AYUTTHAYA ... once the capital of old Siam for some four centuries, was eventually crushed by the Burmese. The impressive collection of Wats and other remarkable features give some idea of what ancient Ayutthaya must have been like.
Being compact, originally built on a man made island between the main rivers ( Pa Sak, Chao Phraya and Lopburi ), it is possible to walk around most of the main site, but elephants or a tuk tuk provide alternative means of transport.
The modern city lies to the East of the National Park, while other Wats and the railway station are off the island area.
If you look at the monk, he is having a quick smoke ....!
The sandbag flood defences against the river ... which has flooded much land nearby.
It seems the Thais are shy of their pricing policy ..... whereby foreigners are charged 3 to 10 times more for entry to many places. ( Hence the local price in Thai language )
You can see the size of this reclining Buddha by the red figures near the head.
The Bang Pa-in Palace, a collection of Royal residences ( Phra Thinang ) to the South of Ayutthaya, is well featured in Thai history, and has recently been opened more fully to the public when not being used.
Phra Thinang Aisawan Thiphya-Art .... and Phra Thinang Wehart Chamrun
View down the water to the Palace area... The Ho Withun Thasana ( Lookout tower )
A detour was made to the Royal Project at Bang Sai. Most was closed, being Monday, but it was possible to visit the " Thai village " exhibition.
The next day, North to Nakhon Sawan, where it was possible to see the extent of the flooding, especially towards Bung Boraphet, from high up, at Wat Kiri Bunphot
Then North to Lampang and Lamphun, on the way back to Chiang Mai....
One of many sunsets ....
The Buan Sua Resort, in the hills near Chiang Mai
There are many coffee shop eating places in the hills, which attract week end visitors.
A flash flood on the day of departure burst the canal banks, and part of the Chiang Mai perimeter road, which leads to the airport, was flooded.
For pictures of SAGA, and the Doikum School sports day, see the THAI PAGES