5:21PM hanging out with the locals in Ayutthya

Adventure with a side of heat stroke. That was what today was all about. It started at 6AM as we caught a turbocharged long tail boat for the 5-hour boat ride up the Chao Phraya river from Bangkok to the old capitol of Ayutthya.

It was a chance to experience the ‘Venice of the Far East’ part of Thailand, on Buddha’s birthday no less, and it didn’t disappoint. Navigating the countless narrow klongs(canals) along the way, we got to see what life was like along the river. People hanging out on their porches. Many houses only reachable by boat. Old women tending to their water gardens. Dogs barking as we drove by. Kids swimming to get away from the oppressive heat of the sun.

We stopped for breakfast at a riverside stall and ate fresh street food served in plastic bags while watching the giant catfish breach in search of food. Then back up the river.

Many hours later after passing dozens upon dozens of new temples, we arrived at Wat Chai Watthanaram in Ayutthya. Absolutely stunning. These massive temple ruins originally built by the king in honor of his mother in the 1600s pierce the blue sky along the water’s edge. Steep steps lead up to towering temples and headless Buddhas line the walls from one end to the other. Quiet, peaceful and relaxing.

This and many of the other ruins all over Ayutthya are like mini versions of Angkor Wat. They dot the landscape all around this ancient city. There’s the giant sleeping Buddha at Wat Lokayasutharam, the Buddha tree, the Royal Palace and on and on and on. If you visit Bangkok, its worth the trip up to the old capitol to see history untouched.

Happy birthday Buddha.