Architecture

Sukhothai (Mid 13th to 15th Centuries)
It is generally considered the history of Siam as a nation started with the Kingdom of Sukhothai. Furthermore, the most radical architectural leap in Thai history was during this same period - as was witnessed by the development of the towns of Sukhothai and Si Satchanalai.

At this time, Theravada Buddhism arrived in Thailand from Sri Lanka. King Si Intharathit and his successors built the first 'bots' and 'vihans' to house Buddha images amid the sacred ruins of the former Khmer kingdom. Later, bell-shaped 'chedi' reliquary towers, symbolizing the ringing out of the teachings of the Buddha, were added - having been introduced from Sri Lanka.

The wat complexes soon increased in size and vast ones such as Wat Mahathat featured nine or more chedi. The typical layout would include a central chedi (usually a unique lotus-bud style chedi) with smaller chedis surrounding it. The base of the chedi would feature a carved freize of monks walking.

Lanna (Mid 13th to 19th Centuries)
Although some Lanna art and sculpture can be dated as far back as the 11th century, architecturally, the 'northern school' did not begin to make a pronounced contribution until Chiang Mai (the third capital of the Lanna Tai kingdom) was founded in 1296.

The earliest Lanna style buildings were inspired by Dvaravati architecture and then later by Sukhothai, Indian and Sri Lankan styles. The so-called 'golden age' was during the 14th and 15th centuries, though unfortunately, very few buildings remain from this period. In larger northern towns, such as Chiang Mai, the design of wats during the 18th to 19th century often featured intricate woodcarvings - in addition to colorful murals and gilded chofas.

The finest example from the Lanna period is undoubtedly the very beautiful Wat Lampang Luang situated just outside Lampang town.

	Khmer (9th to 13th Century)
	Ayutthaya (Mid 14th to late 18th Centuries)
	Rattanakosin (Late 18th Century to present)

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