Encapsulating a part of Thai history, the Somdet Phra Si Nakharin Park is on an island in the Ayutthaya historical park which is a UNESCO heritage site. Set in 490.23 acres of beautifully landscaped natural woodland, famous for the lamduan flowers that impart a delicate fragrance when in bloom from February to April. Important also as a botanic garden with trees and plants featured in ancient Thai literature, in addition to palm and bamboo groves and a huge lotus pond, a Thai pavilion and the ruins of several monuments of the Ayutthaya historical period which lasted from the 14th till the end of the 18th century. The park is dedicated to the current Thai king’s mother. It is also well known amongst the locals for stones of various shapes and sizes that have been sculpted by nature scattered around the site.
While the natural beauty of the park’s location is one of its charms, its outstanding value is due to the cultural importance of the Buddhist ruins dating from around the 14th to the 16th centuries. Several monasteries such as Wat Jao Phram, Wat Wang Chai, Wat Sangkha Thae, Wat Sangkha Tha, Wat Ubosot, and Wat Luang Chi Krut, a monastic complex for nuns with their own ordination halls and several other buildings are part of these important ruins along with Wat Chao Prab identified as a dressing area for royals prior to entering the temple precincts. Some of these ancient complexes feature several bell shaped dagobas and image houses with stucco decorations and still discernible statues of the standing Buddha. All of the buildings and dagobas display intricate brick work and some stucco decorations that blend well into the natural environment. The monastic complexes appear to have been isolated from the lay world by a system of canals and some of the complexes even appear to have had their own moats. Somdet Phra Si Nakharin Park provides an intriguing glimpse into a bit of Thailand’s illustrious historical past.
With its location amidst lushly wooded countryside in a historical and culturally diverse area, Anantara Golden Triangle Thailand offers a holiday experience like no other. To truly appreciate the variety and beauty of the location, this hotel in Chiang Rai offers a comfortable, spacious and modern selection of rooms and suites combined with many onsite facilities and amenities that range from delightful formal and casual dining options serving a variety of delectable cuisines to luxurious spa treatments. One of the best Chiang Rai hotels, it makes sure that guests experience the best that the area has to offer.
