Ayuthaya
Ancient City

17th January 1999

For a long time the band from the club at the end of our Soi have wanted to take Mike on I on a site-seeing tour. The day finally arrived and they picked us up in the minibus they had hired specially for the occassion and took us to the ancient city of Ayuthya.

Ayuthya served as the Siamese royal capital 600 years ago.. When the country was at the peak of its glory.

Click on the pictures to see the full sized version:

			Beginning of the tour .. bearing in mind that the band had only had a couple of hours sleep since coming off stage. I'm taking this picture so if you turn round quickly you'll see me behind you.
		Now I should have read the guide book I know but ... This was a very big one.. whatever it was!
			As part of the ritual each person entering the Wat added a small piece of gold leaf to the decoration.
		Who says money doesn't grow on trees (Mike)
			Beautiful clear blue skies helped make everything else look so good... and easy to photograph.
		Another group photo...

			Ok .. I wonder how many other tourists had done this before me?
		Lo cycles off with the ice cream van!
			Pity they all decided to wear the same colour!
		Artistically framed?
			Then lunch next to the river.
		Sea food (then eat it)

Located approximately 85Km north of Bangkok, the city was the Thai capital from 1350 to 1767. During this period Thai culture flourished, and Ayuthaya became a centre for international commerce.

The present day city is located at the confluence of the Chao Phaya, Pa Sak and Lopburi rivers. A canal joins them and encircles the town. Ayuthaya has many historic ruins, two museums and is a fascinating place to visit.