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Preserving the Precious
The ancient Thai Kingdom reaches back thousands of years, yet even
today living evidence of vanished civilisations are never far from
view. National treasures, impressively restored ruins enrich the
country and are a superb source of historical knowledge. Dignified
reminders of a glorious past, aged temple spires pierce the horizon
with dusty redbrick ramparts, fringed by manicured lawns and under
the watchful protection of monumental Buddha statues with their
chiselled weathered features.
Uncover classic architecture and artistic styles as you learn about
the complex customs and beliefs of these distant civilisations,
how they flourished and what brought about their eventual downfalls.
It’s a history lesson that no textbook could possibly convey
with as much realism. The internationally esteemed organisation
UNESCO has recognised the outstanding value of Thailand’s
historic and natural conservation sites and has bestowed six such
destinations with the title of UNESCO World
Heritage Sites.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
Historical Park
 Thailand’s
earliest civilisation dates back some 5,000 years to the little
known Neolithic agricultural communities of Ban
Chiang in the Northeast, or I-san region of the kingdom. Not
discovered until the late 1960s, this Bronze Age village and cemetery
is one of Southeast Asia’s most important archaeological sites,
and is famed for its unique pottery and metal implements. A trip
to this once remote area of Thailand
offers curious visitors a wondrous and educational revelation into
the peaceful existence of early Asian settlers.
Immaculately maintained and bolstered by significant on-site museums,
the UNESCO World Heritage Sites
of Ayutthaya
and Sukhothai are a
must see on any visitors list. Centred round Buddhist architecture,
the atmospheric and deserted ruins exude a peace and spirituality
rarely captured in modern life. Attracting millions of visitors
each year, these former kingdoms are proof of Thailand’s
early glories.
Dating back to Thailand’s
‘Golden Age’, the northern city of Sukhothai
was Thailand’s first capital,
heralding an innovative period of architecture and religious imagery.
Established in the 13th century, the extensive compound of temples
and palaces are resplendently dressed by ponds and moats, and are
easily ventured round by bicycle. Near Sukhothai
are the preserved ruins of two of the former kingdom’s satellite
towns, Si Satchanalai and Kamphaeng Phet.
 Less
than two hours from Bangkok, the
once majestic city of Ayutthaya
was dubbed the original ‘Venice of the East’. Supplanting
Sukhothai as the second
Siamese capital, Ayutthaya
rose as an important regional trading centre for over four centuries.
Circled by rivers and canals, your family can enjoy exploring the
compact site water bound cruising aboard a small long-tail boat
or take a loftier perspective as you peruse Ayutthaya’s
noble grounds lolloping atop an elephant.
Blanketed in dense tropical rainforest, the UNESCO Natural World
Heritage Site of Thung Yai Naresuan and Huai
Kha Kaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries merge to form the kingdom’s
largest tract of virgin forest and are considered one of Asia’s
most vital surviving greenbelts. Located along Thailand’s
western border with Myanmar, this enormous jungle canopy is home
to an unbelievable diversity of rare wildlife, that all but a few
privileged visitors are fortunate to encounter.
Having only just been awarded UNESCO Natural World Heritage status,
Khao Yai National Park
has a special place in the hearts of the Thai people. Less than
two hours from Bangkok, this is
the nation’s first national park and is a popular weekend getaway
from the capital. Despite its proximity to urbanity, the large swathe
of tropical rainforest teems with a spectacular variety of flora
and fauna.
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