Ayutthaya and Sukhothai Ruins Not Ruined by UNESCO

Ayutthaya was the second capital of Thailand founded in 1350, and located equidistant from China and India. It was burnt to the ground by Burmese (as seemed to be a trend) in 1700s.  Builders and architects who worked on Ayutthaya applied similar plans to the lay out of Bangkok when it was established as the third capital of Thailand. Today, it s a UNESCO site and beautiful grounds.

Wat Chaiwatthanaram -the site is known for its stupas (chedis), some of which are being shored up by UNESCO funds

 It is very popular in Thailand lately to wear period costume for events, for walking around, and for visiting historic locations where a TV soap opera called Love Destiny, placed at Ayutthaya, takes place.  The period drama is the story of a  modern archaeologist who dies and is reincarnated in the body of a noble woman living in the 15th century Ayutthaya.  Her travails captured audiences across Thailand, Cambodia, Korea, China and even Russia.  The popularity of the show has renewed interest in Thai history and attendance by Thais at historic sites has grown significantly.

visiting the location of popular TV drama, in character

a chedi that housed a Buddha statue

Buddha within chedi chapel

main temple

On to Sukhothai - the first capital of Siam (Thailand) in the 13th and 14th centuries. The area is really three ancient towns which requires BICYCLES to get around and see it all before sunset.  This is also a UNESCO site.

ready to ride!

some Buddhas are outside

so serene -S

stupa from roofless temple

standing Buddha

love the elephants

That evening we walked around town and found a modern temple where a family was presenting their offerings. It is calming to see families so actively practicing their beliefs.

 To enter a temple, even a ruin, one must dress conservatively. Shoulders and legs to the knee are covered.  Shoes are always removed which leaves a huge assortment of international shoes outside of the more famous temples!

shoes are never worn in a temple.

We stayed in a beautiful, restful hotel!