Historic Pearl Ayutthaya

For many tourists, Ayutthaya is unknown and is considered not worth visiting. I have a different opinion.

My little substitute mom serves me a delicious breakfast and gives me tips for the day. Apparently, it's a very hot day even for Thais, so she reminds me to always apply sunscreen. As she explains the bicycle to me and removes the cover from the saddle, she keeps telling me to take care of the sun. Just as I'm about to swing onto the saddle, she comes running after me with a cold bottle of water. Touching care!

With the bike, it's definitely more enjoyable and there are no mountains in sight. My first destination takes me to the ruins with the world-famous Buddha face, which is embedded in a tree. There is so much historic here and you can freely move around everywhere. You can even climb some of the ruins. After many different interesting spots, my way leads to an old temple complex on the other side of the river. It's truly impressive, especially after sunset. Spotlights illuminate the old walls and the backdrop could easily fit in an Indiana Jones movie.

I haven't eaten anything all day because I want to indulge in a night market. And this one is truly incredible. Right by the river with thousands of little lights and even more stalls. I have no idea what about 80 percent of the goods offered here could be. I start cautiously: a portion of corn, a noodle soup with pork, and a rainbow crepe... because I can still step it up :) There are plenty of crazy things like insects, squishy substances, fish skin and bones, or colorful sweets. When I return to the hostel, the substitute mom examines me closely. It seems that I have protected myself well enough from the sun and I receive a smile and a free shower.

My night train to Chiang Mai, heading north to cooler temperatures, leaves at 23:30 o'clock. The journey takes almost 13 hours and I'm curious to see how sleeping on the train will be.