Bright
and early at 6 a.m (Bangkok)., I'm buzzing with anticipation for the adventure ahead! The
tour guide's scheduled to swing by at 7 a.m., marking the start of my
jam-packed one-day tour to Ayutthaya, all neatly pre-booked the day before.
Ayutthaya has held a top spot on my bucket list for as long as I can remember,
so you can bet I'm practically bouncing with excitement (Chonburi to Pattaya). Surrounded by fellow
travelers, all of them seasoned Westerners, I find myself as the lone Indian in
the mix, yet surprisingly, it feels like the perfect fit.
The hour-long journey to Ayutthaya is a
breathtaking sight to behold, like stepping into a real-life postcard, with
lush paddy fields stretching as far as the eye can see. Ayutthaya, a UNESCO
World Heritage Centre, whispers tales of its illustrious past, even as its
ancient ruins stand as silent witnesses, drawing visitors from every corner of
the globe.
Our first stop? Bang Pa-In Palace,
affectionately known as the Summer Palace. We receive our briefing at the
entrance, with the delightful option to either wander on foot or indulge in a
breezy buggy ride. While most opt for a leisurely stroll, I decide to treat
myself to the buggy - a choice I'm already patting myself on the back for. With
a cheerful driver at the helm, I zip around the expansive palace grounds,
capturing memories with every turn, and mesmerized by the sheer grandeur of it
all. Upon entry, I quickly learn that decorum is key, so I happily invest in a
traditional Thai sarong for respectful sightseeing.
Bang Pa-In Palace unfolds before me like a
magnificent tapestry, offering a peek into the opulent lives of Thailand's
former royals. From opulent residences to tales of royal extravagance,
including whispers of multiple wives, children, and even mistresses, every
corner exudes history and elegance. Though restricted from entering certain
areas and forbidden from snapping photos in others, the exterior views are
nothing short of picture-perfect.
In less than an hour, I've soaked in all
that Ban Pa-In Royal Palace has to offer. With hunger gnawing at my belly from
skipping breakfast, I make way for the nearby stalls, eagerly satisfying my
cravings before rejoining the group for our next adventure.
Next stop? Wat Mahathat. Located at the
heart of Ayutthaya, it's known as the "Temple Of Great Relics." This
symbolic center dates back to the 14th century A.D. and once housed precious
relics of Buddha. Sadly, it fell to ruins during the Burmese invasion,
explaining why many of the Buddha images are headless. Despite its state today,
Wat Mahathat remains profoundly meaningful and draws countless visitors. Here's
a fascinating tidbit: it's home to Thailand's iconic Buddha head, encased in
the roots of a bodhi tree. Absolutely priceless, leaving you pondering its
mysteries.
From Wat Mahathat, we make our way to Wat
Na Phra Men. This charming temple sits by the riverside of Lopburi and was
spared from destruction during the war, making it a rare gem. Its crowning
glory is the largest Buddha adorned with gold leaf inside the ordination hall.
You'll also find other deity statues and the intriguing "Nine-Faced"
Buddha here. Step into the small sermon hall on the right, and you'll encounter
the Phra Khantharat Buddha image and more deity statues, adding to the temple's
allure.
Nope, we're not finished with temples in
Ayutthaya just yet. Our final stop was Wat Lokayasuthara, home to the largest
reclining Buddha in Ayutthaya, measuring a whopping 32 meters long and 8 meters
high. Impressive, right? We made a quick pitstop here for less than 20 minutes
to marvel at this magnificent sight.
With the official Ayutthaya tour wrapped
up, it was time to head back to Bangkok, cruising down the Chao Phraya River
while enjoying a leisurely lunch onboard. Not a bad spread at all! Once again,
I found myself as the only Indian amidst a sea of Westerners, who weren't
exactly the friendliest bunch. However, I struck up a pleasant conversation
with a young lady from Switzerland and we ended up sitting together for the
cruise.
As I ventured up to the upper deck, I
encountered a group of Italian guys who didn't speak much English, so
communication relied heavily on gestures and a few scattered English words.
After about 20 minutes of attempting conversation, the scorching sun prompted
me to retreat to the cooler lower deck. There, I sipped on coffee and gazed out
the window, taking in the temples and glimpses of Thai
life along the riverside.
Back at the hotel by 5 p.m., I was still
buzzing with energy and eager for more of Bangkok. A quick visit to the travel
agent's office led to booking tickets for the Calypso Cabaret show that evening
and arranging sightseeing for the following day. Stay tuned for the next
chapter of my solo adventure in Bangkok.
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