THAILAND Part 7 // At Night

Bangkok is one of those cities that comes alive at night. The temperature cools down a bit, and it's finally bearable to walk around the streets. Here are some views from the neighborhood around our hotel and the Wat Arun (second place we visited in my post here) at night. I love love love big cities so it was so much fun to see all skyscrapers and architecture lit up.

THAILAND Part 6 // Ayutthaya Ruins

After our seeing the current capitol in Bangkok, we made a day trip out to Thailand's former capital in the Ayutthaya Province, which was destroyed by the Burmese in 1767. The site was enormous and you could really tell that it was full of splendor and beauty in its original days. The only other ruins I've seen in person were in Rome, and both experiences were really reflective experiences- just thinking about what once was, imagining a way of life that no longer exists, and looking at what remains and finding beauty and sadness in it at the same time

THAILAND Part 5 // Bangkok

After our first couple of days in Southern Thailand, we made our way up north to Bangkok and visited some of the capitol's proudest landmarks- the Grand Palace and Wat Arun. Bangkok was a night and day difference compared to our lazy days on the sleepy beaches of Phuket. It's a really bustling and fast paced city so you really have to hit the ground running, especially because we didn't speak the language. I bought my outfit off the street because we got lost and didn't have time to grab a change of clothes (my dress was not long enough and needed sleeves). It was funny because after changing I felt like I fit right in- the guard at the Grand Palace even mistook me for local and directed me to the line for Thai citizens where you can enter for free.

The temples were definitely a sight to be seen. Full of color and ornate detail- like nothing I've ever seen in person. It was fascinating to read about the history of Thailand and get a chance to learn more about the culture.

THE GRAND PALACE










THE WAT ARUN