Taxila

country. Pakistan

year of inscription. 1980

criteria. Cultural

From the ancient Neolithic tumulus of Saraikala to the ramparts of Sirkap (2nd century B.C.) and the city of Sirsukh (1st century A.D.), Taxila illustrates the different stages in the development of a city on the Indus that was alternately influenced by Persia, Greece and Central Asia and which, from the 5th century B.C. to the 2nd century A.D., was an important Buddhist centre of learning.

Historic City of Ayutthaya

country. Thailand

year of inscription. 1991

criteria. Cultural

The Historic City of Ayutthaya is located in the province of the same name. Founded in 1350, Ayutthaya was the second capital of the Kingdom of Siam. From thence until the 18th century CE, it was a splendid cosmopolitan city, a centre of global diplomacy and trade, characterised by monumental buildings and religious structures. The eclectic Ayutthaya style of architecture and art, which marries the earlier Sukhothai style with foreign influences, continues to be influential in Thailand today. In 1767, the Burmese invaded and razed the city to the ground, expelling all its residents, leaving the site as it is today.

Borobudur Temple Compounds

country. Indonesia

year of inscription. 1991

criteria. Cultural

This Buddhist temple, located in the province of Central Java, dates back to the 8th and 9th century CE. Constructed during the Syailendra Dynasty, its architecture reflects Buddhist concepts of cosmology. It is composed of three tiers: a base of five concentric square terraces, a middle trunk of a cone with three circular platforms, and topped by a stupa. Its walls and balustrades are decorated with carved reliefs, and on the circular platforms are 72 stupas, each containing a statue of Buddha. The temple was abandoned sometime during the 15th century CE, rediscovered in the 19th century CE, and restored in the 20th century CE.

Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns

country. Thailand

year of inscription. 1991

criteria. Cultural

The Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns consists of three closely related ancient towns: Sukhothai, Si Satchanalai, and Kamphaeng Phet. The first two are in Sukhothai province while the third is located in Kamphaeng Phet province. Sukhothai was the capital of the first Kingdom of Siam, which existed in the 13th and 14th century CE, while Si Satchanalai was its spiritual centre. Kaemphaeng Phet, located at the kingdom’s southern border, was an important frontier city. The large number of monuments, buildings and temples, and architectural designs found here are distinctly Buddhist and represent the beginning of Thai architecture and art, known as the “Sukhothai style”.

Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex

country. Thailand

year of inscription. 2005

criteria. Natural

The Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex is composed of five near-contiguous protected areas - Khao Yai National Park, Thap Lan National Park, Pang Sida National Park, Ta Phraya National Park, and Dong Yai Wildlife Sanctuary - spread across the provinces of Saraburi, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Rachisima, Prachinburi, Srakaew, and Burirum. The area is home to more than 800 species of fauna, including a number of endangered ones.