Bangkok, Thailand - Ayutthaya - February 2020

 It was somewhat different flying back to Bangkok. By now, the world was aware of the coronavirus news, especially traveling around Asia. More people wearing masks in the airport and on our flight. When arriving at Bangkok airport, we noticed there was a separated entrance for "Chinese passport holders" which was not there when we first arrived two weeks earlier.  We also noticed that there were not many Chinese tourists and in general, fewer tourists on Bangkok streets.

Bangkok: We stayed near the Grand Palace this time. It's a short walk to Khao San Road from our hotel. We soon discovered Khao San Road is known for its night market, street food and a major tourist destinations in Thailand. In this small area, there are a few busy streets packed with shops selling handicrafts, fruit, food vendors, along with regular restaurants and bars. 

Attractive "noodle" cart

A well establish restaurant

Skewed BBQ crocodile meat

Fried insect/bug on a stick, a popular snack on Khao San Road

We took a relaxing trip down the floating market one afternoon. 

Ready for the floating market

Sign along the river

Shrine by the river

A village temple

Orchid farm near the floating market

Orchid farm 

A popular river residence 

We visited a few tourist attractions the next day while waiting to meet up with Kurt and Lyn.

The Phra Sumen Fort

Fort history

Surrounding area of the fort - Santichaiprakan park 

Santichaiprakarn Park

View of Rama VIII Bridge from the fort

A huge flower market not far from the fort

An orchid stall in the flower market

Wat Sommanat near Democracy Monument

Kurt and Lyn arrived from Myanmar a few days later. We took a day trip to the ancient capital of Siam, Ayutthaya (Kingdom), about 70km north of Bangkok.  

Ayutthaya, an UNESCO World Heritage Site called Ayutthaya historical park surrounded by many famous temple ruins. But once upon a time Ayutthaya was a major city, cultural and commercial hub. The city was largely left abandoned after the neighboring Burmese razed it.  Later, new capital was founded, close to modern day Bangkok. Because of its close proximity from Bangkok, Ayutthaya is a popular day trip choice.

Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon

Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, a Buddhist temple in Ayutthaya historical park

Monastery ground - Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon

Ayutthaya - Phai Ling district eastern area

Wat Phra Ram, a small temple in Ayutthaya city center

Wat Phra Maha That in Ayutthaya Historical Park

 Buddha's heads is enveloped in the tree trunk at Wat Phra Maha That

Wat Maha That - Ayutthaya Historical Park

Reclining Buddha image at Wat Lokayasutharam

The famous Wat Phukhao Thong - The white temple in Ayutthaya

Sign at Wat Phukhao Thong

Wat Phukhao Thong 

Wat Phra Si Sanphet in Ayutthaya Historical Park

Wat Phra Si Sanphet

Wat Phra Si Sanphet

Wat Phra Si Sanphet

Wat Phra Si Sanphet

Checking out the elephants in Ayutthaya - Khlong Pratu Chai district 

Royal Palace at Bang Pa In, also known as Summer Palace is located about 20 km south of the main Ayutthaya Historical Park. The palace complex is an enjoyable location to visit with lakes, water features and a wide variety of plants on manicured garden. 

Floating Pavilion (Heavenly Abode)

Floating Pavilion - with ornate Thai style pavilion with four porches and a spired roof.

Devaraj-Kunlai Gate 
A single story semi circle building was used by the king to access the inner court.

The Sages Lookout - A Dutch architectural style observatory tower.

On a bridge that connects the inner palace and outer palace.

Two-storied palace with intricate artwork and rich display of Chinese architecture

Sculpted gardens 

The tour bus took us back to Khao San Road late in the evening. We had dinner there before returning to the hotel. It was a long day but we had a good time visiting the historic Ayutthaya and the Royal Summer Palace in Pang Pa-In.