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Wang Lang

Wang Lang

Wang Lang lies beside Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya west wall in the area of Excise Department’s brewery, now Ministry of Finance, opposite to Wat Kasatratirat.The name Wang Lang first appeared in royal annals in the reign of King Maha Chakkraphat when the throne was passed to King Mahinthrathirat. At first it was a royal garden outside the palace for kings to relax sometimes called “Suan Luang”, meaning royal garden in Thai. In that time it might have been just a residence and then renovated it to be a palace in the reign of King Thammarachathirat (1569-1590), the same time King Naresuan the Great had Chantrakasem Palace built and gave it to Ekatosarot, his little brother.”Wang Na”, front palace in Thai, is Chantrakasem Palace, located in front of the main palace and “Wang Lang”, rear palace in Thai, or Wang Suan Luang. Wang Na and Wang Lang lie besides each other since ancient times so they are called “Wang Na and Wang Lang. “Wang Lang became just a residence for royal family, unlike Chantrakasem Palace which was a residence for the king sometimes. This was the reason why there were not many significant things built here since Ayutthaya Period except Wat Suang Luang Sob Sawan and Chedhi Sri Suriyotai.Another interesting thing around this area are Chedhi Sri Suriyotai, a squared-based stupa with 12-indented corners. Its base is bright white contrasted with its radiant golden body. Looking straight from the stupa is captivating view of Chaopraya River and over the bridge to outside Koh Muang is Wat Kasatratirat opposite the river. If visiting Ayutthaya downtown, trying new fresh thing going around its uptown is recommended. Besides archaeological places sightseeing and Thai heroine stupa, you can see the gorgeous view of Chaophraya riverside. Recommended time to visit is evening, it will be a great experience watching sunset here.