glory, this complex was the center of Southeast Asian innovation, art and trade. In 1767, the Burmese army finally broke into the city, burned the libraries, destroyed the Wats and killed the king. The surviving Thai military fled south and founded the new capital near Bangkok. Today the remaining ruins of Ayutthaya are scattered over a large area, so we had to load back into a steamy van to travel from monument to monument.
Exterior wall of an old palace in Ayutthaya. Note the beautiful statues carved onto the walls. These statues are in dire need of restoration, many are already showing signs of severe damage.
Part of an ancient building, with a statue of Buddha in the background. This buildings surround the entrace of an ancient Wat.

A story told with photos.

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