3:34 am arrival in Bangkok. I arrived exhausted at Khao San Road after a late-night flight from Korea, navigating through crowded clubs before finding my hostel down a back alley.

After minimal sleep, I hired a tuk-tuk to the train station, haggling over the price—a new experience compared to Korea's fixed pricing system. I then boarded a 2-hour train journey north to Ayutthaya.

The journey featured unexpected lurches that knocked standing passengers over. After 45 minutes stopped at a station, locals suddenly switched to another train on the opposite platform, which the foreigners followed. The replacement train reached Ayutthaya with considerably smoother operation.

Upon arrival, numerous tuk-tuk drivers competed for passengers. I hired one, paying more than intended but receiving a thorough history lesson while visiting temples throughout the old Siamese capital. Timing coincided with Chinese New Year, allowing observation of active worship at the sites.

Despite feeling somewhat touristy, the area wasn't overwhelmingly crowded even during the holiday. I deemed the trip worthwhile, though recommended visiting with a group to split tuk-tuk costs. I returned mid-afternoon to prepare for Myanmar travel the following day.