Ayutthaya Ruins

 A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ayutthaya (or Ayudhya) Historical Park is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Thailand. Ayutthaya used to be the old capital of the Kingdom of Thailand or Siam. The city was destroyed by the Burmese Army in 1767, sacking the kingdom's treasures including its golds. So these are its remains.

According to Wikipedia, Ayutthaya was named after the city of Ayodhya in India, the birthplace of Rama in the Ramayana or Ramakien in Thai.

Our Thai friend who brought us to this spectacular place, two-hour ride from Bangkok, told us that many treasures of the kingdom like gold were kept  in this part of the palace. Some of them were not found by the attackers so they are now kept in different museums of Thailand. Some of them we also visited. Thanks to our very nice friend, Adisak, a university professor who was such a gracious and expert tour guide.

Our two kids who were then 9 and 7 years old three years ago alternately took some of these photos. It was such a hot summer when we went there so I got a migraine spell. We plan to go there again not during the hot season to take more quality pictures.

This is the Golden Buddha statue that is left intact now kept at a wat (temple) in the heritage site. Most of the Buddha images were beheaded by the Burmese. 

 Here's one of the wats or temples inside the historical park.

For more posts with reds, visit Work of the Poet by Mary here.