3.01.2018 Train journey to Ayutthaya

10.30 AM, we are at the train station in Bangkok. The tickets to Ayutthaya are paid for (15 Baht / person) and stored in our luggage. We have about an hour of waiting time.

The train station is crowded with people. Young, old, tall and small. Monks and backpackers. Station staff and students. It's cool in the waiting hall and people are relaxed. There is no hurry.

The woman next to me is very relaxed. She's asleep and has a smile on her face. Sitting opposite me is an older gentleman. His skin is deeply tanned and he has medium-length, gray-dappled hair. He's wearing yellow/black sneakers, long black pants, a brown long-sleeved top, and several wooden necklaces around his neck. He radiates an incredible calmness to me and I'm completely fascinated by him. He greets every passing monk in a Thai manner and immediately says a small prayer. I'm looking forward to the train ride to Ayutthaya...

The train is just as I imagined. The seats are made of gray plastic and above each group of four seats is a luggage rack made of a frame with netting. The train is gradually filling up and we sit across from a woman who is also going to Ayutthaya. Various men and women walk from compartment to compartment with food and drinks, offering their goods. It's hot on the train and many people's eyes are closing. The train is traveling at about 40 km/h and it's a good opportunity to take lots of photos.

Reed fields, palm trees, corrugated iron huts, luxury resorts, stilt houses, and palm trees pass us by. I enjoy the atmosphere and soon my eyes are also closing.

Arriving in Ayutthaya, a tuk-tuk driver takes us to our hostel, Goodmorning by Tamarind. It's located on Narasuan Road, where most backpacker hostels are. We pay 1180 Baht, about 35 CHF, for two nights excluding breakfast. I'm completely delighted when I stand in front of the entrance. The entrance area is green and the walls inside are colorful. Many colorful umbrellas hang from the ceiling and since there is only a grille and no exterior wall in the back and front, you can hear birds chirping. I feel instantly comfortable. On the upper floor, there is a small lounge area, with books, maps, timetables, hot water for coffee or tea, and a bowl of fresh bananas. Everything is arranged with great care.

We store our belongings in the room, which is very spacious, and first assemble the mosquito net over the bed. Because there are significantly more mosquitoes here than in Bangkok. After that, we make ourselves comfortable in the lounge area and plan the next destinations of our trip.

More information to follow :-)