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Wat Mahathat and the park around it at Sukhothai.Zupernice · CC BY-SA 4.0

05The story

Stone across centuries

Dates of buildings and ruins only: cities founded, towers raised, a railway finished toward the north, then two parks listed in the same year.

  1. 1296

    Chiang Mai is founded as the capital of Lan Na. The name means new city.

  2. About 1345

    The conventional date of the principal stupa at Wat Mahathat in Sukhothai, shaped as a lotus bud.

  3. 1351

    Ayutthaya is founded by Ramathibodi I where the two rivers meet.

  4. Late 14th century

    The mandapa of Wat Si Chum is built by King Maha Thammaracha II.

  5. 1782

    Work on the Grand Palace begins on 6 May, after the capital moves to Bangkok.

  6. 1783

    Work begins on Wat Phra Kaew inside the palace walls.

  7. 1851

    The main prang of Wat Arun is constructed on the west bank.

  8. 1922

    The Northern Line is completed on 1 January, from the capital to Chiang Mai.

  9. 1991

    Ayutthaya Historical Park and the historic towns of Sukhothai are listed as World Heritage.