Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall (พระที่นั่งอภิเศกดุสิต) > Bangkok ~ Thailand < 2013 August 11 (2) > (Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Kuala Lumpur)

Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall (พระที่นั่งอภิเศกดุสิต) or the Thai Handicraft Museum is a museum in Bangkok, Thailand.
Credit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abhisek_Dusit_Throne_Hall

Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall exhibits arts and crafts through the Queen's Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupation and Related Technology. Exhibits include traditional weaving and wood carvings, traditional ‘Mudmee’ silk, and ceramics.
Credit: http://www.bangkokpost.com/travel/16734_info_abhisek-dusit-throne-hall.html

Located right next Vimanmek Mansion, you can go here by walking.
Put your belonging at available locker, then take off your shoes/sandals.

Close on Sunday.
Open from 08:30 to 16:00.
Ticket : 50-150 Baht

We can see Thai handicraft inside the museum. It's unique, and if you like history, you have to visit here too. I think, Just spend 15-30 minutes is enough.

You can't take picture directly in front of the museum. You have to walk further loctaion to take picture of the building.

Vimanmek Mansion Museum (วิมานเมฆ) > Bangkok ~ Thailand < 2013 August 11 (1) > (Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Kuala Lumpur)

Our Thai friends, will be our guide today. She and her sisters pick us at 09:00 at Hotel. Then we ride their car to Vimanmek Mansion Museum, our first destination today.

The ticket price is THB 100 for foreigner and THB 75 free for Thai Resident.

If you went to Royal Palace first, then the ticket can be used to enter Vimanmek Mansion, as well as Museum Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall and Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall. It's a package ticket which valid for 7 days.

We have to wear polite dress (no shorts, no sleeveless clothes). But don't worry, if you wear short, they sell Sarong, which you can purchased for wear. The price is variety, based on which sarong do you want.

All of our belonging (bags, phone, camera, mineral water), has to be put at Locker and we have to pay the locker. I don't know the locker fee, because it's my friend that help us pay. We only can bring money / wallet. And when we enter the building, we have to take off our shoes and put it in the shoes rack.

The Vimanmek Mansion (วิมานเมฆ), is a former royal palace in Bangkok, Thailand. It is also known as Vimanmek Palace. Located in the Dusit Palace complex, nearby Dusit Zoo in Dusit district.

History: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vimanmek_Mansion

The highlight of the Dusit Park is Vimanmek Teak Mansion said to be the world’s largest golden teak mansion, built with nary a single nail. For all its finery, grand staircases, octagonal rooms and lattice walls, which are nothing short of magnificent, it is surprisingly serene and intimate.
Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thailand/bangkok/sights/architecture/vimanmek-teak-mansion#ixzz2uaNu0o4K

How to get there by public transport?
Take the Sukhumvit Line and get off at Victory Monument Station (or N3 Station) and go out through Exit No. 3. Walk towards Rajavithee Road and take a taxi, or hop on bus no. 515, 539, 28, or 108, which all pass Vimanmek Mansion.
Credit: http://www.bts.co.th/customer/en/06-travel-palace-02.aspx

Website : http://www.vimanmek.com/

Vimanmek Mansion is a Royal Palace which used as the residence for other members of the royal family. You can see different rooms inside the mansion, along with it's stuff.

Dinner at Ruan Mai Loui Carrefour Ratchada > Bangkok ~ Thailand < 2013 August 10 (10) > (Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Kuala Lumpur)

Ayutthaya Floating Market is the last object that we visited at Ayutthaya. Time run fast. It's already 16:00 o'clock. We decided to go back to Bangkok. The journey back took faster than when we go. At 17:45 we have already arrived at Hotel.

After pay the driver, -- don't forget to give the tip for him -- we decided to eat dinner at surround. Try to browsing from Triposo Application, and found Sombon Seafood. It located at Huaykwang MRT exit 3. When we found it, the queue is too long, we already starving. At the same time, our Thai friend called. And she ask us to walk until Big C Hypermart (walk along Ratchadapisek Road, with Central Plaza Grand Rama 9 direction).

We ate inside Big C Extra Ratchada, Din Daeng. The restaurant name is Ruan Mae Loui And we found Sataw, or Petai. The restaurant quiet expensive. And actually not too delicious. For me is OK.

Sataw Fried Prawns with Shrimp-Paste

Padthai

Vegetables Boiled with Young Coconut and Prawns in Coconut Milk

Deep fried Fish with Tumerie

Watermelon Smoothie

After eating, we go to night market beside Big C Hypermart and Esplanade (only 5 minute by car) and buy some snack and drink. Then go home, to resting.

The restaurant Foursquare: ttps://id.foursquare.com/v/%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%99%E0%B9%81%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%A2-ruan-mae-loui/4d2457fce704b60cbde25fa9

Ayutthaya Floating Market > Ayutthaya ~ Thailand < 2013 August 10 (9) > (Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Kuala Lumpur)

Ayutthaya Floating Market
Address: 65/12 Moo 7,, Phai Ling, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Phranakhon Sri Ayutthaya 13000 Thailand
Phone Number:
- +66 (0) 3588 1688
- +66 (0) 3588 1733
Open: Everyday, 10:00 to 21:00

Wat Phra Mahathat is the last temple which we visit at Ayutthaya. After that, we go to Ayutthaya Floating Market. Actually, it's not really floating market, because we can reach the store on foot. The store located in the side of large pond and there's over 200 shops in there.

You can buy some souvenir in here, with cheap price. Just use your skill to bargain. The people is nice and kind.
Spend 2-3 hours to walk around, but if you like to shopping, spend more time in here. Don't forget to bargain. If you haven't try Ayutthaya snack, you can find it in here.

This is cute.. :)

I heard that Ayutthaya Coffee is special. And I try this even I'm not into coffee much, and also it sells on Tuk Tuk, which make it unique.

Wat Phra Mahathat > Ayutthaya ~ Thailand < 2013 August 10 (8) > (Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Kuala Lumpur)

After lunch, we visit Wat Phra Mahathat. Wat Phra Mahathat (วัดมหาธาตุ) or the “Monastery of the Great Relic” is located on the city island in the central part of Ayutthaya in Tha Wasukri sub-district. The temple is situated on the corner of the present Chikun Road and Naresuan Road.

Wat Phra Mahathat is a Buddhist Temple.

See:
- http://www.ayutthaya-history.com/Temples_Ruins_MahaThat.html
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wat_Phra_Si_Rattana_Mahathat

The ruins is beautiful, and Buddha Head is the highlight of this area. So many people took photo of it. I came here after lunch, and the weather is so hot. But it's fun. Many tourists come to this place, and I think this place is the most popular among other. This place quiet large, so prepare yourself 1 to 2 hours to walk around.

Ticket price : 50 Baht, open from 08:00 to 17:00.

Here are some photos that I took

Buddha Head, the touristical "high light" of Wat Phra Mahathat - caption from http://www.ayutthaya-history.com/Temples_Ruins_MahaThat.html -

Ruean Rojjana Thai Restaurants > Ayuttaya ~ Thailand < 2013 August 10 (7) > (Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Kuala Lumpur)

Time move fast, it's already at noon. So we decided to eat lunch first. Mr Driver took us to this restaurant, Ruean Rojjana Thai Restaurants.

Adress:
11/3 ถนนมหาราช ตำบล ประตูชัย อำเภอพระนครศรีอยุธยา จังหวัด อยุธยา
22/3 Maharat Rd., T.Pratuchai, A.Phranaknonsri Ayutthaya
Phone: (+66)035-323-765

Open daily from 10:00 to 21:00.
Located near Ayutthaya Historical Park.

For further information, see this website:
- http://www.rueanrojjana.com/contactus.html
- http://www.ayutthayarestaurant.com/

We order this meal for lunch (The price was based on time where I eat, maybe when you get there, there's a change of price, just showing you the approximately price):

Spicy Chicken Soup with Coconut Milk and Young Galangal
S = 140 Baht
L = 200 Baht

Fried Morning Glory (120 Baht)

Glass Noodle Soup and Mince Pork
S = 140 Baht
L = 200 Baht

Deep Fried Minced Shrimp served with sweet Plum Sauce (160 Baht)
-- This is delicious, we order 2 portion and still not enough --

Ayutthaya Snack > Ayutthaya ~ Thailand < 2013 August 10 (6) > (Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Kuala Lumpur)

Don't forget to taste Thai Snack in Ayutthaya. You can find it at floating market, or food market right next to Wiharn Mongkol Bophit, or you can find some near attraction place. Many people sell it. But I don't know which one is famous. I just happened to buy it when I saw.

Here's some snack that I bought:

Found this snack near Bang Pa-In Royal palace. On the way from car parking to the main gate, there's some stall that sell Thai Snack, and this snack attract me a lot. There's 2 kind of it, I don't know what's inside, but the first has Yellow Colour, and the second has Orange Colour. It Delicious, and so sweet.

Coconut Ice Cream, I found this snack while browsing before go to Thailand. And saw k-pop boyband 2PM eat it when they visit Thailand. Then I'm curious, what is it? The seller seperate the meat and water. The coconut has a fresh water, so delicious and freshly. Then they add coconut ice cream inside the coconut, and ask me for topping and I choose nuts. So Delicious.. 

Roti Sai Mai or cotton candy, saw 2PM mention about it too. You took the pandan crepe (sweet roti), then put those candy floss to the crepe and roll it. Then eat it. It's not too sweet. The more candy floss, the better.

Source:
- http://theculinarychase.com/2007/09/cotton-candy-roti-saimai-thai-style/

Wiharn Mongkol Bophit > Ayutthaya ~ Thailand < 2013 August 10 (5) > (Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Kuala Lumpur)

This large wiharn is built in typical Thai temple style and contains Phra Mongkhon Bophit, one of the most important Buddha images in Thailand and a highlight for Buddhists visiting Ayutthaya. The massive bronze seated Buddha is 12.45 metres high, not including the base, and sits 9.55 metres across at the lap. It marks what was the official cremation ground for the Thai royal family from 1612 to 1767.

Today, the wiharn is a great place to see Thai Buddhism in practice -- a steady stream of visitors offer incense, candles and flowers to the image while asking the Buddha for guidance and for wishes to be granted. Afterwards, the local custom is to shake out a numbered stick from a jar and read the accompanying fortune to see if those wishes will come true.

Source: http://www.travelfish.org/sight_profile/thailand/bangkok_and_surrounds/ayutthaya/ayutthaya/88

Wiharn Mongkol Bophit is the 3rd place where I visited in Ayutthaya. This place located right next Wat Phra Si Sanphet.
Open daily from 08:00 to 17:00, and it's free.

You have to took of your shoes if you want to enter.

Wat Phra Si Sanphet (วัดพระศรีศรรเพชญ์) > Ayutthaya ~ Thailand < 2013 August 10 (5) > (Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Kuala Lumpur)

Wat Phra Si Sanphet (วัดพระศรีศรรเพชญ์) is situated on the city island in Ayutthaya's World Heritage park in Pratu Chai sub-district. It has been registered as a national historic site by the Fine Arts Department since 5 March 1935. This monastery was the most important temple of Ayutthaya and situated within the Royal Palace grounds. It served as a model for the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok.

See:
- http://www.ayutthaya-history.com/Temples_Ruins_PhraSisanphet.html
- http://wikimapia.org/2078226/Wat-Phra-Sri-Sanphet-%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%9E%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B0%E0%B8%A8%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B5%E0%B8%A8%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%A3%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%9E%E0%B8%8A%E0%B8%8D%E0%B9%8C
- http://www.ayutthaya.travel/monuments/in-the-external-area/wat-phra-si-sanphet.html
- http://www.tourismthailand.org/See-and-Do/Sights-and-Attractions-Detail/Wat-Phra-Si-Sanphet--2

This is the 2nd place where we visit in Ayutthaya. The ruins is beautiful. The ticket price is 50 THB for tourists, open from 8:30 to 17:00.

Wat Phanan Choeng (วัดพนัญเชิงวรวิหาร) > Ayutthaya ~ Thailand < 2013 August 10 (3) > (Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Kuala Lumpur)

Wat Phanan Choeng (วัดพนัญเชิงวรวิหาร) is a Buddhist temple in the city of Ayutthaya and a part of Ayutthaya Historical Park.

Credit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wat_Phanan_Choeng

At first, this place is not included in our itinery. My Thai Friends didn't mention about this place. But Mr Driver told us, that we have to visit here. Just go inside and you will see why Mr Driver wants us to be here.

There's a big gold Buddha sit statue. And when we come there, a lot of people come here to pray. We come to Thailand, at Queen's Birthday holiday, so there's a long weekend in there. And most people spend their holiday by come to temple to pray.

Unfortunately, I can't take picture of the statue, because when I came there, there's a pray ceremony. I only watch them.

Surround the temple

Bang Pa-In Royal Palace (พระราชวังบางปะอิน) > Ayutthaya ~ Thailand < 2013 August 10 (2) > (Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Kuala Lumpur)

Bang Pa-In Royal Palace (พระราชวังบางปะอิน) also known as Summer Palace, is a palace complex formerly used by the Thai Kings. The palace located on the Chao Phraya River bank in Bang Pa-In District, Ayutthaya Province.

Credit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bang_Pa-In_Royal_Palace, http://wikitravel.org/en/Bang_Pa-In

The palace remains largely open to visitors, as King and his family use it only rarely for banquet and special occasions.
Museum Hours are from 08:00 to 16:00. You have to dress up politely to enter this palace (no shorts and sleeveless clothes).

This is the first place that I visited when I arrived at Ayutthaya. It took 2 hours to walk entire area and took some photos. The ticket price is 100 Baht for tourists and free for Thai residents. They will give you a brochure of history and map.

For those who like architecture and building, should be like to come here.

Saphakan Ratchaphrayun

Doll's Bridge

Phra Thinang Aisawan Thiphya-Art

Phra Thinang Warophat Phiman, you have to wear Sarong to enter this building. Don't worry, they rent it free.

Tevaraj-Kanlai Gate

Keng Boo-Pah Pra-Paht

Phra Thinang Wehart Chamrun

Ho Withun Thasana

the replacement of soldier, lucky we can watch it

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya (พระนครศรีอยุธยา) City > Thailand < 2013 August 10 (1) > (Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Kuala Lumpur)

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya (พระนครศรีอยุธยา) is a city, located approximately 2-2.5 hours from Bangkok by car, due the traffic. Usually, it's jam when holiday. Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya or Ayutthaya City, also known as Ayutthaya Kingdom or Siam is the capital city of Ayutthaya Province in Thailand. Located at the valley of the Chao Phraya River. Ayutthaya become the second Siamese Capital after Sukhothai.

The Ayutthaya Historical park is the ruins of the former capital of the kingdom of Siam, which is the site of sacked and destruction of the Ayutthaya City. Its art and building recognized internationally as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

About Ayutthaya:
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phra_Nakhon_Si_Ayutthaya_(city)
- http://wikitravel.org/en/Ayutthaya
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayutthaya_Kingdom

Our Thai friends help us to rent a car to go to Ayutthaya. From the morning 07:00 to 18:00 o'clock, it cost THB 3000 (include gazoline and driver). We just need to give tip for the driver service. The driver was very nice, and he help us a lot to visit some site in Ayutthaya.

If you want to visit all site in Ayutthaya, then I suggest you stay in Ayutthaya for 1 / 2 nights and you can roaming by rent a bike. The site located near each other which make easy to visit.

There are many attraction place to visit at Ayutthaya:
- Bang Pa-In Summer Palace
- Wat Phra MahaThat
- Wat Chaiwattanarm
- Wat Yai Chai Mang Khon
- Elephant Camp
- Wat Ratchaburana / Temple of the Royal Restoration
- Wat Phu Khao Thong (Golden Mount)
- Wat Panan Choeng
- Wat Phra Si Sanphet
- Wiharn Phra Mongkol Bophit
- Wat Na Phramen
- Wat Phuttai Sawan
- Chao Sam Phraya National Museum
- Ayutthaya Floating Market
and many many more.

You can see this website for further information: http://www.ayutthaya.net/

We didn't visit most of those attraction place, because we have to go back to Bangkok in the afternoon. This is where I visited:
- Bang Pa-In Summer Palace
- Wat Panan Choeng
- Wat Phra Si Sanphet
- Wiharn Phra Mongkol Bophit
- Wat Phra Mahathat
- Ayutthaya Floating Market

My Hotel CMYK @ Ratchada > Bangkok ~ Thailand < 2013 August 09 (3) > (Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Kuala Lumpur)

This is the budget hotel that I stay for 5 nights. It's cheap, and really suitable for backpacker or budget trip.

I choose this hotel, because the location. My cousin's friend ask us to stay at Ratchadaphisek area, and then when I browsing at Agoda, I found this hotel and some other hotel. But this is the cheapest and looks comfortable. Then we discuss it with our Thai friend, and she said that this is better because near her office too, so easy to pick us up.

Located only 5 minutes from MRT Huaykwang exit 1, and near shopping mall. It really convenient. Near 7/11 convenient store, and in the backside has a cafe.

Copy this image, and show to the taxi driver when you want to go to this hotel

We also choose this hotel, because this hotel has family room (triple room). We need 1 room for 3 people, so we decided to book this hotel for 5 nights.

Hotel Link: http://www.myhotelratchada.com/
Trip Advisor: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g293916-d1991119-Reviews-Myhotel_Cmyk_Ratchada-Bangkok.html
Agoda: http://www.agoda.com/my-hotel-cmyk-ratchada/hotel/bangkok-th.html

The hotel is clean, for standard double room, looks small, but okay. Just the cleaning service, I don't know how they manage. At the first day, my room didn't cleaning up. And they didn't give us new toiletries and mineral water. But in the next day everything is okay. Only at last day, in my brother's room which family room type, the cleaning service didn't clean the room again.

But so far okay, the receptionist service is good, and they have various breakfast.

Lobby

Lobby

Lobby

inside my room

in front of lift at my room's floor

in front of the lift in my room's floor

Address: 225/4 Pracharajbumpen Soi 5, Pracharajbumpen Road, Bangkok 10310, Thailand
Phone: +6626928899