The ruins in Ayutthaya
This trip to Bangkok, I am determined to visit this ancient architecture on my 2nd day; to witness with my eyes and walk the ground with my feet.
1 sgd = 25.01 baht = 0.73 usd
Bangkok does have a beautiful and efficient railway system that connects to most of the major attractions, allowing us to avoid the infamous Bangkok jam that could lead us to being held up for hours on the road. There is a few rail systems in Bangkok, BTS skytrain Sukhumvit line, BTS skytrain Silom Line, MRT, Airport rail link and BRT route. All these stations are interlinked and passengers can transfer between them but different rail system requires different train tickets. Not to worry, they are readily available at the entrance of the gantry.
1st day is my visit to the different attractions along Chao Phraya River which is located just beside Saphan Taksin BTS station (Silom line). The Chao Phraya river tour do provide a ticket that allow tourist to alight and board the boat unlimited times along the river to the said attractions at a 1 time price of 150baht. Also a small booklet will be given, giving us a brief descriptions and direction guide of the attractions that are along the river.
Illustration booklets and ticket for Chao Phraya river tour
Wat Traimit Wittayaram
1 of the different boats along Chao Phraya River
Huge Sleeping Buddha in Wat Pho
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) under construction
A few other typical attractions are Platinum mall (ladies wear and accessories) which is near to Chit Lom BTS station (Sukhumvit line), Terminal 21 and Soi Cowboy (pubs and agogo bars) which are at Sukhumvit BTS station (Sukhumvit line), Patpong night market at Surasak BTS station (Silom Line) and Chatuchak weekend market at Chatuchak Park MRT station.
Many street stores selling accessories
Pratunam Night Market
Negotiation process between customer and Vendor
2nd day is my visit to Ayutthaya, this place situated about 2 hours north of Bangkok and initially i thought it is quite inaccessible to go but the fact is that it isn't.
Alight at Hua Lomphang MRT station and follow the directional sign to Bangkok Railway Station. Tickets can be bought over the counter during non festive or off peak seasons. They do offer a few variety of seatings ranging from 2nd class aircon (with seats and toilet) at 345baht, 2nd class non aircon at 65baht to 3rd class standing/free seating non aircon option at 15baht. Previously foreigners are only allow to buy 2nd class and above but now we can try the 3rd class tickets as well.
Train Ticket to Ayutthaya
The train that goes I took
Just need to tell the ticketing that you're going to Ayutthaya (2hours ride) and they will offer you different ticket options and print out the ticket for you. This train terminates at Chiangmai (about 12hours journey).
Upon reaching Ayutthaya, there will be tuk tuks and taxis that are waiting outside the station eager to bring us to the ruins and attractions but not to worry and if you wanna be more adventurous, just across the road, there are shops offering to rent bicycles at 30baht and motorbikes (scooters) at 200baht. Not much to worry about being scam at these bike shop. From my experience, they allow me to take pictures of my bike before riding off but did not really check for damages upon return.
The authentic railway station
So, i rented a bike at 150baht because I was being considered as a half day rental upon the time of my arrival. They photocopied my passport and filed in their rental records (instead of holding my passport) which they return me upon my return of their bike. All bikes are auto transmission and so no clutch or gear change worries, just need to obey the traffic rules and ride safely. I chose motorbikes as bicycle also shares the same road, the same hazard and it is more energy consuming and tiring and slower. I was given a full tank of petrol (to top up back full upon return, Ron 91) and a site map. Here I go! On my own and ready to explore the ancient architecture sites!
Rented Scooter for easy accessibility
Wat Maha That
Wat Maha That
Wat Worachettharam
Wat Lokayasutha
This was a very satisfying experience, as witnessing these ancient sites personally and walking through the fallen bricks really gives a very different experience as compared to just viewing online. Additionally, with the convenient of a scooter, I am able to visit sites that were not commonly visited by tour groups, seeing the ruins that was not maintained or rebuilt since AD 1767, toppled urns, broken and fallen statues.
Wat Khudeedao (fallen statues)
Spending my last night at 1 of the high, nice scenery bar in Bangkok (64 storeys). The Dome Lebua, Skybar which is around 10mins walk from Saphan Taksin BTS station (Silom line). The place where Hangover 2 was filmed and got to know 3 new friends from India and Japan. A wonderful and joyous with lotsa of laughter night, till we meet again!
The prominent Dome that can be seen from far
Saswadee Kup from India, Japan and Singapore
Next trip is to Beijing, Forbidden City, Great Wall of China and more....
