Road Trip to the Ancient Capital

Carol and I took a day trip to the ancient city of Ayutthaya – about 2 hours north of Bangkok. Ayutthaya in short, is one of Thailand's historical highlights. Serving as the Thai capital for 417 years (1350 -1767), it was once glorified as one of the biggest cities in Southeast Asia. During the 17th century, most foreign visitors to Ayutthaya, traders or diplomats alike, claimed Ayutthaya to be the most illustrious and glittering city that they had ever visited. It was actually compared the city in size and wealth to Paris in its time.

Today, there are but groups of crumbling ruins and rows of headless Buddhas where an empire once thrived. But the temples are still amazing, even if in disrepair.

The three pagodas of Wat Phra Si Sanphet house the remains of King Borommatrailokanat, King Borommarachathirat III and King Ramathibodi II. We climbed to the top of one of the temples - a precarious climb at best, because the steps are only about 5 inches wide. This is why you see me hanging on to the sides (fear of heights sometimes challenges my curiosity).


The amount of detail in these structures is simply incredible. No matter where in the world I go, whenever I visit an ancient city I am unequivocally flabbergasted that these large, intricate structures were actually built with simple tools and hands. See all of the tiers in the temple at left? Amazing.

I still owe you all an entry on Phuket and Koh Phi Phi. But there are so many photos and so much to tell, I have been a bit lazy to sit and write it all. Soon I promise. Life is keeping me quite busy here. I never expected to slide so easily into an active social life with so many fascinating people and so much to see. Sometimes I have to remind myself I am here to work and not play!




Having a grand time...but still missing you all,
Joanna