Today, we step back into the Ayutthaya era, when the city was the nation’s capital from 1350–1767. During its height, merchants from around the world flocked here, and their trade helped finance the grandeur of its architecture. We explore the ruins of palaces, temples, monasteries, and statues on a 4 km-wide island at the confluence of three rivers.
Highlights include:
• Wat Yai Chaimongkol, a major center for the Buddhist nun community
• Wat Mahathat, famous for the Buddha head entwined in the roots of a centuries-old tree
• Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, originally a royal chapel and long revered by the Thai people
Continuing to Lopburi, we stop at Phra Prang Sam Yod, a Khmer-style Hindu sanctuary with three imposing towers, also known for the hundreds of playful long-tailed macaques that inhabit the area. Next, we visit Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat, renowned for its tall Lopburi-style prang, built around 1157 AD during Khmer rule.
After lunch at a local restaurant, we continue to Phitsanuloke, one of the most prominent cities in northern Thailand.
Overnight in Phitsanuloke.