Ayutthaya

We came to Ayutthaya directly from Ko Jum. Richard got us a good flight from Krabi to Don Mueang International in Bangkok. Our driver picked us up and two hours later we were at our accommodation. It was like clockwork. Everything was so easy!

We stayed at Phuttal Residence in a traditional style house next to the Muang river. There are a few villas/rooms on the property. It was quiet (except for the sounds that woke Richard every morning at 4am–see earlier post). The only downsides were the obvious— hot, humid weather and mosquitoes. We had a dramatic thunderstorm that lit up the sky the night after we returned from browsing and eating our way through the night market. It was fun to watch the storm. Though we did spend some time wondering how well grounded our Villa was.

Ayutthaya was the ancient second capital city of the Kingdom of Siam. One day we took a tuk tuk tour to see some of the extensive ruins and ancient temples the city is famous for: Wat Mahathat with the Buddha’s face sculpted into tree roots, Wat Chaiwatthanarum with its vast ruins, and Wat Lokaya Sutha with its 42m long reclining Buddha.

The next day we took a longtail boat tour on the river to see some more of the temples. Wat Phutthaisawan with its incredible roosters was one of the temples on this second tour. It’s an interesting temple complex but you have to stay aware of the street dogs and guard yourself. I went to have a look at a second courtyard off to the side of the main area and, returning, I had to walk between snarls and growls from dogs that were a little too close. Luckily Richard was there to fend them off.

Here are some more pics: