The oldest history Thailand

The ancient history of Thailand has its roots in ancient times when man began to leave the first traces of his passage in the lands that we now call Thai

The fertile plains, rivers such as the Chao Phraya and the Mekong and the mountains of the north have made this land an ideal place for the development of civilizations already in prehistoric times

In the north-east of Thailand is one of the most important sites of ancient Asia Ban Chiang

Here, ancient bronze tools, human bones and ceramic objects have been discovered that testify to the existence of a very advanced agricultural and artisan civilization thousands of years before the birth of the great Asian empires

Metalworking, livestock farming and rice cultivation were already common practices

Over the centuries, different populations began to settle in the region, bringing with them religions, languages and customs

The Mon were among the first to found a kingdom in central Thailand called Dvaravati

This kingdom was strongly influenced by Indian culture especially in the Buddhist religion that spread among the population

The ruins of ancient cities such as Nakhon Pathom and U Thong testify to the importance of this period

In the south, the kingdom of Srivijaya flourished, which, although its main center was in present-day Indonesia, controlled many maritime routes between India and China

Wonderful Ancient Thailand

Trade brought riches and religious and cultural ideas that merged with local ones

Another important people for Thai history were the Khmer

Coming from Cambodia, they founded a powerful empire that also extended over part of eastern and central Thailand

They built majestic temples such as those of Phimai and Phanom Rung, true wonders of carved stone that show the influence of Hinduism and Buddhism

In the heart of Thailand, around the thirteenth century, the first true Thai kingdom called Sukhothai was born

It was a turning point because it marked the beginning of a distinct cultural identity

King Ramkhamhaeng is remembered for having created the Thai alphabet and for having supported Theravada Buddhism

Sukhothai is often seen as a golden age for religion, art and language

The stone inscriptions left from this period are among the most precious documents of Thai history

After Sukhothai emerged the kingdom of Ayutthaya

Founded in the Chao Phraya Valley it became one of the most splendid capitals of Asia

The kingdom lasted over four centuries

Ayutthaya was famous for its military strength, international trade and cultural wealth

Portuguese, Dutch, French and Persian ambassadors visited the city which amazed for its beauty and grandeur

Unfortunately in the eighteenth century the Burmese armies invaded and destroyed Ayutthaya causing the loss of many treasures and works of art

From the ashes of Ayutthaya arose the short kingdom of Thonburi led by General Taksin

Then a new ruler Rama rose to power, the first to found the Chakri dynasty

It was he who moved the capital to the opposite bank of the river in Bangkok

Thus began the modern history of the kingdom of Thailand which still today retains many elements of its ancient roots

Fantastic beach

Railay Beach is one of the most magical and surreal places in Thailand

It is located in the province of Krabi and is surrounded by high limestone cliffs that make it accessible only by sea

Despite being part of the mainland it seems like a secret island where time slows down and nature dominates

Railay is divided into two main sides Railay West and Railay East

The west side has fine white sand and a transparent sea that changes color with the light of day

The east side is less suitable for swimming but has thicker vegetation hidden caves and a wild atmosphere

There is also Phra Nang Beach which many consider the most beautiful of all with a sacred cave dedicated to the goddess of the sea where fishermen bring offerings

The landscape of Railay is dominated by limestone cliffs that attract climbers from all over the world

Many come here to climb but also just to admire the sunset between the rocks

There are hidden paths that lead to secret lagoons in the middle of the jungle and incredible panoramic points from which to see the entire bay

Despite the spectacular beauty Railay is still quite quiet compared to to other more touristy locations

There are no cars only sandy paths and long boats that come and go

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