Khmer and Indian architecture greatly influence Thai architectural style, though China and other countries also greatly impact Thailand's architecture. In the earlier days, the Thai architecture was built on wood, which has now disappeared. Later, many stone temples were built, now telling the stories of Thai architecture.
The architecture of Thailand, which reflects the country's rich history, also attracts thousands of tourists from around the globe. Therefore, Thailand was ranked as the most visited country in Southeast Asia back in 2013. Many people visiting Thailand are curious to know about the marvelous architecture of the country. If you also want to know about Thai culture, we will tell you every little detail about the architecture of Thailand here!
Architecture of Thailand
Thailand has stunning beaches, fascinating culture, vibrant nightlife, and delicious cuisine. But architecture is what adds more to the beauty of this country. Along with different dynasties, Thailand has also witnessed a mixture of different cultures, greatly impacting Thai architecture.
The neighboring states of Thailand brought different sorts of vibrant ornamentations to the country, which eventually became part of the architecture of the country. Therefore, Thai architecture clearly shows the reflection of Asian designs. Now, the architecture of Thailand is evolving gradually and becoming unique, which is considered an invention of Thailand itself.
Types Of Thai Architecture
There are two types of Thai Architecture:
Traditional Thai Architecture:
The traditional Thai architecture is of two types:
- Secular Structures: These structures do not represent any religion or belief. The traditional Thai houses represent a true example of a secular structure. The basic idea remains the same, but the materials used and superstitious beliefs greatly influence the architecture.
- Religious Structures: The religious structures are built by the country's royal families. You will witness that these types of structures are well-decorated and involve detailed work. Different symbols are used in the architecture and represent the devotees' specific culture, religion, and beliefs.
Modern Thai Architecture:
Presently, Thailand owns remarkable buildings as compared to other Asian countries. The multi-storied malls and skyscrapers are examples of modern Thai architecture and are a mix of tradition and modernity.
Famous Architectural Sites In Thailand
Below are the most popular architectural sites in Thailand:
Wat Rong Khun
It is also known as the White Temple in Northern Thailand. The construction of the temple was started in 1997 and completed in 2008. The temple was constructed to honor the purity of Buddha. White Temple stands out both in its style and architecture. The color choice is unique for a Thai Buddhist temple, and white makes it an emblem of the nation. Every part of the temple is unique and symbolizes something very beautiful.
There, you will find the Bridge of the Cycle of Rebirth between the entrance and gate of the temple. Along both sides of the bridge, many hands represent the desires. The bridge shows that the only way to a peaceful life is to let go of your temptations and desires.
There is also a Gate of Heaven; two sculptures represent the Rahu and Death. The Golden Building of the temple represents how people focus on their desires. Ubosot is the major part of the temples and shows the mind and tells how one can live happily by letting go the worldly desires.
Prasat Hin Phimai
It is located in Nakhon Ratchasima province and is one of the major tourist attractions of Thailand. The historical park is the largest of all the Khmer temples situated in Thailand. It is about 1000 meters long and 600 meters wide. The temple shows the perfect example of Khmer architecture in the country.
It was built between 11th and 12th century. The structure and layout of the temple remind you of another temple called Phanom Rung. The Khmer who built the temple was a Hindu, but it was constructed by the Buddhists, which makes this structure unique.
You can also find the carvings of different Hindu deities there, and some unique design elements have also been used at Angkor Wat. Temple has been standing in the same position since the 8th century. But, most of the structure you can explore todays was rebuilt by King Jayavarman VI.
Wat Samphran Temple
It is a unique, unusual, and mysterious building that grabs the attention of tourists and is located in Nakhon Pathom (province of Thailand). The temple has a rose-colored tower which reaches an incredible height of 80 meters. Also, the tower is surrounded by a green-colored dragon. It is about 25 miles away from Bangkok and looks abandoned.
The dragon tower of this temple is a worship place. The temple does not respect the design standards of the Thai times, according to which the monks' residences and areas dedicated to Buddhas are separated from each other. Some people say that the religious group has occupied the upper part of this tower.
In the entire complex, you can find small temples. Besides that, the beautiful monuments, including the giant Buddha, are also a part of this temple. The dragon, which you can see on the outside of the tower, is made from glass fiber and is completely hollow from the inner side. There is no light inside. To reach the top, most people prefer stairs instead of elevators. It is truly an extraordinary temple that looks mysterious and invites the people to conquer its peak.
Conclusion:
Thailand, or the Kingdom of Thailand, is a Southeast Asian country. It is situated between Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and Malaysia. Thailand shares the coast with the Andaman Sea. The country is popular around the globe for its remarkable architecture. There are two types of Thai architecture: traditional, which includes religious and secular structures, and Modern Thai architecture. Undoubtedly, both are unmatchable and give a unique identity to the country!
