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  • Writer's pictureEllen

Wandering through a once-thriving ancient city, like I stepped back in time (part 1)

For the weekend, I made plans to travel to the old Thai capital of Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Teacher Parn, a university student who is currently doing her internship at Saikaew school decided to join me (I just scored my local tour guide). We had a 4 hours' bus ride ahead of us, but the service was really nice (Thai lunch and snacks included). Arriving in the late afternoon, we checked in at our hostel Allsum (located well in the centre) and took off to visit some temples in the neighbourhood. Tip: it's best to do activities in the morning or evening, as it's rather hot during the day (and less crowed too).


I think Ayutthaya is a must-see for history buffs visiting Thailand. The Menam, Lopburi, and Pasak rivers ring Ayutthaya Historical Park, the island where most of the temple ruins lie. We were wandering in a peaceful park, enjoying nature to the fullest. We also made a stop at Wat Phra Si Sanphet, meaning “Temple of the Holy, Splendid and Omniscient” in English. It's the loveliest but also the most historically important temple in old Ayutthaya. The site is comprised of three ancient chedis, or chapels, these ruins being all that was left of the temple after it was destroyed by the Burmese in 1767. The steps here are steep and the architecture breathtaking. Slide through the pictures and see for yourself!


Since we did quite some steps - yes, more than 10.000 thank you Fitbit - and it gets dark early (it's also winter or 'cold' season in Thailand, funny naming while 30 degrees every day) it was time for some dinner. We passed by a local market, trying my first real pad Thai. Again something new to add on my list of favorite things to eat here (next to the sweet tiny bananas & papaya).



That was it for the evening, we were a bit tired so it was time to head back to our hostel. Needed to be fit for the next morning to discover the rest of the beautiful Buddhist temples by bicycle.


Read on and check out the next part of our culture trip: What the hell, Ayutthaya. Seriously. (part 2).

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