Bangkok and Ayutthaya

Well, after three and a half weeks traveling Japan, China, and Hong Kong with friends, I finally landed in Bangkok by myself. It was a strange feeling being alone for the first time in a while, so I decided some street food would ease my concerns. Staying in the Silom neighborhood, I headed just a few blocks north to the Patpong Night Market for some pad thai and beer.

The next morning I started walking for a sweltering tour of the Grand Palace, Wat Phra, Khao San Road, and Chinatown. 

To take a little break from another big city, I decided to take a train an hour and a half to Ayutthaya, the capital of the Kingdom of Siam from 1350 to 1767. The old city sits on an 'island' surrounded by three rivers and contains ruins of palaces, Buddhist temples, monistaries, and statues along with delicious river prawns and softshell crabs.

After a few relaxing nights, I headed back to Bangkok to regroup and start planning my next few adventures in Northern Thailand. Activities included shopping at the mall, a movie or two, rooftop pool, and, of course, great food. I got a great taste of Royal Thai cuisine at the Blue Elephant! I would recommend it as a great intro to Thailand. 

My final full day in Bangkok, I took a tour out of the city to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. It's a pretty touristy trip, but I did enjoy the fast boat ride through the canals.

I'm excited to head north to Chiang Mai!