Thailand

Ancient Architectural History

Influences
Geographical, Geological, Climatic -Siam, in 1939 Muang Tai or Thailand -Borders: Burma on the west and north, Laos and Cambodia on the northeast, -Rich in durable and decorative timbers. Teak, Ebony -Principal building material- brick - Stone was of little use, for foundations during the years of Kmer influence - Tropical climate with monsoon rains and winds

Historical, Social, Religious

6th Century- Mon people (Buddhist) from Lower Burma imposed their authority ion Central Thailand, founded the kingdom of Dvaravati. 11th c- Kmers annexed Dvaravati , their influence became paramount but Dvaravatis prestige unimpaired 13th c- Thai Syam migrants from South west China fused with the Mons. Capita set at Ayudya Despite French,Dutch ,Portuguese and British influences Thailand has managed to evade colonialist intrusion 1782- Bangkok became its capital

Architectural Character
Buddhist Influence Periods -Dvaravati Period, 6-10th c. Buildings were built of bricks and stone, mouldings similar to the Buddhists structures from Ceylon to North India. Granite bases with mortise holes for pillars supporting timber superstructures. -Kmer-Lopvuri(Mon-Kmer) period, 10-13th c. manifestation of Kmer Angkor style of Architecture, but also mirrored Mons and Tailaings traditions. Kmers introduced the use of stone in place of bricks or rubble bonded with vegetable glue

Thai Periods 13-17th C

Sukhothai style- not inventive but harmoniously eclectic using Indian, Mon Dravidian, Mon Pagan, Sinhalese and Kmer motifs. Out of these emerged distinct Thai features. sandstone was used, in the Khmer manner, to form door parts, lintels, and rectangular windows. Brick replaced sandstone and the preferred material during the 12th century. Bound with vegetable glue, the bricks were laid without mortar and then sheathed in carved stone. Yet another change came, when later architects used stucco (a sand, lime, and glue mixture strengthened by a terra cotta armature) to cover brick walls. The north had ample forests, so wood was used by craftsmen and in temple construction.

Periods
Ayudya Style- the stupa was in circular plan, ring based and bell shaped as in Ceylon. Use of sculptures, mural painting Bangkok Style-18-19th c. Chinese influence. Porcelain tiles for floors, white stuccoed bricks for walls, brightly colored glazed tiles of multileveled overlapping timber roofs. Carved wood for doors and windows- lacquered, painted, bone in laid with mother of pearls.

Wat Kukut Temple

Wat Jet Yot Temple

Wat Jet Yot was built in the 15th century to host the eighth World Buddhist Council in 1477. The design is based on the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodhgaya, India, site of the Buddhas enlightenment. The name Jet Yot (seven spires) refers to the design of the temples chedi with seven towers. The temple is located just north of the city next to the National Museum.

Wat Chedi Luang,

Wat Chedi Luang, built about 600 years ago is one of the most impressive temples of Chiang Mai. Wat Chedi Luangs massive Lannastyle chedi (pagoda) is visible from any part of the city. The chedi was damaged in an earthquake in 1545 and now only two-thirds of it remains. Wat Chedi Luang was the home of the Emerald Buddha, Thailands most sacred cultural treasure. The original Emerald Buddha is now in Bangkok, and a jade replica is sitting in its place. The temple is located on Phrapokklao Road.

The Temple Complex of Wat Arum

Temple Complex of Wat Arum

Wat Arun

Wat Arun

Roof

Roof finials Most decorations are attached to the bargeboard, the long, thin panel on the edge of the roof at the gable ends. The decorative structure is called the lamyong. The lamyong is sculpted in an undulating, serpentine nag sadung shape evoking the nga. Its blade-like projection called bai raka suggest both naga fins and the feathers of Garuda. Its lower finial is called a hang hong , which usually takes the form of a naga's head turned up and facing away from the roof. The naga head may be styled in flamelike kranok motifs and may have multiple heads. A roof with multiple breaks or tiers has identical hang hong finials at the bottom of each section. Perched on the peak of the lamyong is the large curving ornament called a chofah, which resembles the beak of a bird, perhaps representing Garuda.

Wat Prasat
Wat Prasat () , one of the most famous of the 100 temples within the old city, is a fine example of traditional Lanna architecture. It dates back at least as far as the 16th century CE, or probably still older.

The most important building in the temple complex is the old wooden viharn or sermon hall, dating back to 1823. This viharn was tastefully renovated in 1987. Built in traditional and distinctively Lanna style, the viharn is built of skillfully-crafted teak wood panels on a whitewashed brick and stucco base. The main entrance, which naturally faces east, is reached by a low flight of steps flanked by naga balustrades.

Wat Lok Molee or Wat Lok Moli

Wat Lok Molee or Wat Lok Moli is an attractive and often overlooked little temple that's recently received a facelift, and while not being one of Chiang Mai's most well known Wats (temples) is well worth visiting. Its located just outside the moat on the North side of the Old City. The temple is thought to date to the 14th century though its origins are somewhat obscure. There is no record of the founding date for this temple, but its name first appeared in historical texts in 1367. The sixth King of Lanna in the Mengrai Dynasty invited a group of ten monks from Burma to bring their study and practice of Buddhism to the Kingdom, and the monks stayed in this Temple. The Lanna king, Phra Kw Maung ordered the Chedi built in 1527, and the main Viharn in 1545. The Temple also houses the ashes of members of the Royal Mangrai Dynasty, and was maintained by the Royal family until the end of the dynasty (based on a signboard inside the grounds).

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep.

The main Stupa of Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep. Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is a Theravada Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. The temple is often referred to as "Doi Suthep" although this is actually the name of the mountain it is located on. The temple is located 15 km from the city of Chiang Mai and is a sacred site to many Thai people. From the temple, impressive views of Chiang Mai can be seen and it remains a popular destination of foreign visitors.

Stairs to Wat Doi Suthep

The mountain of Doi Suthep overlooking the city of Chiang Mai and its top is one of the most popular temples of Thailand, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.Un long staircase where each ramp is a body of dragon and has 309 steps allows arriving at the temple. From above, if the weather is clear, the view of the valley is superb.

Wat Saen Fang is one of the most important temples in the east of Chiang Mai city is one such Wat or temple, which epitomizes this confluence of styles. featuring a Lanna style prayer hall viharn, and a Burmese style chedi (an alternative term for a Buddhist stupa, mainly used in Thailand). chedi and the ordination hall (ubosot) on the west side of the compound were built during the Burmese occupation of Chiang Mai. The prayer hall (viharn), on the right is in the Lanna style and had served as the Royal Hall. Thus Wat Saen Fang like quite a few Wats in Chiang Mai is a confluence of two architectural styles & the influence of Burmese style is strong. Indeed, the elaborately carved exterior and use of rich colors like gold and blue reminded us of the Wats glorious past.

Wat Saen Fang

Wat Phan Tao,

Wat Phan Tao, also written Wat Pantao, is a Buddhist temple in the heart of the old city. The name Wat Phan Tao means "Monastery of a Thousand Kilns". The name is believed to refer to the casting of the numerous Buddha images for its even bigger neighbour, Wat Chedi Luang, located right next door.
Wat Phan Tao has a beautiful viharn (main prayer hall), a majestic structure that is today one of the few remaining all-wood buildings in Chiang Mai . The viharn was originally the ho kham which means the palace (or literally, the "gilded hall") of Chiang Mai's king, Chao Mahawong, who ruled from 1846 to 1854.

chedi

The chedi (stupa) and umbrella at Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep.

Wat Chiang Man

Wat Chiang Man on a mid November afternoon. This place was so peaceful and the reflection of the sun on the gold was just breathtaking.