Second Time Around: Temple Ruins

Ayutthaya is one of those places that never fails to impress, not even the 2nd time around.*
Even though I'd been there recently, I was still looking forward to going back.
There is something so peaceful and comforting about these temples.

Ayutthaya was the former Siam royal capital- the Burmese army rampaged the city, and thus the reign ended in 1767. It amazing how some temples still stand strong.

Wat Phra Si Sanphet was first up, the largest temple in Ayutthaya. 

A truly stunning portrait of yours truly (note sarcasm). It was really hot that day.
Walking around in Wat Phra Si Sanphet, it's hard not to feel like an archeologist!










Wat Phra Mahathat, a real enchanting place in a Zen-like way.





Also, where the famous Buddha head imbedded into tree roots can be found. An amazing sight in person.





My nephew had fun kicking off his huaraches and walking on 'ruined' grounds.





While I fell in love with a tree.




The great thing about going back someplace is that you're bound to notice things you never did the first time.

A quick glance at Wat Chai Wattanaram is, sadly, all you can get nowadays. Because of the recent floods, it is said to be unsafe to walk in anymore.



It's still wonderful to behold. This is the most complete temple of the three and up to 40 years ago, was still hidden in a dense jungle.

We made another quick stop at another temple, newer-not-a-ruin, called Wat Yai Chaya Mongkol.
We were greeted by a cat.



















I thought she was a beautiful woman. And she caught me taking her picture.
She looks incredibly peaceful.





Ayutthaya is definitely a place to visit if you ever find yourself in Bangkok or Thailand. From Bangkok it's only a 1hr 15 min drive!

Another repeated sight, Nong Nooch Garden, on the next post!

* Equivalent to visiting pyramids in Mexico. To think these 'buildings' have been there for hundreds of years.... Incredible.