One Day Trip in Ayutthaya, History of Thailand

           The Ayutthaya Buddhist temple falls into one of two broad categories: the stupa-style solid temple and the prang-style. The prangs can also be found in various forms in Sukhothai, Lopburi, Bangkok (Wat Arun). Sizes may vary, but usually the prangs measure between 15 and 40 meters in height, and resemble a towering corn-cob like structure.
         Prangs essentially represent Mount Meru. In Thailand Buddha relics were often housed in a vault in these structures, reflecting the belief that the Buddha is a most significant being, having attained enlightenment and having shown the path to enlightenment to others.

Wat Chai Watthanaram

One of the most visited historical site of Ayutthaya, Wat Chaiwattanaram rests on the bank of the Chao Phraya River, to the west of the City Island. The Temple was ordered to built in 1630 by King Prasat Thong to honor his mother, featuring the architectural style influenced by Angkor temple in Cambodia-its unique feature is a large, central prang (Khmer-style pagoda) surrounded by smaller prangs, symbolizing Mount Sumeru, the gods' mountain according to Hindu belief. The lighting at night makes the temple even more exotic and beautiful.

Wat Ratchaburana

The story of Wat Ratchaburana begins in 1424 when King Intharacha died, leaving three sons. The two oldest sons both claimed the throne and led their armies against each other to take it. But it's said that when the two of them came face to face, they wounded each other so badly that they both died in battle. The third son, Chao Sam Phraya, became king and apparently built Wat Ratchaburana in honour of his two brothers, who were cremated here, with a pagoda dedicated to each of them.

Wat Mahatat

According to the official Thai history, referring to the investigations of the Royal Chronicles of Ayutthaya by Prince Damrong Rajanubhab, the history of Wat Mahathat starts in 1374 when King Borommarachathirat I erected a temple at this place, bearing another name.
"In the Year of the Tiger 736 C.S. Somdet Phra Borommarachathirat and Phra Mahathera Thammakanlayan built the great, glorious, holy, jewelled reliquary (Phra Si Rattana Mahathat) east of the palace (the Royal gable of the lion). He rose 19 wa in height and equipped with a nine-membered tip that is another 3 wa in height."
His nephew and successor Ramesuan (1369-1370, 1388-1395) expanded the site in 1384 to build a great temple, while he was here as a monk between his throne offices. During this time the temple got its present name.

Credit : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayutthaya_Kingdom