If you have read my article: Traveling to Phuket, you might curious how my journey went on after that. So, I fly from Phuket to Bangkok with Thai Lion, then use Shuttle from Bangkok to Ayutthaya. Language is the main barrier here, but with Grab application it's just a click away. You only need to set the destination, and capture a landmark near you so the driver can find you easily. Once I landed in Bangkok, I rode a GrabCar to the Bus Station. The Bus Station location is quite unique, AFAIK, it's located under a bridge (or highway, not quite sure).
Day 5.
I just pronounce Ayutthaya exactly like I heard from my Phuket driver, and the security help to redirect which counter I should go. At the counter, not all people can speak fluently in English. So either you use body language or use highlight word like "Ayutthaya" and show your printed e-ticket (I bought it from 12go). Then the staff will take a look at your luggage, and may charge you for additional luggage. Then, the staff will tell you a number, so you have to find the number. I found my driver not long after, and he manage my luggage safely.
It's an hour away from Bangkok, I have read from the internet where I will be dropped off. But unfortunately, it turns right instead of left. This is where I panic. Not long after, the driver stop and he drop some package off from the van. Then he spoke with a local man, and suddenly I'm being called off. That local man can speak english and looks kind. But, since I'm a solo traveler, I raised my guard. Internet told me, that maybe a local can try to rip you off. So when he offered me a Tuk-tuk ride to my hostel with certain price, I tried to bargain. He said no, since it's cheap. I say okay, since I don't know any other way to get there.
I finally arrived at my hostel. I'm aware that I might use the stairs, but I don't think it would be this high. Luckily the receptionist is willing to help me take my luggage. It's 4th floor, with narrow stairs. After that, I went down and looking for a meal nearby. I thought the next door is a cafe, I almost came in but then the receptionist (the man earlier) stopped me before I embarass myself (it is another hostel!).
Then I met a local wife. The place looked like a food stall, turns out the food is sold out. She told me that there's a food market not far from here. She pointed out the direction, and I follow her lead. But then, I turn back, due to so many local dogs waiting for my arrival in the alley..... The lady asked why did I turn around, and when I told her, she kindly call a motorcycle taxi and bargain for a fair price. How lucky I am.
I finally arrived at the food market, so many stalls is still doing preparation. I manage to find a halal food stall, quite confuse on where to eat, I asked a local if it's okay to sit at the chair in front of the stall. She let me sit, and then she told the owner about me. So many kind people out there :")
After that, I'm looking for a bicycle rent. Since it was closing, I beg the owner and she gave me the bike! With additional price so I can keep the bicycle with me overnight, but she told me to return it before 5PM tomorrow. Whoa! Finally! Riding a bike around Ayutthaya!
I tried to get used to it first, since it's been years since I rode a bike. Starting from small alley, and another dog chasing me around. So I just yell weakly "Help....help...." LOL. I want to get help, but don't want to make it sounds desperate.
The sun is setting, and the street getting dark. I still riding my bike, trying to find my way to my destination. I was looking for a fine dining restaurant, river side and temple across. So many local dogs in the street. The traffic roundabout is quite huge with traffic light counting on. It took a lot of my energy. I tried to eat Pad Thai again but with proper explanation, since the waitress can speak english. The place looks fancy, and I forgot to bring the card. But the price is quite cheap around 200 THB in total. I enjoy the ambiance. Ah, here in Ayutthaya was the first time I hear Adzan in Thailand.
Day 6.
Temple hopping! I was planning to visit all the temples here in Ayutthaya by bike. Turns out, I just kid myself. Haha. My leg gave away after third temple. Actually there is a temple that is best visit in golden hour. But I'm too tired. It's exhausted to ride a bike under the heat. Even a restaurant owner turn on their fan only for me even tho I just buy a bottle of mineral water. Do I look that tired? LOL. I love to sit every time I found a bench. Once, I encountered two policemen, in the area of Wat Maha That, they asked me if I lost my way. No, please, I know my way, I was just too tired to walk my bicycle, so I just stand at a bridge... Yes, I'm not riding it, so walking it. LOL. It was a really bad idea. So next time, I think it's better to pay a Tuktuk to carry your bike too, or just join a tour from Bangkok.
But here in Ayutthaya, not so many souvenir seller sell their stuff to me. They just passed by me :)
So finally I returned the bike, and order a GrabCar to Sala Ayutthaya again! I really love enjoy my dinner here. The breeze and the food really suit my palate.
I ask for food recommendation to the waitress again (same with yesterday), since Thailand food is kind of tricky for my stomach. She recommended a sea bass, so I ordered it with hot peppermint tea. The seasoning is kind of mild (compare to other Thailand dish), so I'm thankful for her. Ayutthaya food kind of save my stomach.
Day 7.
At night, I got leg cramps! OMG. I didn't sleep enough since I need to train my leg back to normal. But no. It hurts so bad to walk down from 4th floor. I ask for the receptionist man to help me with the luggage, so I give him my gratitude, but he refused to take it all. So kind :") Everybody here is so kind. I'm thankful that I got a chance to encounter some kind people here. And I still need to walk across the main street to my shuttle pool.
At the pool, I told the driver that my leg is having a cramps, with "Aaa, hurts.. aaa" (can't stop from laughing remembering all body language that I have to perform) then they escort me to the front seat. I really want to thank that driver that can read my mind and being helpful. He also told me where is the best point to drop off.
Ah, along the way back, I can see the highway pretty clear due to the front seat. There's always one highway exit (it's either on the left or right side of the way). It's kind of different with Indonesia, we have two exit for each point. In Thailand (or especially this highway road), if you're on the north route, but you want to exit at the next point, but the gate is on the south route, you can wait for turn around bridge.
To summarize,
I stay at Stockhome Hostel Ayutthaya
I enjoy most my meal at Sala Ayutthaya
I enjoy temple hopping
I go anywhere with Bike
I also have this trip summary in my IG highlight, visit @tandins
I also have this trip recorded in my Youtube channel
That's all for my Ayutthaya trip, I will be back with Bangkok story :)
Xoxo.
You can find my IG highlight stories for "Thailand"
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