UNESCO site: Historic City of Ayutthaya

Thailand has amazing tourism. That much is true. What more can I say? Hmmm, let the photographs do the talking.

Introducing a UNESCO World Heritage site, the ruins of Ayutthaya!

My curiosity of Ayutthaya began when I looked up the list of World Heritage sites in Southeast Asian nations. 

Enter the gates of Wat Buddhaisawan! This is the ancient city's symbol.

Silk-robed buddhas all over the temple ground. 

Yes, that's the flag of Thailand.

Unacceptable! Not sharp, not centered either. A hint of OCD for you, reader.

Buddhas, big and small, lined up to meet and greet you.

He selectively prayed to some buddhas and fixed the offerings. Why is that nearest cup half empty?! 

An elephant would take you round and round that chedi for photo opportunities. Poser, mehhh

If the Harry Potter series had Headless Nick, might as well name these headless idols. 

More chedis. An individual temple area is officially called a "wat." Numerous wats compose Ayutthaya. 

The destruction of idols were brought about by the clash of Buddism and Hinduism.

Singapore Skyline

What can be accomplished in 11 days of travel? How far can your body go before you run out of gas? Here's what we did. 5 countries, 8 cities. From Ho Chi Minh to Singapore, you heard it right, in 11 days. If only we had more time, Indonesia would've been conquered as well. We patterned our IT from a helpful friend's recent trip. For that, thank you  for its conception, James. 

For memory's sake, I'd like to jot this down in reverse fashion starting from the last country visited. I do not have much pictures as the heat was torturous. I was hit by an untimely realization; my full frame camera (5DM3) with a walk-around lens was no convenience in backpacking trips. 'Twas the correct call not to bring my big ass tripod. Whew!

With less than 48 hours to spare in a mega city that is Singapore, what do you conquer?

Sentosa island is home to Singapore's make-believe pretentious beaches. Day one was a full day in that beloved island pearl of theirs. It wouldn't hurt to enjoy Universal Studios Singapore like the usual youthful tourist, which brings me to travel tip #1, always bring your student ID, even if you're no longer a student. A 20 SGD discount will be irresistible. Songs of the Seas, Tiger Sky Tower and Skyline Luge came afterwards. I would ride more of the Luge if time permitted, only that is worthy to be mentioned.

Day two's theme was Singapore revisited. Last time I was here, there was no Marina Bay Sands, Singapore Flyer and Universal Studios among other less known things. First we met up with our former swimming coach, he had us devour the famous Singapore curry, if such a meal exists. Went up the top of MBS for free. Walked here and there. Walked here and there again. 

The only time I put out my dSLR camera was when dusk arrived. The blue hour, perfect timing for the picturesque Singapore skyline. Marina Bay photographs below. The Helix Bridge. The Merlion. The Art Gallery. 

Time to fly home! Changi Airport was  a friendly one, in fact a no-brainer. A subway system directly connected to all terminals, affordable too. Free candies on the immigration officers counter. Water refill fountains available at boarding gates. Too bad though, multiple layers of glass prevented me from taking pictures of all sorts of planes and airlines. I rode skytrains here and there, as such is my love for aviation.