Looking towards Wat Phra Ram from the steps of one of the Tombs. As you can see, the ruins of the city cover a very wide area.
- Looking towards Wat Phra Ram from the steps of one of the Tombs. As you can see, the ruins of the city cover a very wide area.
- Much of the brick work had been covered by stucco and painted, and you can see some of the stucco still remaining in places. The steps lead to a foyer at the top of the tomb on the left, in which the ashes of kings are buried.
- This is Wat Phra Si Sanphet, which was built within the compound of the Royal Palace. These tombs date back to the first period of the city, The three Chedi (temples or spires) at this Wat are royal tombs for King Bormmatrailokanat and his sons. This area has more completely restored temples and buildings than anywhere else in Ayutthaya. Beautiful.
- Wat Choeng Thar. One of the most serene areas in all of Ayutthaya.
- Near Wat Ratchaburana and all around Ayutthaya, you will find offerings of cloth draped around the damaged Buddha statues, as well as offerings of idols, flowers and fruit at their feet.
- Peeking in one of the tombs and braving the ammonia smell, I managed to capture a picture of a couple of bats, but didn't realize it until looking at the pictures later!
- Old trees are regarded as the abode of spirits, and you will often see gauze sashes in assorted bright colors tied around the trunks as an offering. Even trekking through the forest you will see these offerings tied around ancient trees. Damaged sacred objects are sometimes placed beneath such trees, because having these sacred items in improper places is very bad luck.
- Wat Mahathat was the spiritual centre of the capital, built during the 14th Century during the reign of King Borommaracha. This ficus tree, or fig tree has grown up and around this Buddha, and was discovered during restoration. These photos do not do it justice, as it appears that the Buddha is part of the tree and has grown right from its trunk.
- Side view of Wat Choeng Thar.
- Sukhothai style Buddha with long fingers, wide shoulders and narrow waist.
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