Majestic Cultural Heritage
Thailand’s cultural heritage was influenced by ancient India when the Indian merchants and scholars set foot and gradually settled in Southeast Asia some 2,300 years ago. It continued for several centuries. Buddhist religion and popular myth are the most obvious examples. Much of Thailand’s royal tradition is also rooted in Indian culture.
Buddhism is thought to have first come to Thailand at Nakhon Pathom, While Indian concepts of divine kingship first took root in the Khmer empire. By the 6th century AD, many independent states were flourishing in the region we now know as Thailand. One of these was the Mon’s Dvaravati kingdom. Mon dominance over central Thailand has been diminished by the power of an expanding Khmer empire. Eventually, The Khmer became so powerful that they ruled the entire area. Only the southern isthmus where the Srivijaya civilization had taken root was unaffected.
Towards the end of the 13th century, Khmer power in this area waned and new kingdoms dominated by the Thai race developed, including the northern Lanna kingdom. Beginning by nibbling away at the perimeter of the Khmer empire at Sukhothai and in Lanna some 700 years ago, the Thai race later established the glorious court at Ayutthaya, and eventually Bangkok. Over the past centuries, many peoples, among them the Chinese, Arabs, Malays and Westerners, have contributed to Thailand’s cultural heritage.
Thailand’s majestic cultural heritage inherited over the past centuries was dominated or influenced by many kingdoms encompassing the area including the powerful Khmer. The remains of their cultural heritage can still be seen in many places through out the kingdom.
Buddhism is thought to have first come to Thailand at Nakhon Pathom, While Indian concepts of divine kingship first took root in the Khmer empire. By the 6th century AD, many independent states were flourishing in the region we now know as Thailand. One of these was the Mon’s Dvaravati kingdom. Mon dominance over central Thailand has been diminished by the power of an expanding Khmer empire. Eventually, The Khmer became so powerful that they ruled the entire area. Only the southern isthmus where the Srivijaya civilization had taken root was unaffected.
Towards the end of the 13th century, Khmer power in this area waned and new kingdoms dominated by the Thai race developed, including the northern Lanna kingdom. Beginning by nibbling away at the perimeter of the Khmer empire at Sukhothai and in Lanna some 700 years ago, the Thai race later established the glorious court at Ayutthaya, and eventually Bangkok. Over the past centuries, many peoples, among them the Chinese, Arabs, Malays and Westerners, have contributed to Thailand’s cultural heritage.
Thailand’s majestic cultural heritage inherited over the past centuries was dominated or influenced by many kingdoms encompassing the area including the powerful Khmer. The remains of their cultural heritage can still be seen in many places through out the kingdom.
Khmer Kingdom
The best example of Khmer culture is at Phimai, some 60 kilometres northeast of Nakhon Ratchhasima. The old temple stands in the middle of the modern town. The outlines of the old fortified town can still be traced. It was strictly rectangular in plan, as were all Khmer settlements, and it was made doubly secure by placing it on an artificial island. The nearby Phanom Rung and Muang Tham sanctuaries are also two good examples. Other outstanding Khmer treasures in Thailand include the powerfully evocative sanctuary at Muang Singh in Kanchanaburi, and the imposing triple-spired strines at Lop Buri.
Dvaravati Kingdom
Davaravati culture was centred on the area between Nakhon Pathom, a littie- fortified town some 50 kilometers west of Bangkok, and UThong to the north. Its enduring emblem is Phra Pathom Chedi, the massive bell-shaped Buddhist shrine with its golden spire at Nakhon Pathom. This is where Buddhism is believed first to have been taught in Thailand. The chedi, at 120.45 meters, is the tallest Buddhist structure in the world.
Lanna Kingdom
Founded by King Mengrai, the northern Lanna kingdom had an exciting mixture of cultures due to its diverse populations and mountainous location. The main division was between the farmers and townspeople of the valleys and the hill tribes of the valleys and the hill tribes themselves represent several very distinct ethnic stocks, so that a multitude of languages, customs, beliefs, architectures, diets, and styles of dress exist harmoniously side by side.
Sukhothai Kingdom
Sukhothai, some 480 kilometers north of Bangkok, was the capital of the first truly Thai kingdom. Its third king, the great Ramkhamhaeng, is credited with devising the Thai alphabet from ancient Mon and Khmer scripts. The kingdom is credited with producing the most sublime religious art and sculpture ever seen in Thailand, and for manufacturing the most perfect pottery and Buddha images. Sukhothai also developed the concept of the Thai town – set four squares on the plain and protected by triple walls and intervening moats. Thais pattern was so successful in terms of defense (it allowed more wall forts) and flexibility to match the terrain that it was never abandoned.
Ayutthaya Kingdom
Ayutthaya’s art and architecture was a delicate blend of Dvaravati, Khmer, Mon, Lawa and Khmer cultures. The city site at the heart of the riverine system of the lower Chao Phrayabasin was carefully chosen to allow a moated trapezoid plan and a water-borne way of life. Ayutthaya’s sister city, Lop Buri, just a short distance north. It shared in the capital’s splendour. One of Thailand’s greatest kings. Narai built a palace there that can still be seen. It was these two glorious cities that Europeans first saw.
This golden age of Thai culture also produced the exquisite architecture and decoration at Bang Pa-in, a royal summer palace on the majestic Chao Phraya River just south of the capital, as well as the elegance and grace of Thai classical dance and theatre. Unhappily, all these fabulous glories were sacked by a Burmese invasion in 1767. All that remains of 417 glorious years are the ruins you can see today. They are now a World Heritage site.
Historical Parks
The best example of Khmer culture is at Phimai, some 60 kilometres northeast of Nakhon Ratchhasima. The old temple stands in the middle of the modern town. The outlines of the old fortified town can still be traced. It was strictly rectangular in plan, as were all Khmer settlements, and it was made doubly secure by placing it on an artificial island. The nearby Phanom Rung and Muang Tham sanctuaries are also two good examples. Other outstanding Khmer treasures in Thailand include the powerfully evocative sanctuary at Muang Singh in Kanchanaburi, and the imposing triple-spired strines at Lop Buri.
Dvaravati Kingdom
Davaravati culture was centred on the area between Nakhon Pathom, a littie- fortified town some 50 kilometers west of Bangkok, and UThong to the north. Its enduring emblem is Phra Pathom Chedi, the massive bell-shaped Buddhist shrine with its golden spire at Nakhon Pathom. This is where Buddhism is believed first to have been taught in Thailand. The chedi, at 120.45 meters, is the tallest Buddhist structure in the world.
Lanna Kingdom
Founded by King Mengrai, the northern Lanna kingdom had an exciting mixture of cultures due to its diverse populations and mountainous location. The main division was between the farmers and townspeople of the valleys and the hill tribes of the valleys and the hill tribes themselves represent several very distinct ethnic stocks, so that a multitude of languages, customs, beliefs, architectures, diets, and styles of dress exist harmoniously side by side.
Sukhothai Kingdom
Sukhothai, some 480 kilometers north of Bangkok, was the capital of the first truly Thai kingdom. Its third king, the great Ramkhamhaeng, is credited with devising the Thai alphabet from ancient Mon and Khmer scripts. The kingdom is credited with producing the most sublime religious art and sculpture ever seen in Thailand, and for manufacturing the most perfect pottery and Buddha images. Sukhothai also developed the concept of the Thai town – set four squares on the plain and protected by triple walls and intervening moats. Thais pattern was so successful in terms of defense (it allowed more wall forts) and flexibility to match the terrain that it was never abandoned.
Ayutthaya KingdomAyutthaya’s art and architecture was a delicate blend of Dvaravati, Khmer, Mon, Lawa and Khmer cultures. The city site at the heart of the riverine system of the lower Chao Phrayabasin was carefully chosen to allow a moated trapezoid plan and a water-borne way of life. Ayutthaya’s sister city, Lop Buri, just a short distance north. It shared in the capital’s splendour. One of Thailand’s greatest kings. Narai built a palace there that can still be seen. It was these two glorious cities that Europeans first saw.
This golden age of Thai culture also produced the exquisite architecture and decoration at Bang Pa-in, a royal summer palace on the majestic Chao Phraya River just south of the capital, as well as the elegance and grace of Thai classical dance and theatre. Unhappily, all these fabulous glories were sacked by a Burmese invasion in 1767. All that remains of 417 glorious years are the ruins you can see today. They are now a World Heritage site.
Historical Parks
Historical objects and sites are a testimony to every country’s civilization and cultural heritage. They serve to Bridge the gap between past and present and instill in the people a sense of belonging and pride and the importance of cherishing their invaluable legacy.
In April 1987, the government officially opened Thailand’s first historical park, the Muang Sing Historical Park in Kanchanaburi. Today, 10 historical parks have been opened – tree of which have received the honor of being designated World Heritage Sites.
The 10 historical parks are Muang Singh, Phanom Rung, Sukhothai, Si Satchanalai, Kamphaeng Phet, Sri Thep, Phimai, Ayutthaya, Phra Nakhon Khiri and Phu Phra Bat. They are the result of hard work of the Fine Arts Department in the excavation, renovation and landscaping for several decades. Each of these parks in now equipped with a tourist and information centre and provides qualified guides.
Muang Sing Historical Park
This is one of the most important sites in the Khwai Noi River basin in Kanchanaburi. Prehistoric human skeletons have been discovered near the ancient city, together with metal tools, vessels and ornaments, bricks, foundations of Dvaravati period architecture and laterite ruins from the 13th century. The remains of the ancient city comprise several layers of rectangular walls and a moat. The annual festival within the historical park is the “Thin Buri Sri Chai Sing” featuring a light and sound show and classical dances.
Contact Muang Sing Historical Park, Sai Yok District, Kanchanaburi,
tel/fax: 0 3459 1122 or 0 3479 9566
Phanom Rung Historical Park
The Northeast includes many historical monuments in the Khmer style from prehistoric times to the 13th century. Among these, Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung is one of the most important. This is the only Khmer religious monument constructed on a natural mountain.
Restorations have made a great contribution to the study of Khmer architecture in Thailand. A special festival is Phanom Rung Fair, held either March or April each year.
Contact Phanom Rung Historical Park, Nang Rong District, Buri Ram,
tel/fax: 0 4463 1746
Si Satchanalai Historical Park
A satellite town of the Sukhothai era, Si Satchanalai is located on the bank of Yom River, 50 kilometers from modern Sukhothai. Ruins of 134 monuments have been discovered in the park. The city plan was laid out along fixed cosmological lines – temple complexes lay at its heart, surrounded by city walls, rivers and forest. It is considered by many historians to be the apogee of Thai city planning. On account of its relation to the Kingdom of Sukhothai it was selected to be on the World Heritage List in 1990. The annual Songkran Festival is held in April within the historical park itself and throughout the province.
Contact Si Satchanalai Historical Park, Si Satchanalai District, Sukhothai,
tel/fax: 0 5564 1571 or 0 5567 9211
Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park
Kamphaeng Phet was an important city of the Sukhothai Kingdom from the 13th to 15th centuries. The earliest mention of the city appears in the stone inscriptions from Wat Mahathat and Wat Phra Sri in Kamphaeng Phet. The Ayutthaya annuals mention that this city was known as “Muang Chakangrau” and was ruled by a prince from Sukhothai. Cultural and folk festivities are held in April each year to celebrate the Nop Phra Len Pleng Festival.
Contact Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park, Muang District, Kamphaeng Phet,
tel/fax: 0 5571 1921
Sri Thep Historical Park
The large ancient city of Sri Thep in the Pasak River basin served as a centre of communications between the cities in central Thailand and those in the North and Northeast for a long period. Archaeological excavations conducted in the Pasak and Lop Buri river basins have revealed that highly-developed prehistoric cultures flourished with more advanced technology than that of any other sites in neighbouring areas.
Contact Sri Thep Hisorical Park, Sri Thep District, Phetchabun,
tel/fax: 0 5679 9466
Ayutthaya Historical Park
From the 14th to 18th centuries, Ayutthaya was the capital of the central Thai Kingdom for 417 years. With influences from Dvaravati, Khmer, Mon, and Lawa cultures, Ayutthaya was able to create its own arts and culture from a delicate blend of those cultures. During the reigns of 33 kings, Ayutthaya gave Thailand a great number of fine buildings, monuments and works of art. It was selected as a World Heritage Site in 1994. An annual festival, Ayutthaya World Heritage Day, is held in December within the historical park.
Contact Ayutthaya Historical Park, Khlong Tor Road, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya,
tel/fax: 0 3524 2448
Phimai Historical Park
The largest stone monument in the Northeast is Prasat Hin Phimai in Phimai Historical Park. It was erected for the practice of Mahayana Buddhism in the early 12th century. This particular monument became the prototype of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Which makes it of even greater historical and aesthetic importance. An annual Phimai Festival within the historical park is held in November. Festivities include a special light and sound show and classical dances.
Contact Phimai Historical Park, Phimai District, Nakhon Ratchasima,
tel/fax: 0 4447 1568
Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park
Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park is in Phetchaburi Provice, an important satellite city of Ayutthaya. Commonly called Khao Wang (the palace on the mountain). It was built on top of Samana mountain ad a summer palace for King Rama IV. Within the park area are royal halls, temples and groups of buildings, constructed in harmonious Thai, Western neoclassic and Chinese architectural styles. The museum on the western hilltop exhibits some royal paraphernalia of King Rama IV and King Rama V, decorative sculptures and ceramics from China, Japan and Europe. To reach the hilltop, one can either walk or take a cable car. The Phra Nakhon Khiri Fair is held each year with lots of activities to promote tourism to the site and a trade fair of local handicrafts
Contact Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park, Muang District, Phetchaburi,
tel/fax: 0 3242 5600
Phu Phra Bat Historical Park
The park is situated on the Phu Phra Bat hill of Phu Phan Mountain. There are 62 archaeological and cultural sites offering prehistoric rock paintings from about 4,000 to 2,000 years ago. There are also many historical artifacts from Dvaravati and Khmer cultures. Within the historical park is also the site of a sputa constructed during the 1920s, and a Buddha’s footprint. Festivities for tourists are held each year in October in the park and its vicinity to celebrate Usabaros Day and Ban Chiang World Heritage Day.
Contact Phu Phra Bat Historical Park , Ban Pue District, Udon Thani
tel/fax: 0 2422 2909
In April 1987, the government officially opened Thailand’s first historical park, the Muang Sing Historical Park in Kanchanaburi. Today, 10 historical parks have been opened – tree of which have received the honor of being designated World Heritage Sites.
The 10 historical parks are Muang Singh, Phanom Rung, Sukhothai, Si Satchanalai, Kamphaeng Phet, Sri Thep, Phimai, Ayutthaya, Phra Nakhon Khiri and Phu Phra Bat. They are the result of hard work of the Fine Arts Department in the excavation, renovation and landscaping for several decades. Each of these parks in now equipped with a tourist and information centre and provides qualified guides.
Muang Sing Historical Park
This is one of the most important sites in the Khwai Noi River basin in Kanchanaburi. Prehistoric human skeletons have been discovered near the ancient city, together with metal tools, vessels and ornaments, bricks, foundations of Dvaravati period architecture and laterite ruins from the 13th century. The remains of the ancient city comprise several layers of rectangular walls and a moat. The annual festival within the historical park is the “Thin Buri Sri Chai Sing” featuring a light and sound show and classical dances.
Contact Muang Sing Historical Park, Sai Yok District, Kanchanaburi,
tel/fax: 0 3459 1122 or 0 3479 9566
Phanom Rung Historical Park
The Northeast includes many historical monuments in the Khmer style from prehistoric times to the 13th century. Among these, Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung is one of the most important. This is the only Khmer religious monument constructed on a natural mountain.
Restorations have made a great contribution to the study of Khmer architecture in Thailand. A special festival is Phanom Rung Fair, held either March or April each year.
Contact Phanom Rung Historical Park, Nang Rong District, Buri Ram,
tel/fax: 0 4463 1746
Si Satchanalai Historical Park
A satellite town of the Sukhothai era, Si Satchanalai is located on the bank of Yom River, 50 kilometers from modern Sukhothai. Ruins of 134 monuments have been discovered in the park. The city plan was laid out along fixed cosmological lines – temple complexes lay at its heart, surrounded by city walls, rivers and forest. It is considered by many historians to be the apogee of Thai city planning. On account of its relation to the Kingdom of Sukhothai it was selected to be on the World Heritage List in 1990. The annual Songkran Festival is held in April within the historical park itself and throughout the province.
Contact Si Satchanalai Historical Park, Si Satchanalai District, Sukhothai,
tel/fax: 0 5564 1571 or 0 5567 9211
Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park
Kamphaeng Phet was an important city of the Sukhothai Kingdom from the 13th to 15th centuries. The earliest mention of the city appears in the stone inscriptions from Wat Mahathat and Wat Phra Sri in Kamphaeng Phet. The Ayutthaya annuals mention that this city was known as “Muang Chakangrau” and was ruled by a prince from Sukhothai. Cultural and folk festivities are held in April each year to celebrate the Nop Phra Len Pleng Festival.
Contact Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park, Muang District, Kamphaeng Phet,
tel/fax: 0 5571 1921
Sri Thep Historical Park
The large ancient city of Sri Thep in the Pasak River basin served as a centre of communications between the cities in central Thailand and those in the North and Northeast for a long period. Archaeological excavations conducted in the Pasak and Lop Buri river basins have revealed that highly-developed prehistoric cultures flourished with more advanced technology than that of any other sites in neighbouring areas.
Contact Sri Thep Hisorical Park, Sri Thep District, Phetchabun,
tel/fax: 0 5679 9466
Ayutthaya Historical Park
From the 14th to 18th centuries, Ayutthaya was the capital of the central Thai Kingdom for 417 years. With influences from Dvaravati, Khmer, Mon, and Lawa cultures, Ayutthaya was able to create its own arts and culture from a delicate blend of those cultures. During the reigns of 33 kings, Ayutthaya gave Thailand a great number of fine buildings, monuments and works of art. It was selected as a World Heritage Site in 1994. An annual festival, Ayutthaya World Heritage Day, is held in December within the historical park.
Contact Ayutthaya Historical Park, Khlong Tor Road, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya,
tel/fax: 0 3524 2448
Phimai Historical Park
The largest stone monument in the Northeast is Prasat Hin Phimai in Phimai Historical Park. It was erected for the practice of Mahayana Buddhism in the early 12th century. This particular monument became the prototype of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Which makes it of even greater historical and aesthetic importance. An annual Phimai Festival within the historical park is held in November. Festivities include a special light and sound show and classical dances.
Contact Phimai Historical Park, Phimai District, Nakhon Ratchasima,
tel/fax: 0 4447 1568
Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park
Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park is in Phetchaburi Provice, an important satellite city of Ayutthaya. Commonly called Khao Wang (the palace on the mountain). It was built on top of Samana mountain ad a summer palace for King Rama IV. Within the park area are royal halls, temples and groups of buildings, constructed in harmonious Thai, Western neoclassic and Chinese architectural styles. The museum on the western hilltop exhibits some royal paraphernalia of King Rama IV and King Rama V, decorative sculptures and ceramics from China, Japan and Europe. To reach the hilltop, one can either walk or take a cable car. The Phra Nakhon Khiri Fair is held each year with lots of activities to promote tourism to the site and a trade fair of local handicraftsContact Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park, Muang District, Phetchaburi,
tel/fax: 0 3242 5600
Phu Phra Bat Historical Park
The park is situated on the Phu Phra Bat hill of Phu Phan Mountain. There are 62 archaeological and cultural sites offering prehistoric rock paintings from about 4,000 to 2,000 years ago. There are also many historical artifacts from Dvaravati and Khmer cultures. Within the historical park is also the site of a sputa constructed during the 1920s, and a Buddha’s footprint. Festivities for tourists are held each year in October in the park and its vicinity to celebrate Usabaros Day and Ban Chiang World Heritage Day.
Contact Phu Phra Bat Historical Park , Ban Pue District, Udon Thani
tel/fax: 0 2422 2909