Although I was lying down with the lights out for
about 3 hrs, I didn't get much sleep - maybe an hour or so all up. I met Jane and Sylvain at breakfast, and we
discussed our options for the day. We eventually decided to call the travel
agent Sherry had put us onto and organised a 10am pick up to take us on the Ayutthaya
tour for 2250 Baht (AUD70). Our first stop was at the Bang Pa-In Palace, also
known as Summer Palace, which dates back to the 17th Century. There
are several different buildings, places and lakes that make up the complex.
We
were then taken to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the old temples in
Ayutthaya province. The main attraction
is the Historic City of Ayutthaya which includes the Strangled Buddha,
reclining Buddha and the Bronze Buddha.
Lunch
was had at the Krungsri River Hotel restaurant for an extra 1000 Baht. Although this seems quite expensive, it was an
all-you-can-eat buffet complete with dessert.
It served Thai, Chinese and Italian dishes.
Instead
of taking us back to the hotel, the agent dropped us at the Bangkok
International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC), where FIP Congress was being
held, so we could recce the BTS, or Skytrain system and routes. We each bought Rabbit tickets and loaded it
with enough money for the whole time we are here. The BTS is a nice clean, air conditioned,
regular tram system. It took about 30
minutes from BITEC to the nearest BTS station to the hotel. Together with the walk from the station to
hotel, total journey time is about 45-50 mins, taking into consideration the
slowest mover!
As
we were walking back into the hotel driveway, we noticed an Italian restaurant right
there so went in to check out the menu and prices. We decided that we would eat there but wanted
to freshen-up first. I had a carbonara
pizza which was quite delicious, washed down with a couple of local beers. Total cost for my dinner was 570 Baht! Was sleeping
by about 10pm!
Our guide with the Summer Palace story board
A very old tree
A miniature shrine
Tevaraj-Kanlai Gate - separates the inner and outer palaces
Divine seat of personal freedom
The sages lookout
Topiary elephants
I am so beautiful!
Royal Residence
One of the many temples
Lots of Buddhas - dressed in yellow which is the current King's birth colour (Monday)
A temple/shrine
The Strangles Buddha
Phra Nakhom Si Ayutthaya Historical Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The temple housing the Bronze Buddha
The Bronze Buddha
Bronze Buddha stats
Reclining Buddha
The BTS Rabbit ticket
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