Chaiya ancient city          One thousand years ago Chaiya was the most important city - state in the area of Ban Don Gulf. There are many archaeological sites and monuments in the area, such as Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya, Wat Wiang, Wat Long, Wat Kaew, Laem Pho, etc. Artifacts from thesesites include polished stone tools, kettle drums, beads, inscriptions, ceramic wares, Hindu and Buddhist figures, votive tablets, stupa, etc.          The archaeological evidence indicates that the city of Chaiya was a human settlement dating back to the prehistoric period. In its early history, Chaiya was in contact with China and India. Religious sculptures showing Indian influence and the ruins of monuments from the 5th - 9th centuries indicate that Chaiya village societies had developed into a city - state. The famous arts and culture of Chaiya, known as "Srivijaya", were influenced by Mahayana Buddism. National Museum Chaiya          This museum developed from the collection of a genius monk, Phrakhru Sophonjetasikaram the abbot of Borommathat temple near the museum. He collected many artifacts found at Chaiya, an ancient city which might have had its beginning around 500 A.D. or 1500 years ago. In 1935 the Fine Arts Department incorporated this museum as a branch of the National Museum.