The first class bus was almost empty when we left the mobbed Bangkok Northern Bus Station also known as Mochit. But as we are nearing the idyllic province of Ayutthaya passengers picked up along the highway filled the bus. I looked outside the window and noticed the view has transformed from scenic farmlands to quaint villages.
To say that I am excited is an understatement. I am about to experience something which nothing in my life has prepared for me. It was my first solo international trip. After landing in Bangkok, I was out of the bustling capital of Thailand in a few days. Another glimpse at the window and the sight of an old fashioned stupa started to raise my adrenaline more.
"Left or right", I mumbled. Most ruins are located in the northwest side of the city while accommodations lie on the north-east.
In Thailand, I find asking the locals a bit of a challenge due to language barrier but I decided I should give it a shot again.
"You can walk to the ruins", the Thai store owner convinced me. Indeed, it was a brief walk to get to the major road called U-Thong, named after the first King of Ayutthaya.
History of Ayutthaya
Officially
named as Siam, Ayutthaya is nestled in the valley of the Chao Praya River in
Thailand. The old Siamese kingdom was known as one of the most prominent
and wealthiest empire of the East, existing from 1350 to 1767. It
established an amiable relationship with every foreign trader from China,
Vietnam, Portugal, India, Mexico, France, Japan, and Netherlands until its fall
from the hands of Burmese invaders. Ayutthaya was declared a UNESCO
World Heritage Site in 1991.
Touring Ayutthaya
Unlike other archaeological parks where settlements and commercial buildings are prohibited from being constructed close to the park to better preserve its heritage, in Ayutthaya, the old and the new world mingle together. A day trip from Bangkok is possible, considering it is only about 2 hours away. A scenic and cheaper alternative is riding a train. The city is best explored cheaply by bike which can be rented from one of the shops nearby. Alternatively, tourists can hire a tuktuk or motorbike, but most visitors flock the historical park riding tourist bus from Bangkok.
Ayutthaya Historical Park houses many stupa, chedi, and Buddha statues. Among the notable temples are Wat Chaiwatthanaram,Wat Ratchaburana,Wat Mahathat,Wat Phra Ram,Wat Phu Kao Thong, and Wat Yai Chaimongkon. As most temples are left in ruins, there's no dress code, only reminders posted in the park to avoid climbing the ruins and Buddha statues. Entrance fees starts at 50 Bhat while others are free.
The
best time to visit Ayutthaya is by December because of several activities held
depicting the history of the fallen Siam Kingdom. When I visited
Ayutthaya in 2009, I was offered a ticket for a night show where Wat
Mahathat (one of the many temples inside the archaeological park)
was lighted at night. The Ayutthaya light and sound show
beautifully reproduced the atmosphere of the Ayutthaya Empire period of 417
years.
To
appreciate the ruins of the Ayutthaya Kingdom one needs to understand the
Buddhist belief system, the importance of the river and canal systems in the
lives and trades of the early inhabitants of the old Siam Kingdom as well as
the strengths and weaknesses of its leaders and people.
I
was beaming as I approached U-Thong Road.
Behind a manicured garden with red brick walls lies a majestic towering
prang inspired by Khmer architecture. The main chedi is adorned with stucco
images of garuda and other mythical
animals that live in Himavana forest.
On
the other side of the street fronting the main entrance of Wat Ratchaburana, a signage "Bike for Rent"
hanging on the coffee shop caught my eye. I can see another amazing adventure in the making.
How
to get to Ayutthaya:
By
train: The cheapest way to get to Ayutthaya (3rd class 20 Bhat ; 2-2.5 hours)
By
bus: There are daily buses to Ayutthaya from Northern Bus Terminal in Bangkok (60Bhat;
2hours)
By
mini-van: There are mini vans operating in Victory Monument in Bangkok
About
the Author: Gael Hilotin is a female solo traveler. Her (mis)adventures are documented
in her blog The Pinay Solo Backpacker.
