L-R: Bernard Lee, Tay Seok Hooi, Lee Kam Boon, Chew Leng Soon, Ching Neng Bin at the famous Buddha in a tree near the entrance of Wat Mahathat in the ancient city of Ayutthaya.
Day 19 (24.11.12) Ayutthaya
We had very good breakfast at Tony’s Place at B150 per person and later hired bicycle to visit a few temples in town. 1st temple was Wat Mahatat and 2nd was Wat Rachaburana and next to it was Wat Srisanpetch and 4th was Wat Mongkolpopit. After the temple visit we cycled to the Sianchan Floating Market. We had dinner at this floating market. We then cycled to the train station and took a boat across the river and cycled back to Hotel.
The ancient city of Ayutthaya was the Thai capital for 417 years. Many ancient ruins and art works can be seen in a city that was founded in 1350 by King U - Thong when the Thais were forced southwards by northern neighbors. During the period of Ayutthaya being the Thai capital, 33 kings of different dynasties ruled the kingdom until it was sacked by the Burmese in 1767. Ayutthaya is located only 70 km in the north of Bangkok, and it is well known for being one of the most beautiful temple cities in Thailand.
The famous Buddha in a tree near the entrance of Wat Mahathat in the ancient city of Ayutthaya. Nobody knows for certain how the Buddha head became entwined in the roots of the tree. One theory suggests that the tree simply grew around the Buddha head during the period when the temple lay abandoned and overgrown. Another theory is that a thief moved the Buddha head away from the main temple to hide it.
Wat Mahathat ancient temple was built during the 14th century, but was reduced to ruins in 1767 when the Burmese army invaded Ayutthaya, the capital of Siam. The temple was destroyed by the Burmese who also vandalised many of the Buddha images in Ayutthaya by lopping off the heads.
Wat Mahathat is typical of the Ayutthaya ruins: large crumbling stupas surrounded by low laterite walls and rows of headless Buddhas.
Wat Mahathat ancient temple remained abandoned and overgrown until the 1950s when the Department of Fine Art began restoration work in Ayutthaya.
Wat Mahathat ancient temple remained abandoned and overgrown until the 1950s when the Department of Fine Art began restoration work in Ayutthaya.
In its heyday there had been three royal palaces, over 375 temples and 29 forts that shaped the cityscape. Until today you will find a large number of ancient temples, old ruins and spectacular historical attractions inside the Historical Park of Ayutthaya.
Wat Mahathat is typical of the Ayutthaya ruins.
Wat Mahathat is typical of the Ayutthaya ruins.
The remains of the Royal Vihara in Wat Mahathat of Ayutthaya ruins.
The remains of the Royal Vihara in Wat Mahathat of Ayutthaya ruins.
The restored towels in Wat Mahathat of the Ayutthaya ruins.
The restored towels in Wat Mahathat of the Ayutthaya ruins.
The restored towels in Wat Mahathat of the Ayutthaya ruins.
Lee Kam Boon, Chew Leng Soon and Ms Tay with the friendly staff at the Ayutthaya Historical Study Centre located on Rochana Road. This centre is a national research institute devoted to the study of Ayutthaya, especially during the period when it was the capital of Thailand. The Centre is responsible for the museum of the history of Ayutthaya, which exhibits reconstructions from the past. The Centre also supports a cinema and a library containing historical materials about Ayutthaya.
The elephant ride round the Ayutthaya Historical Park.
Wat Rachaburana is situated on the opposite to Wat Mahathat. It was built by King Boromracha II (Chao Samphraya) for his coronation ceremony at which he was crowned.
Wat Rachaburana central Prang is the large one with a cache containing many items of artifacts that are very valuable for historical and archaeological studies.
Wat Rachaburana was found that there are many rooms inside. One of those rooms decorated with red color mural and shaped up with gold leaf in different gestures relating different style of Buddha image like the walking Buddha, the Meditation etc.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet is the most outstanding monastery located in Ayutthaya Grand Palace compound.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet is the most outstanding monastery located in Grand Palace compound like Wat Phra Si Ratanasatsadaram (Wat Phra Kaeo) of Bangkok. Used as a residential palace, it became a monastery in the reign of King Ramathibodi I.
When King Borom Trai Lokanat commanded new living quarters built, this residential palace was given to be a temple area, thus originating Wat Phra Si Sanphet. The royal chapel does not have any monks and novice inhabitants.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet the most outstanding monastery located in Ayutthaya Grand Palace compound.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet the most outstanding monastery located in Ayutthaya Grand Palace compound.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet the most outstanding monastery located in Ayutthaya Grand Palace compound.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet the most outstanding monastery located in Ayutthaya Grand Palace compound.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet located in Ayutthaya Grand Palace compound.
Wat Phra Mongkol Bophit - The Wihan is located next to the entrance to Wat Phra Sri Sanphet . It houses one of the largest and most important for the faithful Buddha statues in Thailand, the Phra Mongkol Bophit.
The Wat Phra Mongkol Bophit bronze statue was under King Chairacha Thiraj cast in 1538.
The Wat Phra Mongkol Bophit huge bronze statue was probably under King Chairacha Thiraj cast in 1538.
Wat Phra Mongkol Bophit in Ayutthaya Grand Palace compound.
We cycled to the Ayothaya Floating market next to an elephant camp.
This Chao Phraya River runs around Ayutthaya City making it an island.
Ayothaya Elephant Camp beside the floating market.
Ayothaya Floating Market is a cultural and shopping destination in Si Ayutthaya Province.
This is Ayothaya Floating Market next door to the Elephant Camp.
You can easily spend a couple of hours at this Ayothaya Floating Market.
Other than shopping and eating, there are also regular shows during the day in Ayothaya Floating Market.
There are plenty of stalls selling delicious food in Ayothaya Floating Market.
There are shops with handicraft and souvenirs in Ayothaya Floating Market.
There are boats selling delicious food in Ayothaya Floating Market.
There are boats selling delicious food in Ayothaya Floating Market.
There are boats selling delicious food in Ayothaya Floating Market.
There are boats selling delicious food in Ayothaya Floating Market.
A guy in costume in Ayothaya Floating Market.
We had very good sea-food dinner at Ayothaya Floating Market.
We had very good sea-food dinner at Ayothaya Floating Market.
We had very good sea-food dinner at Ayothaya Floating Market.
Day 20 (25.11.2012) Ayutthaya to Bangkok by train
We took the 11.30am train from Ayutthaya to Bangkok arriving at 1.30pm. It was a two hour cheapest train journey to Bangkok at B15 pp.
Checked in to our Saphai-Pae hostel dorm to have a good rest before walking to Wat Yannawa and later to Chatuchak Weekend Market.
Ayutthaya Railway Station.
We took the 11.30am train from Ayutthaya to Bangkok arriving at 1.30pm. It was a two hour cheapest train journey to Bangkok at B15 pp.
All of us have to cross over the line to take the train to Bangkok from Ayutthaya.
All of us have to cross over the line to take the train to Bangkok from Ayutthaya.
Its a two hour cheapest train journey to Bangkok at B15 pp.
Ching Neng Bin entertained some school children with some country songs on the train journey to Bangkok.
Ching Neng Bin sharing a sit with a traveling monk on the train journey to Bangkok.
Arrived at Bangkok Hua Lamphong train station at 1.30pm.
Another walk to the Sathorn Pier from Bangkok Hua Lamphong train station.
Another walk to the Sathorn Pier from Bangkok Hua Lamphong train station.
Another walk to the Sathorn Pier from Bangkok Hua Lamphong train station.
Wat Yannawa is an old Bangkok temple built during the Ayutthaya period. It was originally called Wat Khok Kwai or buffalo stable. In the reign of King Rama I (1782 - 1809) the temple was designated a royal temple and renamed Wat Khok Krabue, which is still a stable for buffaloes though of a slightly different species.
The two chedis on deck represent the masts and the altar to the rear, the wheel house. Because of this, the locals call the Wat Yannawa “sampao chedi” or the Chinese junk with chedis.
The huge Chinese junk obscures the view of the bell tower and ubosot to the rear at Wat Yannawa.
The office, library block, together with the main prayer and meeting hall at Wat Yannawa.
The office, library block, together with the main prayer and meeting hall at Wat Yannawa.
Wat Yannawa in Bangkok that’s rarely visited by foreign tourists even though it’s within walking distance from the Taksin Bridge skytrain station. Most of the sightseeing is done by local visitors.
At the jetty beside Wat Yannawa, large numbers of fishes in the river can be fed.
At the Chatuchak Weekend Market.
At the Chatuchak Weekend Market.
Chew Leng Soon enjoying some Chang beer on a hot day at the Chatuchak Weekend Market.
Lee Kam Boon enjoying some Chang beer on a hot day at the Chatuchak Weekend Market.
Bangkok City by night.
Day 21 (26.11.2012) Bangkok to Butterworth by train SP35.
To day is our last day in Thailand, so what we have to do best is take good rest in the hostel. At 12 noon we took the MRT to the train station for lunch and get onboard the train at 2pm for the departure at 2.30 for Butterworth.
Ayutthaya Railway Station.
We took the 11.30am train from Ayutthaya to Bangkok arriving at 1.30pm. It was a two hour cheapest train journey to Bangkok at B15 pp.
All of us have to cross over the line to take the train to Bangkok from Ayutthaya.
All of us have to cross over the line to take the train to Bangkok from Ayutthaya.
Its a two hour cheapest train journey to Bangkok at B15 pp.
Ching Neng Bin entertained some school children with some country songs on the train journey to Bangkok.
Ching Neng Bin sharing a sit with a traveling monk on the train journey to Bangkok.
Arrived at Bangkok Hua Lamphong train station at 1.30pm.
Another walk to the Sathorn Pier from Bangkok Hua Lamphong train station.
Another walk to the Sathorn Pier from Bangkok Hua Lamphong train station.
Another walk to the Sathorn Pier from Bangkok Hua Lamphong train station.
Wat Yannawa is an old Bangkok temple built during the Ayutthaya period. It was originally called Wat Khok Kwai or buffalo stable. In the reign of King Rama I (1782 - 1809) the temple was designated a royal temple and renamed Wat Khok Krabue, which is still a stable for buffaloes though of a slightly different species.
The two chedis on deck represent the masts and the altar to the rear, the wheel house. Because of this, the locals call the Wat Yannawa “sampao chedi” or the Chinese junk with chedis.
The huge Chinese junk obscures the view of the bell tower and ubosot to the rear at Wat Yannawa.
The office, library block, together with the main prayer and meeting hall at Wat Yannawa.
The office, library block, together with the main prayer and meeting hall at Wat Yannawa.
Wat Yannawa in Bangkok that’s rarely visited by foreign tourists even though it’s within walking distance from the Taksin Bridge skytrain station. Most of the sightseeing is done by local visitors.
At the jetty beside Wat Yannawa, large numbers of fishes in the river can be fed.
At the Chatuchak Weekend Market.
At the Chatuchak Weekend Market.
Chew Leng Soon enjoying some Chang beer on a hot day at the Chatuchak Weekend Market.
Lee Kam Boon enjoying some Chang beer on a hot day at the Chatuchak Weekend Market.
Bangkok City by night.
Day 21 (26.11.2012) Bangkok to Butterworth by train SP35.
To day is our last day in Thailand, so what we have to do best is take good rest in the hostel. At 12 noon we took the MRT to the train station for lunch and get onboard the train at 2pm for the departure at 2.30 for Butterworth.
Sleeping: Over night train to Hatyai to Butterworth.
Onboard the Bangkok train at 2pm for the departure at 2.30 for Butterworth.
Sleeping: Over night train to Hatyai to Butterworth.
Sleeping: Over night train to Hatyai to Butterworth.
Day 22 (27.11.2012) Butterworth arriving at 1.55pm
On this 22nd day of our travel we finally arrived home safely with fond memories of the journey throughout Thailand. However, as we arrived home, we were sad that another trip was over, relieved that we would now be able to rest our aching bum, and excited to be reunited with our family and friends.
Chew Leng Soon, Ching Neng Bin onboard the morning Bangkok train from Hatyai to Butterworth.
Lee Kam Boon onboard the morning Bangkok train from Hatyai to Butterworth.
Bernard Lee, Chew Leng Soon onboard the morning Bangkok train from Hatyai to Butterworth.
Ching Neng Bin onboard the morning Bangkok train from Hatyai to Butterworth.
Ching Neng Bin commented: "As always, this road trip was another interesting thing I’ve done on my travels to date. I can’t even begin to describe just how amazing it was and the next few weeks will be filled with lots of stories, photos and adventures in Northern Thailand".
Chew Leng Soon, Ching Neng Bin onboard the morning Bangkok train from Hatyai to Butterworth.
Lee Kam Boon onboard the morning Bangkok train from Hatyai to Butterworth.
Bernard Lee, Chew Leng Soon onboard the morning Bangkok train from Hatyai to Butterworth.
Ching Neng Bin onboard the morning Bangkok train from Hatyai to Butterworth.
Ching Neng Bin commented: "As always, this road trip was another interesting thing I’ve done on my travels to date. I can’t even begin to describe just how amazing it was and the next few weeks will be filled with lots of stories, photos and adventures in Northern Thailand".
'Sawaddeekap'
Photographers in action
Ching Neng Bin
Chew Leng Soon
Lee Kam Boon
Lee Kam Boon and Ching Neng Bin
Ching Neng Bin
Bernard Lee
Ching Neng Bin
Ching Neng Bin
Lee Kam Boon and Ching Neng Bin
Chew Leng Soon and Ching Neng Bin
Day 1, 2 - KL to Chiangmai
Day 3 - Chiangmai to Thaton
Day 4 - Thaton by River Boat to Chiangrai
Day 5 - White Temple of Chiangrai
Day 6 - Chiangrai day trip to Mae Salong and Mae Fah Luang
Day 7 - Chiangrai to Phu Chi Fa
Day 8 - Phu Chi Fa to Phayao
Day 9,10 Phayao to Chiangmai to Mae Sariang
Day 11,12 - Mae Sariang to Mae Sot
Day 13,14 - Mae Sot to Bangkok
Day 15,16 - Bangkok – Kanchanaburi - Sangkhlaburi
Day 17,18 - Sangkhlaburi – Ayutthaya
Day 19-22 - Ayutthaya - Bangkok – Butterworth
Day 3 - Chiangmai to Thaton
Day 4 - Thaton by River Boat to Chiangrai
Day 5 - White Temple of Chiangrai
Day 6 - Chiangrai day trip to Mae Salong and Mae Fah Luang
Day 7 - Chiangrai to Phu Chi Fa
Day 8 - Phu Chi Fa to Phayao
Day 9,10 Phayao to Chiangmai to Mae Sariang
Day 11,12 - Mae Sariang to Mae Sot
Day 13,14 - Mae Sot to Bangkok
Day 15,16 - Bangkok – Kanchanaburi - Sangkhlaburi
Day 17,18 - Sangkhlaburi – Ayutthaya
Day 19-22 - Ayutthaya - Bangkok – Butterworth
Day |
Expenses |
THB total |
per pax |
| 19 | Buffet breakfast at Tony's Place Bht150 p.p. | 770 | 154 |
| bicycle rental Bht40 p.p. | 200 | 40 | |
| entrance to Mahathat Bht50 p.p. | 250 | 50 | |
| entrance to Phra Ram Bht50 p.p. | 250 | 50 | |
| fee: wat Phra SiSamphet/Mongkolbopit B50pp | 250 | 50 | |
| drinks | 150 | 30 | |
| lunch @ Elephant Village Floating Mkt | 275 | 55 | |
| dinner @ Elephant Village Floating Mkt | 1,050 | 210 | |
| ferry (B4 X 5) for adults+(B2 X 5) for bicycles | 30 | 6 | |
| 20 | Buffet breakfast at Tony's Place | 770 | 154 |
| ferry crossing to Ayutthaya train station B4 X 5 | 20 | 4 | |
| train Ayutthaya to Hua Lamphong B15 X 5 | 75 | 15 | |
| MRT Hua Lamphong to Silom/Sala Daeng | 90 | 18 | |
| BTS Silom/Sala Daeng to Surasak | 100 | 20 | |
| Refund on bank closing @ Bht200 per pax | 0 | 0 | |
| Donation | 6 | 1 |
| Room @ Saphaipae | 400 | ||
| Lunch @ Hua Lamphong Railway Station | 40 | ||
| BTS Surasak to Silom/Sala Daeng | 18 | ||
| MRT Silom/Sala Daeng to Jatujak | 40 | ||
| BTS Mo chit to Siam | 35 | ||
| Dinner @ Ban Khun Mae (opp. Novetel Hotel) | 310 | ||
| BTS Siam to Surasak | 25 | ||
| 21 | B/fast @ Saphaipae | 130 | |
| BTS Surasak to Silom/Sala Daeng | 20 | ||
| MRT Silom/Sala Daeng to Hua Lamphong | 18 | ||
| Lunch @ Hua Lamphong Railway Station | 40 | ||
| Bread for dinner on board train | 75 | ||
| 22 | B/fast on board train | 70 | |
| Lunch @ Butterworth bus station | 64 | ||
| VIP Bus Butterworth to Ipoh | 176 | ||
| Bus Ipoh to KL | 172 |
| GRAND TOTAL PER PAX | |||||
| incl Air ticket & personal expenses |
|
|
/// Northern Thailand Adventure, Mountains, Rivers and Temples 6th to 27th November 2012
Hi! Ching,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing, you make me wanting to go back to Thailand lo! Don't worry I am going to spend every 6 months in Asia when I retire....not too long from now. I can see Chew and gangs are having fun and great time too.
Thank you and please don't delete my name from your list .....bye
Regards,
Suney ..Toronto
1. It's extraordinary to see head of Buddha embedded snugly within the tree trunk. Must be a grand old tree.
ReplyDelete2. The unique shape of the Chinese Junk temple " Sampao Chedi" stands clear evidence of the Chinese's arrival and existence in Bangkok in history.
3. The restored temples of the ruins at Ayuthia with their sharp pointing tips and spiral body shape at the base look Burmese. Of course most still resembles the ruined temples of Angkor Wat - i.e. the Hindu styled ruins.
4. Regarding the river that surrounds Ayuthia, thus making it an island. Wonder is it a water way like canals in Suzhou/Hangzhou/Shanghai? The water surface is calm and paints a picture of unhurried serenity unlike Bangkok's noisy, busy and traffic jammed floating market.
5. Ha, guitarist on board the train to entertain! How nice. Looks like a borrowed guitar. It's good to stir up some scenes and to kill some time and boredom during the long hours while travelling.
6. Yeah it's foodies'holiday to enjoy the seemingly delicious good sea-food dinner at the floating market. Sure you guys thoroughly enjoyed and deserved the sumptuous treat and very willing to pay for it.
7. The sleeping berth of the train from BK to B'worth- I believe it's KTM coach, looks large and wide.(maybe photo-view presents it big)
8. End of journey always marks a milestone in one's life that leaves ineradicable memory. There's always a feeling that somethings'not done, or some places not covered to visit yet, and some long lasting memories linger on etc. In the end, home is where one yearns to get back to where one belongs!
9. For seasoned traveler/blogger Ching NB, he will heave a sigh when all details of his well documented travelogue with multitude of photos, are completed and posted. Thank NB, you've done it all so well.
Regards,
Alan
Ching,
ReplyDeleteso exciting & nice !
and was a great price ! :)
Regards,
Gan
Thanks for sharing, really miss these kind of travel & sightseeing.
ReplyDeleteGreat pic, such a well planned trip, cheers!
ReplyDeleteChing, thanks for sharing your great holidays. Best Regards.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing your interesting journey to Northern Thailand. Regards, Capt.Poon
ReplyDelete'There is a 'TERM' for what you are doing:- call, 'bloody good life'!! You live 20yrs longer on top of what was karma 'ed' for.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ching, looked very good.
ReplyDeleteDo you need very good legs to do the journey(backpacking) or everything
taken care of?
Hi Ching,
ReplyDeleteAs always, thanks for sharing. You sure are adventurous and a traveler. Simply beautiful!!! Keep it up.
Hi Ching, thanks for sharing, with great tips too.Hope you enjoyed and start preparing for another!!!
ReplyDeleteBravo!!! Wow what awesome people you and your team are!!!!
ReplyDeleteBest regards
ANNE M NGALIM