Ayuthaya

Ayuthaya 087
Originally uploaded by emilymeyerson

Went to Ayuthaya last weekend for a night. It is just an 1.5 hour train or van journey. Ayuthaya is an ancient capital of Siam from 1350 to1767 when it was invaded and destroyed by the Burmese Army.

The current city has developed around the ancient one so as you ride around town you see all these old ruins. Ride, yes I mean Bike ride. The temples are so spread out and large the best way to get around is by bike. So beater one speed and me had a great time pedaling for the first time in months.

The large temple grounds are quiet and peaceful. Many people come to Ayuthaya for the day from Bangkok so spending the night was wonderful. We took an afternoon boat ride around the island (the old city is on an island where three major rivers come together which is why this town was an important port city for trade). The boat stopped at few of the temples that were not on the island. The lighting in the afternoon made for some amazing photos.

Whenever you say Ayuthaya to Thai people they always say "it is hot there". Boy, were they right. It was hot. But it was a great little getaway from the urban world.

If you click on the photo above you will find a bunch more photos from Ayuthaya on my flicker site.