Jenny Sky Is The Limit

Ayutthaya, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, held a special allure for me. Nestled close to the historical wonders of the Ayutthaya Historical Park, my charming abode, Silp-Pa, provided easy access to the myriad of sites.

On my first day, I strolled amidst the ruins within the islands, eager to cover as much ground as possible. However, a unique challenge presented itself upon my arrival: English was scarcely spoken in Ayutthaya. Communication became an engaging dance of gestures, adding an extra layer of intrigue to my exploration.

In my quest to explore Ayutthaya’s historical richness, my daily walks became a mosaic of guidance from various sources. Drawing on insights from Lonely Planet, pre-trip research on YouTube maps generously provided by the hotel, and the ever-reliable Google Maps app, I embarked on a four-hour stroll through the city’s captivating historical tapestry.

The proclamation of the Ayutthaya Historical Park as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991 served as a catalyst for my visit to this city. Strategically located at the confluence of three rivers; Mae Nam, Chao Phraya, and Pa-Sak.  Ayutthaya’s unique island geography served as a natural barrier against invasion. Moreover, from 1350 to 1767, it flourished as a hub for trade until the invasion by the Burmese in 1767. This historical tapestry became a captivating exploration of resilience and cultural richness.

Inside the Island Sites: Unveiling the Treasures of Ayutthaya’s Historical Enclaves

• Wat Mahathat: The Mystique at the “Temple of the Great Relic” At the entry fee of 50 baht, Wat Mahathat stands as one of Ayutthaya’s most renowned temples. Housing a sandstone Buddha head intricately entwined within the roots of a bodhi tree, this iconic site holds a captivating allure. Wat Mahathat was a grand testament to the Ayutthaya Kingdom’s magnificence. The central prang, a distinctive feature in many temple ruins, adds to the site’s historical grandeur. During my visit, I dedicated around 50 minutes to wander through the intricate ruins, absorbing the spiritual and cultural richness embedded in every corner.

• Wat Ratchaburana: A Journey of Intricate Lotus Carvings!.  A mere 9-minute journey from Wat Mahathat led me to the remarkable Wat Ratchaburana. With an entry fee of 50 baht, this temple boasts intricately carved lotus details, adding a unique touch to its architectural splendour. Venturing beyond the surface, I ascended inside the prang, immersing myself in the mesmerising surroundings. A visit to the crypt, though not recommended for those afraid of heights, provided a daring experience. Wat Ratchaburana stood as a testament to Ayutthaya’s architectural finesse and historical depth.

• Wat Thammikarat: A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Ayutthaya!.  A spontaneous 25-minute stroll from Wat Ratchaburana led me to Wat Thammikarat. Despite not being on my initial list, this lesser-visited gem quickly became a cherished discovery. With an entry fee of 50 baht, it presented itself as a working temple, a testament to its enduring spiritual significance. Unexpectedly, I found myself in the presence of a monk upon entering the chapel. Contrary to my expectations, he warmly greeted me. This encounter felt truly special, challenging my preconceived notions. The monk graciously invited me to his post, performed a soothing chant, and adorned my wrist with a bracelet, a truly serene and unexpected moment. Among the remarkable ruins, a chedi stood out, surrounded by imposing lion statues. Notably, rooster statues dotted the landscape, each telling a tale of a historic cockfight between Burmese and Ayutthaya royals. Wat Thammikarat, hidden and rich in cultural tales, left an indelible mark on my Ayutthaya exploration.

• Wat Phra Si Sanphet:  Resilience in Ayutthaya’s Grandeur. A brief 15-minute stroll from Wat Thammikarat brought me to the remnants of Wat Phra Si Sanphet. This sprawling temple, once home to a magnificent 16-meter-high gold-covered Buddha, bore witness to a tragic fate. In parallel to the Spanish conquest of the Incas, Burmese conquerors set up the temple in 1767, intending to melt down the golden Buddha. Despite the historical tragedy, Wat Phra Si Sanphet perseveres, retaining three distinctively comprehensive engravings that provide a glimpse into its grandeur and the cultural richness of Ayutthaya’s past. The echoes of its history lingered as I explored the site, marvelling at the resilience embedded in its enduring remnants.

NEXT DAY Journeying Through Heritage: Tuk-Tuk Exploration of Ayutthaya’s Off-Island Treasures

With a tighter schedule on the next day, as I had plans to travel to Lop Buri in the afternoon, I opted for a time-efficient solution. I hired a tuk-tuk for two hours at 200 baht per hour, enlisting its services to take me to three off-island sites. The arrangement also included dropping me off at the train station, streamlining my exploration before the onward journey.

• Wat Lokaya Sutha: The Majesty of the Reclined Buddha – “Temple of the Earth”.  Wat Lokaya Sutha, the wonders unfolded to me without a price tag!. The highlight, undoubtedly, is the awe-inspiring 42-meter Reclined Buddha statue. This majestic sight, adorned in a vibrant orange cloth, stands in stark contrast to the surrounding ruins. While the central tower remains a testament to the temple’s historical significance, the bases of a few buildings are the sole remnants of their former glory. Wat Lokaya Sutha, free of charge yet rich in cultural splendour, provides an unforgettable encounter with Ayutthaya’s spiritual and architectural heritage.

• Wat Chaiwatthanaram: Majestic Ruins Enveloped in History.  A nominal entry fee of 50 baht granted me access to the impressive ruins of Wat Chaiwatthanaram. This site unfolds as a marvel, with a central podium embraced by eight towering structures. The sheer grandeur of Wat Chaiwatthanaram immerses visitors in the rich historical tapestry of Ayutthaya.

• Wat Phanan Choeng: A Breathtaking Farewell to Ayutthaya.  My final visit in Ayutthaya, Wat Phanan Choeng, an active Buddhist temple, left an indelible impression. Its most prominent feature is the 19-meter Golden Buddha, encircled by an array of 84,000 small Buddha images, wow. The sight of this colossal statue rendered me speechless, an awe-inspiring and wonderful farewell to the cultural richness of Ayutthaya.

Conclusion of Ayutthaya Escapade

A Worthwhile Expedition Despite Language Barriers As my time in Ayutthaya concluded the only lingering challenge was the slight sense of being lost in communication with the locals due to my limited Thai language skills. However, this minor hurdle did little to diminish the overall worthiness of my visit. The enriching experiences amidst Ayutthaya’s historical wonders lingered, paving the way for my next adventure in Lop Buri, an anticipation fueled by the promise of engaging in some delightful “monkey business.”

“Happiness cannot be travelled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude ..” Denis Waitley

Love from

❤️

Jenny 😊