La Rue Vibre !

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Between the 14th and the 18th centuries Ayutthaya, also known as Siam, was a very powerful kingdom. We spent some time in its former capital of the same name to discover ancient temples and royal palaces. Curiously, the city is surrounded with rivers what makes it like an island.

We rent some bikes allowing us to go around the many temples of the city. Some of them are still in use. Many pilgrims come from the all country to venerate all those old Buddhas wraped in orange tissues. It is nice to see those old temples being revived with prayers.
In some more damaged temples Buddhas lost their heads. In Thailand the head is the most sacred body part. Thus you should not touch people head unless you asked before.

We go by many temples, some of them having a huge Khmer influence which is some consolation to know we do not go visit Angkor.
We learned the king Narai had good relationships with Louis 14th. This king loved some much France he imported some mirrors and ceiling lights for his palace, the same as in Versailles. But those relationships were not without interests. French were looking for commercial alliances and Siamese for a protection against Dutch. Besides we found a Dutch church on our way!

Our journey in this city was even more pleasant that our hosts were really nice. The young couple owning the guesthouse we went was always smiling and helping. And the young women made tasteful thais meals.
(Tip : Mint Guesthouse, in the allee in front of the train station, 200B double room with sharing bathroom)