Temples of Ayutthaya, Thailand .. A photo essay
Ayutthaya
This was an ancient capital of Thailand. About 70 miles north of Bangkok. It was a major trading center and we do see influences of other cultures in the architecture.
I thought in this entry I would just show photos of the many temples , “wat” in the area.
They commonly say that the architecture displays Khmer influence. Yes the Kymer army did conquer and for a long time occupied the Indochinese peninsula, my view is that the Thai people took the influence in amazing and creative new directions so that the influence might be considered minimal. Look back at my prior posts and images of temples in Angkor to see for yourself.
Wat Phra Ram - Built between 1448 and 1488
Wat Phra Ram - Main Prang
Minor Prang on Platform
South Gallery at Wat Pha Ram Similar Concept to Khmer but different style
Wat Ratchaburana - BUilt about 1474
Main Prang from Meeting Hall Vihara
Main Prang - Closer view
Ucertain. Shape appears as a Chedi, but on the main platform as a minor prang.
Wat Som - Early Ayutthaya Period (1350 - 1488)
Wat Som Central Prang - Possibly and early Wat and smaller Prang.
Although deteriorated, note the carving and decoration.
Wat Cheong Tha - Later Period of Ayutthaya
Wat Cheong Tha - Main Prang through Vihara, meeting Room
Wat Cheong Tha, Chedi on lower platform
Wat chai - About 1640
Central Prang surrounded by four minor prangs.
Central Prang from another view
Minor Prangs on Main Platform of Central Prang