Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya, north of Bangkok, is the former capital of Thailand (known as Siam back then). The city is sprinkled with ruins of temples and palaces. I took a couple of days to explore. Some ruins look pretty neat at night. Here, one also finds what they say is the most photographed site in Thailand, so I had to take a picture of the tree growing around a stone Buddha head. Oh, if these picture looks like those at Ankor in Cambodia (below), that is because Ayutthaya became the capital of Siam when the Kmer got kicked out, and Angkor was the capital of the Kmer empire. The influence on Thai architecture remained .

Walking by the local McDonalds, I noticed Ronald's wai. This is the traditional Thai greeting. I don't think we see him to this in the states. At least he wasn't standing by the entrance to a temple.

A 30-Km motorbike ride south of Ayutthaya, I visited Bang pa-in palace. I forget when it was built, but it is still used by the royal family. The main buildings, where pictures are not allowed, are incredible. The whole place is very peaceful - a nice change from the crowded streets I've been seeing, specially in Bangkok.

Ayutthaya also has a couple of interesting night markets. I got some fruit and peanuts, and noticed this stall where, it turns out, you can buy whiskey mixed with your choice of spices. I don't think I'll drink this, but I may get some as a souvenir. Apparently, being 21 is not required to serve alcohol.