Monday, January 24, 2005
Thailand: The ancient capitals
From Bangkok, we continued our journey up north through the central plains, which are the rice bowl of Thailand. We planned two "cultural" stops on our way: Ayuthaya and Sukothai.
Ayuthaya was the capital of a Thai kingdom which was founded in the 14th century. Quite soon, it took over Angkor and, at its zenith in the early 17th century, held influence over a territory which encompasses most of today's Thailand, Cambodia, parts of Burma, and north Malaysia. It also developed trade with European nations (Portugal, England, France, Holland).
In 1767, this came to a brutal end when the burmese invaded and rased the city. After this defeat, the reminder of the Ayuthayan army relocated near Bangkok, from where it eventually reconquered its territory.
Today, Ayuthaya is a colorful little town, with some magnificient ruins left from the glory days. All very agreable to browse by bicycle!
Sukhothai is usually considered by the Thais to be their founding kingdom. The Sukhothai empire had a short period of preeminence under king Rama The Bold at the end of the 13th century before being eclipsed by Ayuthaya. It's elegant elongated buddahs are still highly regarded.
Today, the historical city of Sukothai is 12km north of the new city. The ruins are in a nice park and are easy to visit by bike.
The new city is a small and agreable place to stay, surrounded by beautiful rice fields.
... and to conclude this report, a portrait of us in the sun!
Ayuthaya was the capital of a Thai kingdom which was founded in the 14th century. Quite soon, it took over Angkor and, at its zenith in the early 17th century, held influence over a territory which encompasses most of today's Thailand, Cambodia, parts of Burma, and north Malaysia. It also developed trade with European nations (Portugal, England, France, Holland).
In 1767, this came to a brutal end when the burmese invaded and rased the city. After this defeat, the reminder of the Ayuthayan army relocated near Bangkok, from where it eventually reconquered its territory.
Today, Ayuthaya is a colorful little town, with some magnificient ruins left from the glory days. All very agreable to browse by bicycle!
Sukhothai is usually considered by the Thais to be their founding kingdom. The Sukhothai empire had a short period of preeminence under king Rama The Bold at the end of the 13th century before being eclipsed by Ayuthaya. It's elegant elongated buddahs are still highly regarded.
Today, the historical city of Sukothai is 12km north of the new city. The ruins are in a nice park and are easy to visit by bike.
The new city is a small and agreable place to stay, surrounded by beautiful rice fields.
... and to conclude this report, a portrait of us in the sun!
