ABA - Si Mahosot Junket (Prachin Buri)

Bicycle ride from Ayutthaya to the old Dvaravati City of Si Mahosot over Ongkharak in Nakhon Nayok Province and back, including two bike rides in the area. The complete tour takes 5 active days.

Mueang Si Mahosot dates back to the 5th to 12th centuries and is situated on high land about 20 metres above sea level. The north and the west bordered lowlands, along an area that was once a shoreline. The area was rich with alluvial soil, fertile, and suitable for agriculture. The wide flat plains on the south and west sides were residential areas that could be conveniently expanded. The Bang Pakong River and its tributaries provided access to the sea and overseas communities, such as the ancient Khmer Kingdom, and played a key role in community development and contact with other civilisations. No major river ran past Si Mahosot; there were only canals and marshes. During certain times of the year, groundwater became an important source of water for consumption. There are traces of ponds and wells throughout the town.

Archaeological findings from around the town of Si Mahosot suggest that there had been communities in this area from before the 5th century A.D., possibly as far back as the 1st century. They had the fundamental characteristics of agricultural villages that traded with and assimilated the cultures of outside communities. Other archaeological remnants show that Mueang Si Mahosot was densely populated and continued to develop until the 12th century before it eventually declined. The town of Si Mahosot probably served as the political, administrative, and socio-economic centre, with surrounding agricultural communities serving as the sources of agricultural supplies that fed the townspeople. ln addition, the location of Si Mahosot was appropriate as a port town with access by land and water routes to nearby areas. There was evidence that residents were both Buddhists and Hindus. Religious sites found in the town belong to the Saivite and Vaishnava sects of Hinduism. Those found outside the town's limits belong to Buddhism of both the Theravada and Mahayana sects. A large number of religious sites and sculptured icons have been found.