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HISTORICAL
PARKS
Historical objects and sites are a testimony to every country's civilization and cultural heritage. They serve to bridge the gap
between past and present and instill in the people a sense
of belonging and pride and the importance of cherishing their
invaluable legacy.
In April 1987, the government officially opened Thailand's first historical park, the Muang Sing Historical Park in
Kanchanaburi. Today, 10 historical parks have been opened – three of which have received the
honor of being designated World Heritage Sites.
The 10 historical parks are Muang Singh, Phanom Rung,
Sukhothai, Si Satchanalai, Kamphaeng Phet, Sri Thep,
Phimai, Ayutthaya, Phra Nakhon Khiri and Phu Phra Bat. They are the result of hard work of the Fine Arts Department in the excavation, renovation and landscaping for several decades. Each of these parks in now equipped with a tourist and information centre and provides qualified guides.
MUANG SING HISTORICAL PARK
This is one of the most important sites in the Khwai Noi River basin in
Kanchanaburi. Prehistoric human skeletons have been discovered near
the ancient city, together with metal tools, vessels and ornaments, bricks,
foundations of Dvaravati period architecture and laterite ruins from
the 13th century. The remains of the ancient city comprise several layers of rectangular walls and a moat. The annual festival within the historical park is the "Thin Buri Sri Chai Sing" featuring a
Light
& Sound Show
and classical dances.
PHANOM RUNG HISTORICAL PARK
The Northeast includes many historical monuments in
the Khmer style from prehistoric times to the 13th century.
Among these, Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung is one of the most important. This is the only Khmer religious monument constructed on a natural mountain. Restorations have made
a great contribution to the study of Khmer architecture in Thailand.
A special festival is Phanom Rung Fair, held either March or
April each year.
AYUTTHAYA HISTORICAL PARK
From the 14th to 18th centuries, Ayutthaya was
the capital of the central Thai Kingdom for 417 years. With influences from
Dvaravati, Khmer, Mon, and Lawa cultures, Ayutthaya was able to create
its own arts and culture from a delicate blend of those cultures. During the reigns of 33 kings,
Ayutthaya gave Thailand a great number of fine buildings, monuments and works of art. It was
selected as a
World Heritage Site in 1994.
An annual festival, Ayutthaya World Heritage Day, is held in December within the historical park.
PHRA NAKHON KHIRI HISTORICAL PARK
Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park is in Phetchaburi Province, an important satellite city of
Ayutthaya. Commonly called Khao Wang (the palace on the mountain), it was built on top of Samana mountain as a summer palace for King Rama IV. Within the park area are royal halls, temples and groups of buildings, constructed in harmonious Thai, Western neoclassic and Chinese architectural styles. The museum on the western hilltop exhibits some royal paraphernalia of King Rama IV and King Rama V, decorative sculptures, and ceramics from China, Japan and Europe. To reach the hilltop, one can either walk or take a cable car. The Phra Nakhon Khiri Fair is held each year with lots of activities to promote tourism to the site and a trade fair of local handicrafts.
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