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[#1]

This blog is by Jay K, who is originally from Thailand. She recently had the opportunity to go home for a visit.

Part III: Although I grew up in this fascinating country, I returned home with friends determined to see the country as a tourist, not as a native. After visiting the colorful floating market, we headed to Ayuthaya, which reined as capital of Thailand from 1350 to 1767.

The gang and I climbed into our rented van for the 2-hour trek to Ayuthaya, passing rice paddies, water buffalo and small villages along the way. Ayuthaya is fascinating because it’s a thoroughly modern city that’s also home to these beautiful ancient temples.

Our first stop, and a favorite among tourists to the region, is the Buddha Head at Wat Mahatat. It’s a poignant reminder of the destruction caused when the Burmese took over the city in the 18^th century. The Buddha peers out from the branches of a Banyon tree. According to legend, the head was severed and left on the ground, and curiously, over the past 200-plus year, the Banyon tree grew up perfectly to frame the Budda's face.  

Next it was on to Wat Yai Chai Mongkol, located near the main ruins and a short distance from the walls of Ayutthaya. It’s famed for an impressively large statue of the Reclining Buddha inside the temple compound. The temple is also known as "Chao Phaya Thai Temple" and has a large Chedi that dominates the skyline.

 

While in Authaya, we couldn't miss a visit to the BangSai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre, which covers an area of 285 rai of land (or 14 acres).  We learned it  was the brainchild of the Queen of Thailand who wanted a location to promote and protect traditional Thai crafts. Situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, it provides demonstrations of Thai crafts and arts amidst picturesque surroundings. Just opened recently is the Bangsai Arts and Crafts Village.  Here visitors can experience the four regions of the country, with examples of traditional Thai houses, living styles in the olden days, folk arts and crafts, landscaping and gardening of the four regions of Thailand. Of course, there's plenty of shopping. You'll find homemade crafts, artwork, food, trinkets and much, much more.

Read Part I and Part II of my adventure. Watch for the really cool place we visit next in Part IV.

[#2]

That was wonderful! I'm going to go read the other parts as well. For me, it's a trip down memory lane because I actually spent my childhood in Thailand. And for someone who's never been there, it's a great list of suggested places to go. I enjoyed the pictures as well, which did a little bit of justice to a beautiful country! Thank you!