My Life in Ruins

It's ya girl Laura here, still alive and thrivin' in Asia. You may have noticed that I didn't say Thailand- this is because I actually crossed the border over to Cambodia yesterday! 😃 The next few days I will be exploring the ancient city of Angkor and its many impressive temples. 

But let's not get ahead of ourselves here... Today I'll tell you about all of the exciting ruins I visited in Thailand this past week. I said my sad goodbyes to the wonderful city of Chiang Mai and set my sights on Sukhothai, an old kingdom that once reigned from 1238-1438. The Old Town Sukhothai has since been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Historical Park. 

I was delighted to find out that the monthly Sound and Light Show at the park would be on the night that I arrived.  The production showcased the history and culture of the ancient Thai capital, including a reenactment of the life of King Ramkhamhaeng, who reigned over Sukhothai's golden age in the 13th century.

Sunset behind an illuminated temple as local Thai children played traditional music.

All of the dancers and actors in their beautiful garments.

The next morning I set off for the park to see the splendor of the ruins in the daytime. The best way to see everything is by bike, so I braved the triple digit weather and pedaled my way all over the park.

Old Town Sukhothai is gorgeous, and although many of the buildings have diminished down to their pillars, one could really get a sense of how grand Sukhotahi was in the 13th century.

Above three pictures: Part of Wat Mahathat ("temple of the great relic"), the most impressive and important temple compounds in Sukhothai 

Bell-shaped stupa, Wat Sorasak

Wat Si Chum

Giant sitting Buddha in Wat Si Chum

After my visit to Sukhothai, I ventured off to see another ancient city just an hour north of Bangkok. Founded in 1350, Ayutthaya was the capital Thai city for 417 years before the Burmese attacked and left it in ruins.

Wat Phra Si Saphet

Crumpling Buddhas

Large reclining Buddha

Wat Maha That

One of the most photographed images in Ayutthaya- a Buddha head entangled in tree roots at Wat Maha That

Hundreds of chickens can be found at the statue of King Naresuan- A man befriended many of these creatures while being taken prisoner.

Wat Na Phra Men, an active monastery in Ayutthaya

Love to you all,

Laura