Tourists get up close and personal with the big cats, under the watchful eye of the monks and workers. No red or bright-coloured clothings are allowed, just in case you know. And of course, you have to sign an indemnity form upon entering the place - declaring that you will not hold the monks responsible if you should leave the place with a limb less. *shudders* Some say the place is just a gimmick, paying an entrance fee just to take pictures with the tigers. But who knows?

As the ancient capital of Thailand, Ayutthaya used to be its cradle of civilization. Today, in the place of its once thriving empire, stands crumbling ruins and headless buddhas, the remains of a rich history. At the height of its glory, records reveal that there were three palaces and over 400 magnificent temples on an island linked by canals.

We took a night tour on our first day there and while the ruins were beautifully lit, we could only admire its rugged beauty from a distance. This of course, was not sufficient to satisfy us. So we had to pay them a visit the next morning in broad daylight!

The names of the ancient ruins begin with a Wat. A Wat, in thai terms, refers to a buddhist temple. The first one we visited was Wat Ratchaburana.

Thai school kids having a school excursion. Cute!

Our guesthouse in Ayutthaya with racks of Japanese Manga! A pity I couldn't read a word of Jap. They have a recreation corner where you can watch cable channels or just flip through magazines. And dear Dor was in our room that night, practising chinese oldies on a random KTV channel. :p Okay, I admit I put her up to it.

Labels: Holiday