After wrapping up some additional sightseeing in Bangkok on Sunday, we took a two-hour train ride north to Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya is en route to Chiang Mai - our next stop - and the former capital of Thailand, making it home to ruins and tons of temples and former temples. While the train was not air conditioned, our tickets cost less than a dollar each so we braved the heat and watched the Thai countryside pass by.
Sunset somewhere between Bangkok and Ayutthaya.
From the train station we hailed a tuk-tuk to our guest house for the night and were pleasantly surprised at how nice our accommodations were (I know it's cheap in Thailand but spending $25 a night for a nice, comfortable room with all the amenities just doesn't feel right). We walked through town in search of dinner and found a quiet local spot on the water. Not much English was spoken (which makes us nervous only because of Alex's nut allergies) but we managed and had a wonderful meal for less than $15 (I just can't get over it!).
View of the Wat Phanan Choeng, just across the river from our table.
Once we returned to our guesthouse, our host Jaena took the time to greet us and help create a tour for us to see the ruins by bike on Monday. Feeling excited and prepared we headed off to bed to get some sleep before a long day in the sun.
We woke up early and packed up our bags before heading out for Thai iced coffee (made with condensed milk, it is sweet and a really great indulgence at about $1 for a giant cup) to jumpstart the day.
We ended up biking around from temple to temple, stopping only to rest and have some lunch and by late afternoon we were exhausted.
Wat Phra Si Samphet.
Wat Phra Ram.
Lunch beak. Seafood curry in a coconut? Yes, please!
One of the many Buddhas at Wat Maha That.
Same Buddha from another angle.
When our guide said we could "see a Buddha head in the tree over there" we thought it would be a little less literal!
Different Buddha with more ruins of Wat Maha That in the background.
Before heading back to the guesthouse we needed to grab a quick dinner nearby. With limited restaurant options - though food stalls are everywhere - we finally tested out the night market. Alex survived!!! For less than $10 (including tip) we had three entrees and a few beers and also confirmed a few dishes that appear to be 100% nut-free all the time. It's nerve-wracking for Alex to take the first bite of anything here but we are both happy that it has worked out so well so far (knock on wood).
Alex with pad see ew - his new favorite Thai dish.
Jaena was nice enough to let us shower at the guesthouse even though we had checked out in the morning (SO grateful - we were covered in sweat and bug spray and the train to Chiang Mai is overnight, clocking in at 12 hours minimum) so we cleaned up before heading to the train station and saying goodbye.
We only spent 24 hours in Ayutthaya but Alex and I both agreed it was an amazing place that should warrant a stop for anyone traveling through Thailand.