Ayutthaya

In the morning, I went to the Bangkok Train Station to catch a ride to Ayutthaya only to find out that the first train was still pass 9 AM. I opted to get a taxi instead so I would have enough time to explore the ancient city.

I arrived and walked over to rent a bike for 60 baht. My first stop was Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, a bit on the opposite side of the main sites across the river but it was well worth it and a good way to start the day. I was greeted by giant Buddha statues and walking around the ancient ruins gave me a sense of peace as I chanted the Shakyamuni mantra. The second spot I went to was Wat Mahathat, one of the most famous temples in Ayutthaya due to a Buddha head lodged into a banyan tree. The surrounding temple was also huge with plenty of overgrowth that made it look like an ancient temple reminiscent of Ta Prohm in Cambodia.

The nearby Wat Rachaburana could be seen even from here with its stupa protruding up the trees. I made my way there to find the tower perfectly framed by the giant archway. I walked clockwise around the temple grounds, admiring the amazing architecture and intricate facade. On the way out, I ended up getting talked into donating some stuff for the children which was fine for me.

It seemed like I still had a lot of time so I went up towards Wat Phra Ngam, known as the Portal of Time. This place was devoid of people and I was able to really meditate and introspect about life here. I then cycled beside the river and visited Wat Choeng Tha and Wat Na Phra Meru Rachikaram. The former being a smaller temple; and the latter, a much more modern temple with plenty of devotees. I also visited Wat Tammikarat which was a peculiar temple with plenty of rooster statues. One of the main highlights was a giant banyan tree growing on the temple structure.

I was getting really hungry as I didn't have anything for breakfast, and stopped by Busaba Ayutthaya Cuisine which thankfully had air-condition and amazing food. I got some shrimp paste fried rice and fried garlic tofu along with dessert. I waited for a long time here until 1PM before I decided it was time to hit the road again.

After lunch, I went to Wat Phra Si Sanphet, one of the more impressive temples out there with giant stupas with spiraling tips beside it was Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit, a much more modern temple that I had visited prior.

I then visited Wat Phra Ram, quite similar to Wat Rachaburana but this time there were plenty of elephants around its road. It made me sad to look at how they were being used, even more so when I passed by the stables. From there was Wat Lokkayasutha, where the biggest reclining Buddha in Ayutthaya was resting, and right beside it was Wat Worachettharam, a much more humble stupa with a singular Buddha statue in front.

After, I went to Wat Kasattrathirat Worawihan, another modern temple where I took a rest for a few hours or so as the heat was getting too much I was getting a bit lightheaded. I then went to Wat Chaiwatthanaram to finally end the day as I couldn't bring myself to wait til sunset. It was already crowded even before that time yet it was the most impressive and magnificent temple in the entire area. The towering structures covered in greenery that seem to meld effortlessly with nature were outstanding. The dual Buddhas that stood watch over the temple grounds were another striking feature. I walked around the entire complex before tapping out. I bought some cold water from a vendor before completely drinking it down.

I stopped by Wat Phuttaisawan on the way back to the bike rental place. It was time to head back. The day so far went extremely well and not a single incident even as I rode around the traffic.

The route took me to an earthen path inside a forest. I was a bit doubtful if this was the right one but it checked out on Google Maps so I continued, at one point the path was a bit too muddy and rugged and it caused my bike's chains to pop off. Great. I knew the day was going a bit too well. Hauling the bike with an hour walk wasn't a fun idea and I was already thinking if I could repair it or find a tuk-tuk but first I had to get out of the woods.

And it looked like it wasn't going to be easy. Three dogs over yonder, looks like they already saw me. I hoped they were friendly. They started to bark at me, maybe not so friendly. I was telling them "Sorry, I just need to pass." I passed the three dogs only to find two more dogs in front of them. I also noticed the three dogs started to tail me and continue barking. "Just let me pass."

Every dog I passed tailed me, their barks growing louder and getting a bit too close for comfort. I don't know when it happened but I realized that I was now completely surrounded, I couldn't count how many they were any more or where they even came from. I tried to shout a them bit, banging the seat on my bike and while it made them move backwards a bit, they started to move closer after that with much more aggressiveness. They had the numbers.

I felt panic, it was getting a bit overwhelming, the barking from all around was so loud now. My legs kept getting caught on branches and roots while hauling the bike, sometimes I thought they already started to bite. I tried to look around for anyone for help but looks like I was alone. I felt fear now, and I was afraid they'd smell it. I couldn't run cuz that would make them chase me if they saw me as "prey" but standing my ground was getting a bit difficult. When I saw that there were still 3 more dogs at the front of the road, and they had already started to bark and move towards me, I realized I was in dire straits.

At that point, I called Hanuman. The moment the name slipped out from my mouth, there was total silence, not a single bark and all the dogs turned around on their own. I quickly skedaddled out of there while I had the chance, still worried about the bike but once I had some distance from the dogs, a single gear change popped the chain back, luckily. It was only while I was biking back at the road that it dawned on me what just happened and I got goosebumps.

I then stopped by Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan on the other side of the river, trying to look for the giant golden Buddha statue shown on Google Maps but I ended up just sitting down in the middle of chanting by the monks and laypeople which was an experience in itself. From there, I finally returned the bike and went to the train station to catch a train back to Bangkok.

Back in Bangkok, I was able to reconnect with Chinatsu where we had dinner together despite the late hour and her being sick. I was thankful she took the time to show up. She even had a private driver due to her work and I was dropped by my hotel.Read more