May 30, 2017
Today we visited Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya was built just to the east of the spectacular ruins of the capital of the Ayutthaya kingdom, a Siamese power destroyed by Burmese invasion in the 18th century. Ayutthaya is a modern Thai city studded with archeological wonders. Headless Buddhas and crumbling but still-beautiful reliquary towers and wats give evidence of the majesty of the civilization that was once centered here.
While we were wondering around in the rain, we got to climb around the city and see monks praying, caves filled with bats, and beautiful sights.
After we saw Ayutthaya, we got freshened up and went on a dinner cruise. This was absolutely amazing. As we drifted down the Chao Phraya River, we past the gleaming Temple of Dawn and glimpsed the swooping skyline of the royal Grand Palace. The Chao Phraya is the heart of this vibrant city, speckled with traditional fishing boats and soaring yachts. I can’t describe any skyline more beautiful.
