|
This ruin of the royal residence for summer
retreats is on the east bank of the Pasak River. It was used by various
Kings of Ayutthaya as a temporary camp en route a visit to the Lord
Buddha’s Footprint in Saraburi or a trip to Lopburi. Prince Damrong
surmised that this residence was built during the reign of King Song
Tham when the Footprint was discovered. The original building was later
strengthened with brick and plaster during the reign King Prasat Thong.
According to the royal annals, King Prasat Thong sent artists to Khmer
in 1631 to copy the plan of a Khmer prasat from the capital city of
Angkor Thom, hence the name Phra Nakhon Luang. However, only a
simplified version of the original prasat was constructed and is
currently a part of a temple where the monks help to keep the building
in a state of good repair.
Aranyik Village
The name "Aranyik" is traditionally related to the history of the
Ayutthaya period, when wars were fought in hand-to-hand battles.
Aranyik village emerged as a place where sword smiths specialised in
battle swords worked. To this day, Aranyik Village remains at the
forefront as the country’s leading producer of hand made, high-quality
knives and swords
Now also noted for its five-star OTOP products,
Aranyik has diversified its product range to suit modern-day markets
and requirements. Cutlery, dinnerware and other table accessories are
produced and exported. These represent another great tradition that
thrives even in modern times.
Production is in the villages of Ban Ton Pho and
Ban Pai Nong. However, the OTOP Village is located at Ban Sarai, Tha
Chang Sub-District, Nakhon Luang District. It is here that visitors can
take a closer look at how Aranyik knives and other related products and
made while exploring the villagers’ remarkably charming traditional way
of life. Homestay accommodation is available.
To Get There
The village is now accessible by bus from Chao Phrom Market in Phra
Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. Take the bus with a sign reading “Ayutthaya–Tha
Ruea”, which runs along the Asia Highway (Highway No.32) towards Nakhon
Sawan, pass beyond Somdet Phra Sangkharat Hospital for about 100
metres, turn left under the bridge across the Pa Sak River towards
Amphoe Nakhon Luang and follow the direction signs. A boat trip is also
available from in front of Chanthara Kasem Palace backward against the
Pa Sak River via the Military Arsenal Department’s explosives plant and
Amphoe Nakhon Luang, respectively. The boat trip takes approximately 2
hours.
 |
