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In 1998 , the temple was awarded “ Architecture of the Year .” Designed as a symbol of peace , the temple aims to promote inner peace , unity , and a love of mankind . The exterior comprises 300,000 tightlypacked statues of the Buddha , with 700,000 more inside . The temple area holds one million worshippers , in a space as grand as the Vatican ' s or of Mecca ' s . This is , indeed , a place for meditation .
On Sundays , and at the Makha Bucha festival ( at the full moon of the third lunar month , February 11 , 2017 ) worshippers circle the temple three times , holding flowers , incense , or a lighted candle . Makha Bucha celebrates the ordination of 1,250 monks who , as disciples of the Buddha , carried Buddhism forward to the world .
After exploring Bangkok , travel 40 miles north to the island of Ayutthaya , Siam capital for four centuries . Here , magnificent ruins abound at the juncture of the Lopburi , Chao Phraya ( River of Kings ), and Pa Sak rivers .
Founded in 1350 , as refuge from a smallpox contagion , Ayutthaya was destroyed by the Burmese army in 1767 . In the 1700s , it grew to one million people , among the world ' s largest cities . A “ Venice of the East ,” it was once deemed “ the world ' s most beautiful place .” In , 1981 , it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site .
The Ayutthaya Heritage Park contains remnants of hundreds of temples and holy stupas ( many are reliquaries , containing monks ' ashes ). The amalgam of Khmer and Sukothai architecture is stunning . Highlights include the Golden Buddha , gigantic bronze statues of Wat Mongkol Borpith , and a totemic Buddha head entwined in the roots of a fig tree .
Thailand is renowned for refined visual and kinetic aesthetics . Dance forms are sublime . Muay Thai ( martial arts kickboxing ) employs graceful leaps . Even the artisanship of children ' s kites is rhythmic .
Thailand , once home to Bronze Age settlements , evolved to become “ The Land of Free Men ,” as a country , in 1939 . Visit in cool months . Become acquainted with local customs , to ensure respectful observance of Thailand ' s heritage . Start packing . The world is waiting to meet you .
[ The text and photograph represent the actual travel experience of the writer .]