Thailand has a very rich and deep history. In fact, it has played a vital role in the development of that part of Asia thousands of years ago. Fortunately, even with the passage of time many ancient landmarks and sites have been able to withstand the test of time and the people of the world are all the more richer because a very important part of the history of man is still in existence in the country, waiting for us to visit them and be steeped in a wonderful culture and a very colorful history.
There are many historical sites in Thailand that should be visited when you go to Thailand. Phanom Rung Historical Park has the distinction of being one of the most important Khmer sites in the country. The park is situated 120 kilometers from Korat City and it boasts of having the largest number of Khmer monuments in the whole country. Almost two decades were spent restoring almost all of the monuments and edifices in the park and the end result is quite impressive. Visitors will see towers, temples and Buddha images that have that distinct Khmer architectural flair. A Hindu saivite or monastery is also located in the park along with statues of Vishnu. The place is also filled with ruins that depict the images of many Hindu gods, Brahma as well as artistic images from scenes in the Ramayana.
The Chiang Saen, located in Chiang Rai, is a town that is situated near the banks of the Mekong River. The town itself is just like any other town in the rural countryside of Thailand – except for one very big distinction, the many ruins that dot the place, which point to archaeological proof that in the past Chiang Saen was a majestic ang bustling 14th century city kingdom. The town is filled to brimming with these archaeological wonders. There are at least 36 temple ruins dotting the area, as well as moats, fortresses, many images of the Buddha as well as the remains of the ancient city walls. What is most intriguing though is that there are ruins in the area that are actually older than the Chiang Saen era – which gives proof to the existence of an even older kingdom that was located there called Yonok. Most of the artifacts that have been unearthed in Chiang Saen has been relocated and are on display at the Chiang Saen National Museum.
If ancient grandeur is what you want to see though then you should visit the Royal Palace at Sukhothai. The site covers almost 160,000 square meters and has two compounds. The place is then surrounded by an impressive moat. The two compounds, Noen Phrasat and Wat Mahathat, are considered as important places in the ancient Khmer culture. The whole site gives a good representation of Khmer culture as it depicts its very distinctive architecture, artistic styles as well as many images and murals that can be seen in both the inside and outside of the structures.