Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya is the former capital of the kingdom of Siam until it was razed down by Burmese in year 1767. The vast amount of ruins and temple would give you an idea how prosperous it was back in the days. Made a trip to the city of Ayutthaya on 6th & 7th September after the Thai government declared 7th September as a substitute holiday for Songkran festival.
It was a last minute decision to visit Ayutthaya, hence we went for the less conventional local home stay at Athithara Homestay for this trip. Wifey loves to stay near the river, maybe she has a thing for mosquito bite. Anyway, a happy wifey means a happy me.
360 view of the living room
View around the property
View around the property
They raise squirrels here
A nice pavilion outside the living room for me to sit, relax & glares into the far away land. Not that far la, level 2 nia, what you expect? Love the wind though.
View of the pavilion from inside
Living room
Life in a prison in Thailand, just joking. Nice view though.
Decoration from the living room
Here's something you would not get to see from Agoda, see the holes?
Welcome to the buffet party~ (with you as the main dish)
Breakfast provided by the home stay
All in all, I love the environment but make sure your partner is okay with the condition of a home stay. After all, it is a cheap accommodation, what do you expect?
I love Thailand for its slow pace of life outside Bangkok. Ayutthaya is exactly such a place to hang out at. Simply bring along your sunblock lotion or umbrella and explore! My usual SOP, eat some food, check out the temples / attractions, hang out at the coffee house and move on to the next location.
Things you should take note:
Very likely you will need to use the shared bathroom. (I do not remember seeing any room with a stand alone bathroom.)
There will be mosquitoes as it is near the river.
As there are holes everywhere in the room, you might want to pray that it does not rain during night time.
Total cost 1171.46 Thai Baht (SGD 51.09) for one night. Breakfast is included.
Boat Noodle
Ayutthaya is famous for boat noodle, we started off our trip with boat noodle at Lung Lek Boat Noodle. The locals will tell you this is the famous shop, used to be packed with people the last round when I am here but not anymore. I am not quite sure why. Maybe because it is not located right opposite the temples. Had our meals and headed south to the temples while I saw more people eating at other boat noodle stalls.
Lung Lek Boat Noodle taken from Google Map
My Tom yam boat noodle
Bought some Thai satay to prepare ourselves for the long walk later.
Simply cross the road and walk south, you will then arrive at Wat Ratchaburana.
View of Wat Ratchaburana
View from the top
View from inside
Oh ya, you will have to buy tickets to come inside
Withstand the test of time
Next stop, walk further south and we will arrive at Wat Maha That
To be honest, it is not worth it to pay the ticket to enter Wat Maha That. The only reason you would enter is to see the famous Buddha head embedded in Banyan tree.
View of Wat Maha That inside
View of Wat Maha That inside
View of Wat Maha That inside
The famous Buddha head
I think I came here to enjoy the kiwi smoothie @ Sanho at Ayutthaya
River view from Sala Ayutthaya, opposite is Wat Phutthai Sawan
Chalawan Pale Ale, 5%
Bold yet smooth, this award-winning beer features
notes of tropical lychee and citrus
Regret ordering this beer, might as well drink my favorite Heineken.
Khao Pad Pla Salid Hor Kai
Wok-fried jasmine rice with local salted fish, hot basil and chili, topped with salted fish
and accompanied with a Thai omelet
This is not bad, remember to mix the basil and chili with the fried rice and eat with the fish, else it can be quite bland.
Goong Mae Nam Sauce Makham
Locally-caught Ayutthaya river prawns, golden fried in crispy batter and served
with tamarind sauce, fried shallots and dried chili
Another regret, I should have gone for the sea bass.
Paying for the view.
The view after the sunset is great
Mango Sticky Rice
Coconut Ice Cream Tad Boran
A traditional Thai dessert of chiffon cake with coconut ice cream and jackfruit
Actually wanted to stay at Sala Ayutthaya but it is fully booked, if you do not want to spend too much and still want to enjoy the view, you might want to come after 7pm and only order dessert & drinks instead.
Inside Wat Phutthai Sawan
Inside Wat Phutthai Sawan
Inside Wat Phutthai Sawan
Inside Wat Phutthai Sawan
Sleeping Buddha hiding somewhere
We took grab car and visited Wat Phutthai Sawan which is located opposite Sala Ayutthaya the following day before heading home. Spent all my money on dinner last night, hence we ate free breakfast from the home stay and simple lunch from eateries near the bus/van terminal. Till next time!