Ayutthaya was once Thailand’s primary hub of tourism and trade. The island capital of Siam, it prospered as one of the world’s largest and richest cities during its heyday.

From the 14th century until its conquest by the Burmese in 1767, Ayutthaya had over 1 million inhabitants—with merchants and dignitaries from all over the world calling the cosmopolitan capital home.

In recent history, however, Bangkok has emerged as Thailand’s economic and political center. Meanwhile, Ayutthaya has all but faded into the background.

But enigmatic ruins still lie scattered across the old Thai capital. These magnificent Ayutthaya temples sprawl across various parts of the modern city, reminding visitors of the ancient Siamese Kingdom’s wealth, history, and influence.

THE AYUTTHAYA TEMPLES: AN OVERVIEW

Visiting Ayutthaya is one of the top things to do in Thailand. A UNESCO World World Heritage Site, the temple complex is among the most impressive archeological sites in Asia.

Like the temples of Borobudur, Angkor Wat and Bagan, the ruins of Ayutthaya are incredibly well-preserved. Crumbling stupas soar above the rooflines of the surrounding city, adorned with relics of Buddha statues. Shrines and stupas can be found along nearly every street and down many alleyways.

While the world heritage site makes for a popular day trip destination due to its easy access from Bangkok, it is worth sticking around for an extra day or two if your Thailand itinerary has some flexibility.

BRIEF HISTORY OF AYUTTHAYA’S TEMPLES

Founded in 1350, Ayutthaya was the second Siamese capital after Sukhothai. Its strategic location on the banks of three rivers enabled trade to prosper and made it a key trading hub between East and West. The city’s waterways also acted as a protective barrier, creating a moat of sorts that shielded Ayutthaya from attack.

But despite its strategic location, Ayutthaya was not able to avoid conquest.

The city flourished until the 18th century, when the Burmese army invaded Ayutthaya and burned it to the ground. Many of the town’s buildings, library’s and artifacts were destroyed. Inhabitants of Ayutthaya fled the ancient city for Bangkok, leaving an extensive and impressive patchwork of ruins in their wake. ‘

Today, temple ruins lie strewn across the modern city of Ayutthaya—revealing glimpses of the city’s once-thriving and cosmopolitan civilization.

• WAT MAHATHAT

Wat Mahathat is the most popular temple to visit in Ayutthaya. An impressive complex, its claim to fame is a small Buddha head that has been swallowed up by surrounding tree roots over the years.

Legend has it that the Bhuddha head fell to the ground when the Burmese Army raided Ayutthaya. Over time, the sculpture succumbed to the power of the tree roots—becoming entangled in their firm embrace.

Although most tourists flock to Wat Mahathat in order to see the half-swallowed Buddha head, the entire temple complex is worth exploring.

• WAT RATCHABURANA

When King Intharacha died in 1424, he left behind three sons. The two eldest sons led armies against each other in a fight for the throne.

But they died in battle, inedvertantly leaving the throne to their younger brother, Prince Sam Phraya.

The younger brother built Wat Ratchaburana in their honor. His older brothers’ ashes are said to reside in the temple.

Wat Ratchaburana is one of the most popular Ayutthaya temples due to its photogenic main gate, where the entrance to the building frames its towering spire.

The central tower (pram) is among the best preserved in Ayutthaya.

• WAT YAI CHAIMONGKHON

Wat Yai Chaimongkhon, one of the most well-preserved ancient royal monasteries in Ayutthaya, lies just before the eastern entrance to the inner city.

The temple is famous for its large reclining Buddha and for its 62 meter pagoda (chedi) built to commemorate King Naresuan’s victory over the Burmese.

• WAT LOKAYASUTHARAM

Wat Lokayasutharam is renowned for its large reclining statue of the Buddha that stretches 37 meters long and 8 meters high. The Buddha lies on the East/West axis, with its head resting on a lotus flower.

Often draped in an orange cloth, the Buddha is one of Ayutthaya’s most iconic remaining relics.

In front of the Buddha, a series of octagonal stumps suggest that the Buddha was once housed in a prayer hall.

• WAT PHRA SI SANPHET

King Boromatrailokanat built Wat Phra Si Sanphet in 1448. At the time of its construction, it was reportedly one of the grandest temples in Thailand. Even today—with its rows of white stupas— it is among the highlights of Ayutthaya.

Wat Phra Si Sanphet served as the royal family’s private chapel and is the site at which many religious ceremonies were held.

The temple’s three stupas hold the ashes of King Boroma-Tri-Loka-Nat and his two sons, who also became kings.

• WAT CHAI WATTANARAM

Wat Chai Wattanaram lies on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, facing the inner city of Ayutthaya.

Its principal prang, constructed in the Khmer style, symbolizes the center of the universe. The temple’s surrounding chedis depict the outer universe. Each corner chedi houses two Buddhas set inside a wooden structure.

• WAT PHRA RAM

The towering prang of Wat Phra Ram lies at the center of the Ayutthaya Historical Park, near Wat Phra Si Sanphet.

One of the oldest temples in the area, it dates back to 1369 and was erected on the cremation site of Ayutthaya’s first king.

Since many travelers overlook Wat Phra Ram in favor of the larger and more renowned archeological sites, the temple can be blissfully crowd-free in comparison.

PLACES TO STAY NEAR THE AYUTTHAYA TEMPLES

Though I traveled to Ayutthaya as a day trip, I actually recommend spending at least one night in town. Staying overnight allows you to visit the temples with ease and gives you the opportunity to witness sunrise and sunset in the area.

There are many accommodation options in Ayutthaya that range from basic to luxurious. If you’re on a budget, Siri Guesthouse boasts private rooms at hostel prices. It has a central location and offers bike rentals.

The Kantary Hotel is a mid-range option with clean rooms and an outdoor pool. It has great reviews and includes breakfast.

And if you’re looking to splurge, the Sala Ayutthaya features a riverside location with an outdoor pool and panoramas over the archaeological site.

AYUTTHAYA FEES AND HOURS

There is no fee to enter the Ayutthaya Historical Park. However, some major temples charge an entrance fee of 50 Thai Baht or less. At less than $2USD per temple, it is an incredible deal.

The temples of Ayutthaya are open daily from 8am to 5pm.

GETTING AROUND THE TEMPLES OF AYUTTHAYA

Though you can explore Ayutthaya on foot, most travelers choose to visit the temples by bike or tuk tuk. Hiring a tuk tuk costs roughly 200 Baht per hour and is a great option for travelers with limited time or mobility.

I decided to explore the ruins by renting a bike for the day. Though it was excruciatingly hot and I frequently lost my way, I found biking to be a lovely and rewarding way of exploring the city’s temple-lined streets.

Bike rentals are ubiquitous and cheap in Ayutthaya. They run around 50-100 Baht per day. Many hostels and guesthouses will have bikes for hire. If you can’t line up a bike rental in advance, don’t fret. You’ll likely have luck finding a rental place within a few minutes of arriving in town.

GUIDED TOURS OF AYUTTHAYA

While Ayutthaya is an easy place to visit independently, some travelers may like the comforts of visiting the city on a guided tour. If you’re taking a day trip to Ayutthaya, tours may be particularly attractive because they take care of the logistics and leave the planning to experts.

Small group tours offer an opportunity to explore the archeological site with a guide. Since they include transport to and from Bangkok, Ayutthaya tours can be particularly enticing for people who are short on time.

If you want to skip crowded buses, private day tours are also an option.

GETTING TO AYUTTHAYA FROM BANGKOK

Ayutthaya lies about 85 km north of Bangkok. Depending on your budget and time, you can travel between the two cities by train, bus, or private car.

• BY SHARED MINI VAN

I chose to take a shared minivan to Ayutthaya during my day trip, since I was already staying in northern Bangkok.

Minivans leave when full from Mo Chit Bus Station. They take roughly an hour to complete the journey between Bangkok and Ayutthaya.

• BY TRAIN

Alternatively, trains depart nearly every hour from the Hualamphong Train Station in Bangkok’s city center. The train from Bangkok to Ayutthaya takes between 1.5 and 2 hours (depending on whether or not you take an express service) to complete the journey.

The train is an incredibly convenient option due to its frequency.

WHEN TO VISIT AYUTTHAYA

Though Thailand’s weather is generally pleasant year-round, the best time to visit Ayutthaya is during the winter months of November-February. Winter in Thailand is characterized by mild temperatures and low levels of precipitation.

Beginning in April, Thailand’s heat and humidity can become oppressive. The rainy season kicks into high gear in June and lasts through October.

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Southeast Asia’s most popular holiday destination, Thailand dazzles its visitors with  glittering temples, tropical beaches, and mouth-watering food.

From the idyllic swaths of sand near Krabi to remote mountain villages near Chiang Mai, the Land of Smiles is a country of many wonders. It is the type of place that attracts party-goers, beach bums, and long-term backpackers.

If you’re interested in looking past cheap beers and full moon parties, Thailand has a rich history to uncover.

And if historical relics are what you’re after, it doesn’t get much better than Ayutthaya.

The post Visiting the Ayutthaya Temples as a Day Trip appeared first on Erika's Travels .

My visit to Chiang Mai coincided with Thailand’s yearly Loi Krathong festival–a celebration of lights and waters that has received international renown.

On the eve of my last day in Chiang Mai, after an eventful morning at the Ran Tong elephant sanctuary and an hour-long Thai massage that cost a whopping six dollars, I met up with a few friends I had made at the hostel a few days prior and, together, we walked down to the river.

Thousands of people had already gathered at the water’s edge to launch their flower boats into the river and release their paper lanterns into the sky.

         

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ELEPHANT SANCTUARIES IN THAILAND

• ELEPHANT RIDING AT RAN TONG

• ELEPHANT BATHING

OTHER ETHICAL ELEPHANT SANCTUARIES IN CHAING MAI

I had a wonderful time at the Ran Tong Elephant Sanctuary during my visit to Chiang Mai. For the most part, the animals seemed well taken care of. And I’m especially heartened to hear that the organization has stopped offering elephant rides to guests.

But is it the best and most ethical elephant sanctuary in Thailand? Probably not. The fact that they offered a riding program when I visited a few years ago, indicates that they didn’t put the wellbeing of the animals above profit. After my visit, I also read reviews from other guests stating that they saw mahouts poking the elephants with sharp objects to get them to comply. I did not personally witness this behavior, though I find the allegations concerning.

If you decide to visit a different elephant rescue, there are other opportunities for ethical elephant encounters in Chiang Mai.

• THE ELEPHANT NATURE PARK

The Elephant Nature Park is the most renowned elephant orphanage in the Chiang Mai area. The center has been running since the 1990s and offers once-working elephants the chance to rehabilitate and relax. The center occupies an area of 250 acres in Northern Thailand.

The Elephant Nature Park offers half day programs (morning and afternoon) and full day programs, as well as overnight volunteer stays.

The Elephant Nature Park does not offer elephant bathing or riding programs.

• HAPPY ELEPHANT HOME

Like the Elephant Nature Park, the Happy Elephant Home offers half day, full day, and overnight visits. The center gives visitors the opportunity to bath and feed the elephants, but does not offer riding.

The sanctuary lies one hour outside of Chiang Mai.

ELEPHANTS AND LOGGING IN THAILAND

Elephants have been prominent in Thai culture and folklore for centuries. Yet, Thailand has seen a dramatic drop in the numbers of wild elephants in recent years. This drop can be attributed to loss and destruction of habitat, illegal poaching for ivory and the sale of animals to tour operators.

CAN YOU SEE ELEPHANTS IN THE WILD?

Around half of Thailand’s 3,000 elephants live in the wild.

Elephant sanctuaries and rehabilitation centers provide your only guaranteed wildlife sightings. However, it is also possible to admire some elephants in their natural habitats if you visit the right places. Elephant safari locations in Thailand include Khao Yai National Park and Kui Buri National Park.

I’ve seen Asian elephants on safari in Udawalawe Park in Sri Lanka and, simply put, the experience was unparalleled. A visit to the Ran Tong Elephant Sanctuary allowed me close contact with the friendly giants, but it still couldn’t compare with the thrill of encountering them on safari.

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Chiang Mai is the cultural capital of Thailand and a place that many travelers visit in order to discover the country’s rich heritage. The region is chalk-full of dazzling temples, breathtaking scenery and tantalizing cuisine. An ever-popular destination for backpackers and culture-lovers, Chiang Mai is a popular staple on itineraries to Thailand.

I spent nearly a week in Chiang Mai–visiting temples, escaping into nature and reveling in the city’s incredible yearly lantern festival. Like many travelers to Chiang Mai, I wanted to join an overnight hiking tour in the mountains along the Thai-Burmese border.

But, as with the tours I had come across in the South, I was having difficulty distinguishing between the offerings of the different tour companies. They all included the same things: transport, meals, an elephant ride, bamboo rafting and opportunities to photograph locals in tourist-crowded villages. The tours all seemed cheap, mass-produced and exploitative of their surrounding environments.

Until I encountered Pooh Eco-Trekking.

Hiking in Northern Thailand with Pooh Eco-Trekking

Pooh Eco-Trekking focuses on sustainability and cultural immersion. Unlike other tours that attempt to pack as much as possible into their unbeatable prices, Pooh Eco-Trekking attempts to engage its participants in an immersive experience that is as authentic as possible. Tours are limited to six people and operate in remote and inaccessible areas. And while a bit more expensive than the standard, third-party tour packages that are advertised on every street corner of Chiang Mai, Pooh’s tours are still quite affordable.

The tour I joined did not include an hour long elephant ride. Or bamboo rafting. Or a photo-op visit with the long-neck people.

In contrast, Pooh’s tours attempt to engage travelers in a more sustainable type of tourism that reminds me in many ways of what I experienced in Lesotho’s Malealea Lodge. The tour focuses primarily on learning about the indigenous Karen people and their environment, contributing to the incomes of the Karen families without creating a dependency on tourism and trekking off-the-beaten-path.

And off the beaten path we went.

In fact, the trek took us so far off-the-trodden-trail, that our guide, Richard, practically created the path before us, cutting through farmland, fording rivers and wading through waist-high grasses.

Every now and again, we would turn the bend and reach a clearing that afforded us stunning views of the rolling, verdant hills.

The scenery near the Thai-Burmese border was magical. Yet, soon the weather impeded our ability to relish the views. Not long into the hike, we began to experience a light drizzle. Then it began to rain harder, and the torrential showers created rivulets that flowed down the muddy paths before us. Rain seeped through my sneakers and soaked my socks. It found its way under my raincoat and drenched my shirt.

The skies did not clear all day and the rain persisted until we reached the Karen village where we would be spending the night.

I expected the highlight of the trip to be the hiking. However, while trekking–even in the rain–was a wonderful experience, I found the true crowning moment of the tour to lie in the evening we shared with our gracious and welcoming Karen hosts. From the time we entered our host family’s home–clothes soggy and hair dripping from the rainfall–we were welcomed with open arms and a large bottle of rice whiskey.

In the evening, my fellow trekkers and I assisted our hosts in cooking dinner. We all shared the responsibility of chopping vegetables and mixing ingredients, while exchanging information about our respective cultures with the translation help of our guide. Then, we shared the dinner we cooked, took shots of rice whiskey and laughed and talked until the early hours of the morning.

The next day at dawn, we headed back into the rain for a second day of trekking, mud-sliding and puddle-dodging.

We passed by hillside villages, trudged around rice paddies and pushed through thickets of dense foliage, stopping occasionally to learn tidbits about the local medicinal plants and crawly creatures we encountered along the path.

It was a more strenuous walk than the day before, partly because the terrain was much hillier and partly because it was so muddy that we found ourselves sliding a few feet downhill with every step forward.

At about midday, we stopped for a lunch break and prepared for one of the more unique and exciting moments of our trek–an expedition into a 250 meter long bat cave. Our guides took the time to chop bamboo that we would light to use as torches along the way.

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When travelers talk dreamily about the amazing Thai islands, they’re often referring to the string of white sand beaches near Krabi. With towering karst formations that shelter idyllic sandy shores, the islands of southern Thailand are some of the prettiest in the world. They are the feature of glossy travel brochures, the backdrop to Hollywood films, and the first place that many travelers think of visiting when they begin planning a trip to Southeast Asia.

Travelers heading to the islands of southern Thailand have no shortage of choices. From the reef-ringed shores of Koh Tao and Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand, to the iconic island of Phuket, to the chain of beaches and islands near Krabi.

THINGS TO SEE WITH THREE DAYS IN KRABI

After researching the pros and cons of visiting the different Thai islands with limited time, I settled on visiting the area around Krabi. Tourism in Krabi undoubtedly centers on the countless beautiful beaches accessible from town—the most famous of which is Maya Bay, in the Phi Phi Islands.

My three day South Thailand itinerary brought me to some of the most impressive attractions in the area. I visited the beautiful Phi Phi islands on my first full day in Krabi and I decided to team up with two girls from my hostel, Sudha and Savana, for smaller excursion to the equally beautiful Hong Islands on the second day.

On my third day in Krabi, I set out to explore the island’s cultural side with a visit to the Tiger Cave Temple.

KRABI ITINERARY DAY 1: THE PHI PHI ISLANDS TOUR

The Phi Phi islands are some of the most idyllic islands in Southeast Asia. Just a stone’s throw away from both Phuket and Krabi, the picture-postcard flecks of emerald offer the feeling of setting foot in the pages of a glossy travel brochure. Featuring classic tropical beaches, stunning rock formations and vivid turquoise waters that teem with colorful tropical fish, the islands are paradise perfected.

If only real life could photoshop out all the other hoards of tourists.

I joined a day tour to the Phi Phi Islands on my first day in Krabi. Though it was rushed, disorganized, and far too crowded, the tour highlighted many of the top attractions in the Adaman Sea.

The first destination on our tour was Bamboo Island––a beautiful circular patch of green encircled by a stretch of snowy-white sand. It is a stunning beach, made all the more beautiful by the translucent turquoise of its waters.

The beautiful Bamboo Island was extremely crowded when we visited. In the hour or so that we were on Bamboo Island, at least ten boatloads of tourists came to share the beach with us. Hundreds of people on package tours dotted the white sands. They lay strewn about the beach, snapped picture after picture with their selfie sticks and danced around to music blaring from the boats.

So I scrambled over a a few boulders and found my own strip of sand completely apart from the commotion and noise. I swam alone in the warm turquoise waters and experienced a few moments of pure bliss.

Until I heard the leader of my group call out that we needed to get on board to our next destination.

We stopped by Monkey Beach, where we had the opportunity to swim amongst exotic tropical fish. Then, we entered  the stunning and dramatic Loh Samah Bay for a quick photo opportunity before continuing on to the crown jewel of our little excursion–-the infamous Maya Bay.

While, in retrospect, I wish I had taken a longtail boat to the islands instead of joining a large tour, I’m grateful to have seen the splendor of the Phi Phi Islands with my own eyes.

ITINERARY DAY 2: THE HONG ISLANDS

Like my tour the previous day, I had the opportunity to visit various pristine beaches, snorkel among schools of colorful fish and swim in aquamarine waters. Yet on the second day of my Krabi itinerary , my newfound friends and I traveled to the Hong Islands by longtail boat.

While the beaches were still crowded and the tour still shuttled us from place to place, I found the smaller tour much more conducive to relaxing and taking in the surrounding scenery.

Toward the end of the day, we visited the expansive stretch of sand at Hong Beach. I even had the opportunity to sit in a hammock for about an hour, absorbing views of the dramatic limestone cliffs, before our return to Krabi.

DAY 3 IN KRABI: THE TIGER CAVE TEMPLE AND AO NANG BEACH

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I have never seen the movie The Beach, but I have heard people refer to it thousands of times.

I know the premise goes something like this: a young man (Leonardo DiCaprio) escapes to Southeast Asia on a life-defining journey. Along the way, he meets someone who tells him myths about a secluded and beautiful beach that lies on a secret paradise island.

I never heard much about the plot of the movie, though. For nearly all discussions of the travel book turned hit drama focuses on the beauty of its backdrop–Maya Beach on the island of Koh Phi Phi.

After its release, the movie propelled Maya Beach to fame and tourists began flocking to the crescent of powdery sand in Thailand’s Andaman Sea. Some called Maya Beach the most beautiful beach in the world and, as a result,  thousands of vacationers flooded the strip of white sand along Maya Bay in search of paradise.

I wanted to visit the beach partly because memories of the San Blas Islands left me yearning for crystal waters and partly because I wanted to see the alleged beauty myself.

Most travelers I met had spent a few days on the Phi Phi Islands as a side trip from either Krabi or Phuket. In hindsight, spending at least one night in the Phi Phi islands would have been preferable.

But since I had very little time to research my trip before boarding a plane across the Pacific, I decided to stay in Krabi and figure out a day trip to Koh Phi Phi from there.

The hostel I stayed at has an affiliation with Barracuda Tours and offers day tours to the islands at a great price. Since I was traveling alone and had limited time in southern Thailand, I figured a day trip would be the best way to maximize my time, while meeting fellow travelers along the way.

But, while I enjoyed the excursion overall, I immediately realized that I had just joined the exact type of tour I have often tried to steer clear of in my travels. My tour consisted of about fifty people, the majority of whom were Chinese or Russian package vacationers traveling in groups of ten or more. The tour shuttled us from beach to beach, giving us barely enough time for a quick dunk in the water.

Our first destination was Bamboo Island–a beautiful circular patch of green encircled by a stretch of snowy-white sand. It is a stunning beach, made all the more beautiful by the translucent turquoise of its waters.

But it was also extremely crowded when we visited. In the hour or so that we were on Bamboo Island, at least ten boatloads of tourists came to share the beach with us. Hundreds of people on package tours dotted the white sands. They lay strewn about the beach, snapped picture after picture with their selfie sticks and danced around to music blaring from the boats.

So I scrambled over a a few boulders and found my own strip of sand completely apart from the commotion and noise. I swam alone in the warm turquoise waters and experienced a few moments of pure bliss.

Until I heard the leader of my group call out that we needed to get on board to our next destination

Every time I finally found my own secluded paradise, I would hear our tour guide’s shrill whistle and march back to the boat so that we could hurry on to our next destination.And so was the story of my tour.

We stopped by Monkey Beach, where we had the opportunity to swim amongst exotic tropical fish. Then, we entered  the stunning and dramatic Loh Samah Bay for a quick photo opportunity before continuing on to the crown jewel of our little excursion–the famous Maya Bay.

Until the tour leader’s shrill whistle jolted me back into the boat once more.I walked to the far end of the main beach, plopped down in the shade of the monoliths and did my best tattoo the beautiful image into my memory.

Cheap tours in Thailand–like the one I fell prey to–are everywhere. They are all pretty much identical and sell the same product for the same price. As I followed the tour from beach to beach, I couldn’t help but feel there was something missing in the excursion. It felt mass-produced, impersonal and centered around checking locations off a list rather than absorbing their unique scenery.

Whenever I found my little patch of beach away from the crowds and simply stared at the incredible nature around me, I would grow overcome with an overwhelming sense of awe and contentment.

Perhaps Maya Beach is not as secluded and secret as the 2000 Hollywood hit drama may have you believe, but those movie fans who flocked to Koh Phi Phi after its release were right about one thing for sure.

That–crowds aside–the beach and its surroundings truly embody the definition of a paradise island.

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“Ladies and Gentlemen, the forward boarding door is now closed….” I heard the lead flight attendant call out over the PA.

I let the reality of his words sink in. The door was closed, the plane was about to push back and I had no choice now but to sit back, relax and enjoy the ride. I was going to Thailand.

I’ve traveled a lot in my life. Studying abroad in the Middle East, living in Africa and now working for the airlines has given me a window to the world and has allowed me to experience more than I ever dreamed of. But, perhaps the largest thing missing from my travel repertoire until this point was solo travel.

Sure, I’d wandered around alone on layovers throughout Europe, the United States and even in Dakar. I’d spent a year living in a village in the Namibian bush and would go alone from town to town in order to run errands and visit friends.

But none of these experiences seemed to equate to solo travel in the way I imagined. In my head, I pictured setting off with few concrete plans, staying in hostels and meeting other likeminded backpackers along the way. I was incredibly excited about the freedom that being alone would provide. Yet, I could’t quite rid myself of the nagging worries that burrowed deep down in the pit of my stomach.

Why Bangkok offers a Great Intro to Solo Travel

When I arrived in Bangkok and stepped out of the airport, however, my anxiety seemed to dissipate into the muggy air.

Bangkok is intoxicating. Dazzling spires rise from behind gritty buildings. Quiet shrines sit tucked away behind glitzy glass shopping malls and orange-clad monks weave their way through a chaotic jumble of honking cars, motorbikes and tuk-tuks.

Yet despite Bangkok’s exotic appeal, the city is incredibly accessible and welcoming. It is foreign yet familiar, chaotic yet navigable. The food is fantastic and incredibly inexpensive. It is a city chock-full of sites and activities that can keep wanderers entertained for days.

And to top it off, Bangkok is the ultimate launching point for solo travelers embarking on extended backpacking trips throughout Southeast Asia—meaning that newfound friends are never far away.

Exploring Bangkok

I only had one day in Bangkok before hopping on a flight to Krabi for a few days at the beach. And, as the focus of my return to Bangkok at the end of my trip would be centered around reuniting with an old friend, I spent my first day in the city primarily engaging in touristy activities.

At sunrise, I set off with an American traveler I met upon arriving at my hostel. Our first stop was Wat Pho–one of Bangkok’s oldest temples and home to the famous reclining Buddha.

• Wat Pho

My newfound friend and I were immediately struck by the grandeur of Wat Pho. We ogled at the intricate stupas, the ornate roofs and the thousands of Buddha statues littering the compound. It seemed that we could have spent the whole day wandering about the immense complex.

I’m not so sure what I expected to find at Wat Pho. Likely, I was anticipating finding a single structure housing the famous Buddha. But there were numerous temples to visit, countless nooks and crannies to discover and, the best part is that we did not have to dodge swarms of camera-toting tourists or crane our necks trying to admire the architecture over a sea of people.

I am sure that Wat Pho is not usually so deserted. Since visiting Wat Pho is often touted as one of the top things to do in Bangkok, I can only imagine that the place draws large tourist crowds.

• The Grand Palace of Bangkok

The Grand Palace, too, is impressive and surely merits the attention it receives from the thousands of guests every day. While my travel companion and I had Wat Pho relatively to ourselves and enjoyed meandering around the premises in quiet, the whole rest of the world seemed to be a block away at the famous Grand Palace.

Benefits of Traveling Solo

I had only been in Thailand for a few days, when I began to realize the merits of traveling alone. I was enjoying the freedom of being able to do whatever I wanted, wherever I wanted, whenever I wanted. And I was already beginning to understand what fellow travelers so often emphasize—that traveling solo can be incredibly empowering. It allows you time to contemplate and reflect, while granting independence and teaching self-reliance. But perhaps the most beautiful part of traveling solo, is that you are never really alone.

At least not if you are open to meeting new people.

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