I only had one solid day for tourism in Ayutthaya and a too-long list of places I was dying to see.
While eating deliciously authentic green curry at Sai Thong River Restaurant the previous night, I saw two beautiful white towers on the other side of the river. Once the sun set, the towers lit up, glowing like beacons amongst the trees.
In the morning, I asked my driver about "white prangs" across the river and, once he finally understood what I was asking, became quite enthusiastic.
Concerned about the time, however, I pointed to his watch and motioned at the places circled on my map. He pointed to several places I had circled that he considered "not most good" and then pointed to Wat Phutthaisawan, which earned the generous title of "most good." Figuring he would know better than I would, I was easily swayed.
When we arrived at the complex, which was much larger than I expected, my driver pointed excitedly at the two prangs: "White prang! White prang again! Take you time, be happy!" Indeed, I will.
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| Wat Phutthaisawan during construction of the new white prang. Source: Google Maps Street View |
The white tower in the foreground is much smaller and quite new.
It is not a full prang, just a prang-shaped tower on top of a modern Thai building.
The building is guarded by many sculptures, including Naga along the bannister.
Out front, some fabulous plastic roosters greet the visitors and harbor in good fortune.
The interior walkways are lined by chedi rai (small votive stupas) and spirit houses, which welcome the buddha spirits and house ancestors. Flower wreaths are draped over them to pay respects and bring good fortune.
Behind the more modern buildings up front, several paths wind further into the complex and further into history.
by Sarah Bond-Yancey
For more photos of incredible Thailand, check out the full Wat Phutthaisawan album.
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