History Made Easy

Many history buffs design itineraries around Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Bagan in Myanmar, or Sukhothai in Central Thailand.  But Ayutthaya is an easy add on to a visit to Bangkok.   The 2nd capitol of Thailand, after Sukhothai,  and before Bangkok, is about an hour and one half from Bangkok.  Multiple tour groups offer packages that usually include travel one way by boat. Low cost independent travel is available by minivan or bus from Mo Chit Bus Station, and by train.

We hired our own guide and driver.  Even that convenient method only cost a bit over 200 dollars with hotel pickup and drop off, all admission tickets, and a great lunch.  As noted in my prior posts, the trip also included the Summer Palace and a local, it touristy, floating market.  But the heart of the day was the temples of Ayutthaya.

Wat Phanan Choeng just outside of the historic park actually was built in 1324, predating the establishment of the Ayutthaya kingdom in 1351.  Unlike the vast ruins, this temple has been preserved and renovated, remaining in near constant use.  Do not miss the robe ceremony.

Think of the Blue Man Group, but with orange silk replacing the endless stream of toilet paper.

If you look carefully you can see Rosyln in the lower left corner.

Viewing the giant Buddha is a heady experience.

Along one wall are hundreds of tiny Buddhas including the ones below.  Can you find the empty square?

Rubbing the wheel until it makes a sound brings good luck.  My smiling wife made it hum.

Ayutthaya contains an endless parade of Stupas and Buddhas, dating from the 14th Century.

 A well perched, bird.

Ayutthaya has its own reclining Buddha, presently sans gold.

An obvious highlight is the buddha enveloped by a tree.

Our guide, Nook, was always there to answer any question.  An official Thai guide is extensively trained, passing a test to get her license.

But the most important questions for Nook, were where, and what, to eat.  She took us to a local favorite,  a large, and blessedly air conditioned, restaurant.  She ordered a wonderful Tom Yam soup made with peanuts instead of the typical coconut milk, and a standout noodle dish.  But my favorites were two dishes I never had in Thailand, fried mushrooms, and a semi-dried beef.