Bangkok and Ayutthaya

Bangkok was our first destination in our SE Asia Trekking! We spent one day in Bangkok before heading up to Chiang Mai. Bangkok is the capital of Siam- and very large and busy! There are taxis, tuk tuks and people everywhere. We spent the day in a whirlwind of activity trying to hit all the highlights. I enjoyed Bangkok- but is so crazy and it feels like everyone is trying to hustle you! We were nickel and dimed for everything- from temples to tuk tuks and everything in between. You definitely feel the fast pace of Bangkok compared to how laid back it is in Northern and Southern Thailand! One day in Bangkok was enough for me! Also- you get better detail if you click on the picture!

We began our day on the canals of Bangkok looking for the floating market. Bangkok is known as the Venice of Asia because of all the canals. We rode around in a long-tail boat and it was great to see the smaller canals and where people lived.

When we eventually found the "floating market," there were only a few vendors left- so I am not sure we found the right one. The large floating market has dozens upon dozens of small boats like this one that sell food and produce- and you purchase it as you float along.

Our next stop was at Wat Arun- the oldest temple in Bangkok.

You can climb up Wat Arun and you have a really great view of Bangkok. You can see the roof-tops of the Grand Palace.

The steps were really steep!

Fresh coconut juice! Yum!

Lindsay and I missed the 40 at the bottom and had to pay 40 Baht for this picture! haha

Tuk tuks are a cheap way to get around- if you can get a driver that won't take you around to shops that he gets commissions on first!

This is at Wat Saket and that is money hanging down that the Thai people pin on!

I love the architecture in the temples!

This is King Bhumibol Adulyade and he is loved by the people of Thailand. You can see his picture all over Thailand. I loved asking the Thai people about their king because of the love they all share for him- and hearing stories of the great things he does for the people. He was actually born in the U.S. and studied at Harvard and played the sax! While Thailand has a democracy- his influence has helped avert a political crisis in 2008 among many other things. I admire their loyalty to their king and wish we had greater unity in America.

Wat Benchamabophit and the lucky Buddha

This is the Grand Palace and Lindz and I had to rent sarongs to cover our legs!

Inside this temple in the Grand Palace is the sacred Emerald Buddha- no cameras allowed inside!

This is Wat Po and houses the largest reclining Buddha. It is so huge you can't really get a picture with the entire Buddha in it!

The feet are inlaid with mother of pearl

AYUTTHAYA

After we got back from Chiang Mai we took a two hour train out to the ruins of Ayutthaya for the day. Ayutthaya used to be the center of Siam before the Burmese attacked and destroyed the city.

This tree has grown around the head of Buddha

Lindsay and I didn't realize we were standing in bat dung until we were up there and saw and smelled the bats.

The stinky bats!

I loved the ruins of Ayutthaya! They reminded me of the Roman Forum!

I can't believe the trip is over! I really miss Thailand and Thai food and the people! Thailand should be a MUST on everyones list! There is something for everyone in Thailand!