Ayutthaya was the capital of Siam for over 400 years starting in 1350. Wat Chaiwattanaram is one of the best preserved temple sites. The Thais conquered Angkor and many Khmer influences can be seen such as in the layout of the temples (central temple surrounded by 4 temples, 3 progressively higher tiers, inner and outer walls with gate heads at the cardinal points).
The prang (shaped temple) at the center is a Khmer shape while the chedis that surround it are Thai.
Prang is brick construction and was once covered in stucco with Buddha in the niches and on the landings
Typical chedi
The Burmese sacked Ayutthaya in 1767 and looted and burned it. Hundreds and hundreds of broken and headless Buddhas remain and can be found on pedestals and walkways
No one knows how Buddha's head got in the tree - maybe the Burmese abandoned it
Other Buddhas at Ayutthaya
Today Thais put gold paper on Buddha for luck
i love the buddha in the tree!
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