Elephants and ancient cities

Sawat dii khrap

An offering to Buddha

Unforseen circumstances have forced us to postpone our journey north. We were anticipating a 3 day visit to the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre, however, 2 weeks notice wasn't enough. Needed to book in late December to get a place. This won't hold us back though, as we vow to return to Thailand before we leave Asia.

New plans involved a visit to the ancient city of Ayuthaya in central Thailand. This city was once the capital of a vast Ayuthaya kingdom ranging into nearby Burma, Cambodia and Laos. At it's peak (14-17th century), Ayuthaya was regarded as the jewel of Asia and uncompairable. Many of the city's Wat (Buddhist temples) are still largely intact.

Within the city is an elephant camp established to provide refuge and work for elephants and mahouts (their trainers/carers) who have been affected by the Thai governments crackdown on illegal logging in the country. It was a good opportunity to get up close and personal with them despite missing the conservation centre up north. The camp provides education and elephant rides. Baby elephants are sooo cute!

Buddha head

At Lina's insistence, we then journeyed south once again to the beaches and national parks to see out our last week here. Are currently on the island of Ko Samet and will endeavour to spend some time at the Sea Turtle Preservation Sanctuary on a nearby island.

That's all for now.

Lina and Dame.

Flurtaceous behaviour

Sooooooo cute!

Tall, dark and handsome - Dame given the flick

Two can play at that game