Visitors interested in gaining insights into the roots of Thai civilization should journey into northeastern Thailand, via Korat, Lopburi and Ayutthaya. Korat carries remains from 11th century Khmer influence, while the ruins in the former capitals of Lopburi and Ayutthaya feature temples and palaces of the 17th century. Along the way, visit Khao Yai National Park, the first in Thailand, and one of the best preserved.
Khao Yai National Park
A nature reserve since 1959, the park covers more than 2,000 square kilometers, encompasses the provinces of Saraburi, Nakorn Nayok, Nakorn Ratchasima and Prachin Buri, and is home to several hundred species of animals. Endangered wildlife such as bears, leopards, deer, hornbills and gibbons are found here along with over 300 bird species.
About a dozen hiking trails start from the park headquarters and crisscross the park marked by red paint on trees. Guides are recommended for treks.
Waterfall in the Park
The park has abundant streams and waterfalls, one of the finest being Haew Suwat Waterfall popular as a picnic spot. Unlike other falls, Haew Suwat is accessible from a nearby car park. The stone passageway to the bottom of the falls is an easy walk for non-hikers. Swim or wade at the top of the waterfall or in the pool at the foot of falls.
Khmer Domination
In the early part of the 11th century, the eastern part of the Thai Kingdom succumbed to Khmer rule. The Phimai area, along with present-day Lopburi and Korat eventually became part of the Khmer Kingdom. Phimai came to be one of the most important centers of Khmer civilization filled with shrines and bronze deities. Khmer craftsmanship was of such high quality that much of their architecture and carvings remain, albeit a little rough around the edges.
Replicating Angkor Wat
Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung, a spectacular historical Khmer sanctuary stands atop a 383m extinct volcano in Nakorn Ratchasima province. It was built during the 12th century, similar to Angkor Wat, and is the best-restored temple in Thailand. The religious sanctuary represents Mount Kailasa, dedicated to the Supreme Hindu Deity, Shiva. Entrance to the main tower means a long, arduous climb up the temple stairway. At the top, visitors may enter the prime sanctuary from any of four directions, each entrance depicting the Hindu legend through carved masonry with the east wing portraying the all-famous Thap Lang Lintel.
Seven kilometers east of Phanom Rung is Muang Tham sanctuary, an older Khmer temple which features well preserved bas relief and is the best example of Hindu architechture in Thailand. The many articulate carvings, masonries, and lintels are all worth a close inspection.
Lopburi
Lopburi, one of Thailand's most important historical centers 155 kilometers north of Bangkok, chronicles the cultural and historical significance of the Ayutthaya period in the 17th century. King Narai the Great named Lopburi the second capital after Ayutthaya, which, he felt, was vulnerable to invasion from the sea. King Narai (1658-1688) brought growth and prosperity to the town. A great Thai monarch, he is best known for establishing diplomatic relationships with European nations, especially France, in an effort to develop and simultaneously safeguard his nation from colonization.
The French made a lasting architectural impact on Lopburi. This is particularly noticeable with Narai Ratchaniwet Palace, now the National Museum of Lopburi. The splendor of the palace interior has diminished somewhat over time but the throne hall retains a sense of grandeur.
The museum also contains sculptures, monuments and temple ruins dating back to the 10th-13th centuries contain traces of Khmer influence in Lopburi, during the Ayutthaya period. Styles are reminiscent of architectural forms developed by the builders of Angkor Wat and Bayon.
Of considerable historical and archaeological significance is Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat whose temple was formerly a religious Khmer sanctuary built in the 12th century.
Lopburi's best-known landmark, Phra Prang Sam Yot, a magnificent triple-tower structure exemplifies Bayon style. It has three prangs (tower-like structures), built from laterite and sandstone and decorated with stucco. The prangs represent the Hindu Trinity of Brahma, the Creator, Vishnu, the Preserver, and Shiva, the Destroyer, all linked by a central corridor. Formerly a Hindu shrine, the site was converted into a Buddhist temple during the reign of King Narai.
Ancient Ayutthaya
Founded in 1350 AD, Thailand's second capital of Ayutthaya for 417 years, was home to 33 kings before being left in ruins following a Burmese invasion in 1767. The city boasted three palace complexes and 400 temples along a 60-km stretch of canal. Art and architecture of the ancient city of Ayutthaya was a continuation of older Sukhothai Buddhist styles, blended with present-day Khmer-Hindu styles.
Two outstanding examples of Khmer architecture from the Ayutthaya period are Wat Phra Sri Sanphet and Wat Monkilborphit, built in the 14th century. Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, one of the most important and largest of its time, was built as a royal temple for processions and for the king to perform religious ceremonies similar to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok. The viharn (building housing Buddha images) inside, once enshrined a 16-meter standing Buddha image, entirely gilded and weighing 250 kilograms. During the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767, the Burmese melted down the Buddha image for the gold and left the temple and the whole city in ruins.
Stone Embroideries
