Thailand is a country that has a vibrant history. It is worthwhile to visit the archeological sites of Thailand for anyone who comes here. Through this article, we are going to focus on all those Thai archeological sites that you must definitely visit if you visit Thailand.
What are the must-visit Archeological Sites in Thailand?
So, what are the must-visit archeological sites in Thailand? Let us get to know them.
- Phanom Rung Historical Park
- Muang Sing Historical Park
- Phimai Historical Park
- Ayutthaya Historical Park
- Sukhothai Historical Park
- Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park
- Sri Thep Historical Park
- Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park
- Phu Phra Bat Historical Park
Now, let us take a look at each of them in detail.
1. Phanom Rung Historical Park
Buriram’s Phanom Rung Historical Park is a famous historical landmark in Northeastern Thailand. It is located approximately 77 kilometers south of the city center. In the past, Phanom Rung was situated atop an inactive volcano. Several structures have existed in the past as well, roughly from the 15th to the 18th Buddhist century. It is one of Thailand’s most well-known ancient sites with Khmer influences. The sun rises and shines through all 15 gates of the castle on 2-4 April and 8-10 September each year, blending the elegance of the architecture and natural beauty.
2. Muang Sing Historical Park
This is one of the most touristic locations in Kanchanaburi’s Kwai Noi River basin. Prehistoric human bones, as well as metal artifacts, vessels, and decorations, bricks, Dvaravati era building foundations, and laterite ruins from the 13th century, have been unearthed near the old city. The ancient city’s ruins include three levels of rectangular walls and a moat. The “Thin Buri Sri Chai Sing,” which features a light and music performance as well as classical dances, is an annual event held within the historical park.
3. Phimai Historical Park
Phimai Historical Park which is located around 60 kilometers from Nakhon Ratchasima city center, is one of the most popular historical parks in the area. In the past, this area was the site of Phimai City, which was founded by King Suryavarman I in the 16th Buddhist century or 1,000 years ago, using Khmer art style and surrounded by walls and ditches.
4. Ayutthaya Historical Park
Ayutthaya was the capital of the central Thai Kingdom for 417 years, from the 14th to the 18th century. Ayutthaya was able to build its own arts and culture from a delicate combination of Dvaravati, Khmer, Mon, and Lawa traditions. Ayutthaya provided Thailand with a large number of monuments and works of art over the reigns of 33 monarchs. In 1994, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historical park hosts an annual event, Ayutthaya World Heritage Day, in December.
5. Sukhothai Historical Park
Sukhothai Historical Park covers more than 70 square kilometers of the Sukhothai Kingdom. Sukhothai is surrounded by a city wall that is roughly 2 kilometers long and 1.6 kilometers broad. There are around 70 significant sites where remnants of royal palaces and temples may still be found. Wat Mahathat is the largest temple in the area, with over 200 pagodas.
6. Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park
Kamphaeng Phet is a province neighboring Sukhothai. So, the Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park has several historic archeological from the same era. Both within and beyond the city walls are covered by the historical park. Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Phra That, the old Temple or holy water pond, Shiva temple, and Wat Klang Nakhon are among the 20 archaeological monuments within the city wall. Each one reveals the history of city planning in its entirety.
7. Sri Thep Historical Park
For a long time, the massive ancient city of Sri Thep in the Pasak River valley served as a communications hub connecting towns in central Thailand with those in the north and northeast. Archaeological investigations in the Pasak and Lop Buri river basins have revealed that highly developed ancient societies existed with more advanced technology than other sites in the region.
8. Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park
The Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park is located in Phetchaburi Province, an important Ayutthaya satellite city. It was erected on top of Samana mountain as a summer residence for King Rama IV and is known as Khao Wang (the mountain palace). Royal halls, temples, and groupings of structures are built in a harmonious blend of Thai, Western neoclassic, and Chinese architectural styles.
9. Phu Phra Bat Historical Park
On the Phu Phra Bat slope of Phu Phan Mountain, the park is located. Prehistoric rock drawings from 4,000 to 2,000 years ago can be found at 62 archaeological and cultural sites here. Many historical artifacts from the Dvaravati and Khmer civilizations can also be found. A stupa that has been built in the 1920s and a Buddha’s footprint can be seen within the historical park. Each year in October, the park and its environs host tourist celebrations to commemorate Usabaros Day and Ban Chiang World Heritage Day.
Conclusion
We are sure that we could share with you a great deal of information about the Historical Sites in Thailand. Enjoy your Thai travels!
