目錄Table of Contents
接續上集，我們一行人驅車前往曼谷北部近郊大城府，這里曾作為泰國第二個首都，有四百多年的悠久歷史，佛教藝術在此達到顛峰，並深植於泰國文化中。當地的寺廟、皇宮及佛像的鏤刻，再再表現出莊嚴大氣的泰式風情。
然而在公元18世紀時，泰國遭受緬甸軍隊的入侵，最終於1767年陷落，使得當地寺廟大佛遭受緬甸軍隊的破壞，因此現在能看到的建築與佛像皆是破壞後的遺跡。
即便如此大城仍在在1991年12月被聯合國教科文組織正式列為世界級文化遺址。
Continuing from the previous part, our group drove to Ayutthaya, a northern suburb of Bangkok. Ayutthaya served as Thailand’s second capital and boasts a history spanning over 400 years. Buddhist art reached its peak here and deeply embedded itself in Thai culture. The local temples, palaces, and intricately carved Buddha statues all exhibit the grand and majestic Thai style.
However, in the 18th century, Thailand faced an invasion from Burmese forces, and Ayutthaya eventually fell in 1767. This led to the destruction of many temples and Buddha statues by the Burmese army, so what remains today are the ruins of these once magnificent structures.
Despite this, Ayutthaya was officially designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in December 1991.
崖差蒙空寺Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon
門票費：20泰銖
第一站要介紹的是崖差蒙空寺，這裡的票價非常親民，又很有特色，很推薦來此參觀。
崖差蒙空寺即便放在大城當中都算是最為悠久的建築物，該建築是落成於1357年，由大城王朝第一位國王屋通王，為了紀念戰勝緬甸軍隊而建。
進入園區後映入眼簾的就是數座氣勢十足的鐘型錫蘭式高塔建築，走到正面後，可以看見一對披著黃袈裟佛陀像盤坐於主塔兩側，伴隨著外露出來的白線，會不會讓人以為佛陀正在聽音樂呢？
這裡的主塔是能讓遊客上去參觀的，爬上去後會發現中心處有一口很深的天井，據說遊客如果能成功將香油錢投入更能實現願望，實測發現要有一定重量的硬幣例如5元、10元成功機率會比較高。
Address: 40 Luang Por Khao Soi 3, Khlong Suan Phlu, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
Entrance Fee: 20 THB
The first stop to introduce is Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon. The entrance fee is very affordable, and it has a unique charm that makes it highly recommended for visitors.
Even among the many ancient structures in Ayutthaya, Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon stands out as one of the oldest. It was completed in 1357 by King U-Thong, the first king of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, to commemorate his victory over the Burmese army.
Upon entering the grounds, you are greeted by several imposing bell-shaped Ceylonese-style stupas. Walking to the front, you can see two seated Buddha statues draped in yellow robes on either side of the main stupa. The exposed white strings might give the impression that the Buddhas are listening to music!
Visitors can climb the main stupa, where they will find a deep well at the center. It’s said that if visitors can successfully toss coins into the well, their wishes will come true. From practical experience, heavier coins like 5 or 10 baht have a higher success rate.
瑪哈泰寺Wat Mahathat
門票費：50泰銖
Address: 9H49+P85 Wat Mahathat, Naresuan Rd, Tha Wasukri, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
Entrance Fee: 50 THB
大城最著名的遺跡或許就是接下來要介紹的瑪哈泰寺，因為該區有著泰國七大奇觀：「樹中佛」
據說是當時緬甸軍隊攻破大城王朝後，一群緬甸軍人在大肆破壞佛像時，砍下其中一尊佛頭，落下的佛首竟立刻被樹根包圍保護起來，這一幕嚇得緬甸軍人們四散而逃。
Perhaps the most famous ruin in Ayutthaya is Wat Mahathat, home to one of Thailand’s seven wonders: the “Buddha Head in Tree Roots.”
According to legend, when the Burmese army invaded and sacked the Ayutthaya Kingdom, a group of Burmese soldiers decapitated a Buddha statue. Remarkably, the fallen head was immediately embraced and protected by the roots of a nearby tree, a sight that frightened the soldiers, causing them to flee in terror.
在此處奇觀拍照時需要遵守當地規矩，不能高於佛像拍照，所以會看到很多遊客會蹲或坐在佛像前拍照。
除了十分特別的樹中佛外，這片佔地廣大的遺址內有許多特殊之處都值得去感受，該區的建築風格相較於崖差蒙空寺的錫蘭式尖塔建築，呈現出高棉風格的柬埔寨特色。
When taking photos at this wonder, it is important to follow local rules: you cannot take pictures from a height higher than the Buddha statue. This is why many visitors crouch or sit in front of the statue for their photos.
In addition to the unique Buddha Head in Tree Roots, this extensive site has many other special features worth exploring. The architectural style in this area, compared to the Ceylonese-style stupas of Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, exhibits Khmer influences from Cambodian architecture.
不過隨著1767年大城的陷落，整個區域內的建築都有受到破壞且幾乎沒有一尊完好的佛像，足以想像當時大城淪陷後居民生活的慘烈程度。在遺跡穿梭時，內心難免有些感慨，光從殘餘的建築中，就能遙想14世紀時這裡曾經是如此繁榮，如今這些古蹟除了反映了時光的侵蝕，同時還展現出戰爭的慘烈面貌。
However, with the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767, the entire area suffered extensive damage, and nearly all the Buddha statues were left in ruins. This devastation vividly illustrates the harsh realities faced by the inhabitants after Ayutthaya’s collapse. Wandering through the ruins, one cannot help but feel a sense of melancholy. From the remnants of these structures, it’s possible to imagine the prosperity of the 14th century, and now these monuments reflect not only the ravages of time but also the brutal impacts of war.
