Prasat Nakhon Luang (ปราสาทนครหลวง) Ayutthaya

It is believed that Nakhon Luang Castle was built during the reign of King Songtham as a royal residence during his visits to Saraburi and Lopburi, where he paid homage to the Buddha's footprints. Later, in 1631, King Prasat Thong commissioned craftsmen to build a brick and mortar residence modeled after Prasat Mueang Angkor in Cambodia. In 1809, Tapakhao Pin had Wat Nakhon Luang temple built and four Buddha footprints placed on the castle's upper terrace. Since then, Nakhon Luang Castle has been part of a historically significant and valuable temple complex and is registered as a historical site by the Bureau of Fine Arts.

The estate is located on the east bank of the Pa Sak River in the Nakhon Luang subdistrict and originally served as the king's residence during his visits to Saraburi to pay homage to the Buddha's footprint, and as a resting place during his visits to Lopburi.

Another important religious site in Phra Nakhon Si, Ayutthaya Province

It is a remarkable fusion of Thai and Khmer art. Originally, it served as the king's royal residence during his visits to Lopburi to pay homage to Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi. It is believed to have been built during the reign of King Songtham, but it was rebuilt in 1604 under King Prasat Thong using brick and mortar.

The king commissioned a photographer to photograph the stone shrine 'Phra Nakhon Luang', also known as Sri Yasodharapura or Angkor Wat, in Cambodia to celebrate the restoration of Cambodia should its construction not be completed.

The Tapha Khao Pins came to build the nearby Wat Nakhon Luang. They created four footprints and immortalized them in the uppermost pavilion. These four footprints are stacked on top of each other and show deep indentations in the rock. The largest is approximately 2.5 meters wide and 5.5 meters long.

An inscription on the gable indicates that the castle was restored in 122 BE (2446 BE) under King Rama V. Admire the craftsmanship of the ancient Thai artisans who painstakingly constructed the entire castle from brick. Perched atop an artificial hill, the castle was filled with earth to achieve its imposing height. It contains 30 chedis, similar to Khmer chedis, as well as 20 wooden niches.

There is also a curved Khmer-style gallery connecting the individual prangs, crafted by artisans in the form of a massive balustrade. The Nakhon Luang Palace, also known as San Phra Chan Loi, is a four-sided building that was restored during the reign of King Rama V. Phra Palat (Pluem) or Phra Khru Wihan-Kijjanun brought with him a round granite slab, approximately 2 meters in diameter and 6 inches thick, which is called Phra Chan Loi.

It is venerated by the nearby Wat Thep Chan Loi temple in the Nakhon Luang district. This registered historical site offers a peaceful and educational atmosphere.

Open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Nakhon Luang Historical Park, Ayutthaya: Admire the beautiful temple and its ancient architecture near Bangkok.

Address: Village No. 1, Nakhon Luang Subdistrict, Nakhon Luang District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province

Coordinates: https://maps.app.goo.gl/otubkEPAQYZyg3tVA