Ayutthaya, Thailand

Visiting Bangkok for the fifth time is probably the least of my priorities. But my aunt wanted to experience Thailand. She had been a major sponsor of my education. Thus, it was an easy "yes, okay we will go."

December 2013, Chabs found cheap RT flight tickets to Bangkok. It was less than five thousand PhP per person. How could I say no to that? Most times, I get at least PhP 6k tickets.

Since these tickets were cheap, the dates weren't very flexible. I had to book a day later for our return trip. I did contemplate on whether Thailand is worth spending 3 vacation leaves. All of my previous trips were for business, and I went only on weekends. Oh not the most expedient, but certainly better than having to spend my precious VLs. Good thing one day was declared a national holiday, I got to keep one more VL! Hooray! 

Our flight was scheduled 2135H, I was able to go to work. I was supposed to meet Chabs and Rhoda by 1800H, but because they were still busy at the office, they prodded me to go ahead. The travel tax area of Terminal 3 was transferred to the other far side. Too much walking already. But this is nothing compared to what Chabs and Rhoda had to endure. They could not find a cab near their office, thus, they hopped on an ordinary bus, then on a jeepney, and finally a cab. They arrived at the airport at about 2000H. Buzzer beaters. Those girls are.


This probably was a first that Chabs and I were not seated on the same row. I'm about two rows in front of her. And this is the first time I realized, ang ingay mo pala, Chabs! Haha. I hear their exchange of stories, mumbles from where I was seated. Haha.

Even if this trip was my fifth in Bangkok, it certainly was the first time to see some sights. I don't know if I'm impressed. I did like our elephant encounter. Let me break down our trip into days.

Day 1.
From Pratunam, where we were billeted for the duration of this trip, we walked towards the BTS Ratchathewi Station. Paid 25 THB to reach Hua Lamphong railway station. 
Ayutthaya is the ancient capital of Thailand, with impressive ruins and temples to visit. I'm not sure, but I heard our day 2 tour guide say this is the capital during the third period of Thailand. 

Options going to Ayutthaya
a. Train (a local train from Bangkok's main Hualamphong station or Don Muang station to Ayutthaya roughly every hour, 2hours, 15 baht)

b. Minibus (Starts at 7am, terminal near the BTS at Victory Monument, 60 baht)

We took option a going to, and option b heading back. I say this was a wise decision because it would've been pretty difficult to look for the minibus terminal at Victory Monument.

Day 1. Ayutthaya

Hua Lamphong Station

One remarkable thing that happened during this two-hour ride was, there was a homeless person who seated herself in front of us. Neps, the direct impact area, hehe, kidded he was having a lesson on skipping breaths, much like swimming lessons, eh?
We transferred seats, because, not to be mean, but from where I was, there certainly was a smell and it was distracting.

Train schedule

Toured through Tuktuk for 4 hours @ 350 baht each (5 people)

Temple 1

 150 Buddhas around

Temple 2

Temple 3

We left at about 5PM and hopped on a "minibus" going back to Bangkok. Travel time around 1.75 hours. Fare is 60 Baht.