Readme before you journey
An ordinary day that will make 'art lovers' very happy
'Travel' seems to be the easiest way for us to gain experience. Just start by taking yourself out of the house, 'open your mind' wide, and use your 'eyes to see' and 'ears to listen'. That's all it takes to experience something new.
This month, **April**, is the hottest month of the year. On days when you don't want to sit or lie at home and waste air conditioning, plus the price of oil has been reduced to create temptation (hey... is it related?), I suddenly came up with a quick travel plan to drive myself. It turned into a **one-day trip** to a nearby province, just... at the tip of my nose.
: : Short Getaway | Scenic Views, Delicious Prawns, and Art Appreciation : :
Ayutthaya Province is not just an old city with temples, ancient ruins, or just [roadside] candy floss. It's not just a [nearby] city to Bangkok that we only use to pass through to other provinces. Today's trip made us realize that one day here is not ordinary. We've been hearing 'they say...' for a long time, today we won't just listen but will invite you to escape the heat and Join the fun that we've been hearing about with our own eyes :)
"Let's get out of Bangkok and go see 'Art' in Ayutthaya!"
Road Trip is a self-driving trip, convenient for driving...traveling like this is good, especially for nearby places that are only 73 kilometers away, just over an hour away. Leaving home for a while, the hot and humid air in the middle of Bangkok's skyscrapers also changes to rice fields, plains and green trees, which is quite refreshing.
Our first destination is Bang Sai District, Ayutthaya Province. Let me briefly explain the route from Bangkok to Ayutthaya. We took the [Eastern] Outer Ring Road, which connects to the North/Northeast line. We drove along Kanchanaphisek Road [Bang Pa-in - Ayutthaya] and entered Highway 9. We made a U-turn and turned left, then entered Highway 3309. That's it.
The destination is now on our left. It's not hard to find. Getting here was really easy. :)
SACICT GALLERY |
The Support Arts and Crafts International Centre of Thailand
Today, let's break away from the usual Ayutthaya tours that others take. We won't be visiting the ancient city [ as we did before ] or taking you to temples to pray. Instead, we're here to see some art, and we've just arrived.
: : SACICT Gallery is an exhibition hall that collects various types of art and handicrafts, with a focus on traditional crafts and artistic products, ranging from the works of master artists and craftsmen, antiques, to modern innovative craft art. The exhibits are displayed in a total of 5 exhibition halls on the 1st and 2nd floors of the building.
Oh! We're here. Turn and park in the underground parking lot under the building. Take the elevator to the 1st floor and you'll find a spacious, airy hall. It's magnificent! Around it are exhibition halls and shops selling products in stalls. It's a sight to behold! As for shopping, wait a minute. Let's go this way first.
: : Honestly, I don't know where to start. I took a guess and walked straight up the escalator to the 2nd floor (on the same side as the Bannakarn Library). As soon as I went up, I found the entrance to the INNOVATIVE CRAFT GALLERY or Honoat Silp, which was the first hall. This hall displays handicraft works that combine art and creativity.
It is a modern design product that fits in with the current era and can be put to practical use. We enjoyed walking around this zone because there were so many different works to see.
: : The works of renowned Thai art and craft teachers are displayed at the HALL OF FAME, showcasing their history and achievements.
The exhibition hall's overall design and decor maintain a clean, white tone, with displays of design works and information boards. The small room with a screen and seats is likely used for video screenings. Upon entering this zone, visitors will be greeted by staff at the counter who can provide additional information and distribute brochures for further reading at home. :)
: : The GOLD AND TEXTILES GALLERY, or Supanniga-Pattana Hall, is a rare exhibition that can be found on the other side of the Hall of Honor.
This zone has been adjusted to a more majestic, dark, and solemn tone with a black-red color scheme, contrasting with the radiant gold of Thai gold ornaments, gold jewelry, as well as the display of Thai fabrics and royal garments. The intricate and beautiful woven patterns of the fabrics and ancient textiles are a must-see for anyone who loves Textiles. Don't miss the Suphannahong-Phatra Hall! :)
: : SACICT INTERNATIONAL CREAFTS GALLERY or International Handicrafts Gallery
The exhibition, titled "Arts of the Islamic World," showcases the rich history and artistry of Islamic craftsmanship through various mediums, including intricate patterns, architecture, and diverse handicrafts such as pottery, painting, weaving, and woodcarving. These works embody the cultural vibrancy and diversity of the Islamic world.
Today, let's get to know the world of Islam through art. :)
The four exhibition halls are located on the 2nd floor, while the last exhibition hall, the **Support Gallery**, is located on the 1st floor. This hall showcases and disseminates information about Her Majesty Queen Sirikit's royal initiatives in the field of arts and crafts throughout Thailand. It also presents the works of Thai master artists and craftsmen.
I've walked through every hall now, even though I haven't read all the information boards. At least I know more than I did when I first walked in here. :)
In addition to the exhibition hall, SACICT also has a specialized library focusing on handicraft knowledge called Arts and Crafts Library (located on the side of the Innovation Arts Building). Arts and Crafts Library has a spacious research area with well-organized bookshelves and reading spaces, making it an inviting place to study.
We think it's a stroke of luck that they've collected all these amazing artworks and put them on display in an exhibition hall for everyone to enjoy for free. Yes, free. It's a place where you can wander around at your leisure, without getting hot or having to stand in the sun. Just escape the heat and come for a relaxing stroll, taking in the art at your own pace. Here in Ayutthaya, just a stone's throw away.
Note: You can visit the exhibition hall at SACICT, the International Institute for the Promotion of Arts and Crafts (Public Organization) or ศ.ศ.ป., Tambon Chang Yai, Bang Sai District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province.
Or see details at www.sacict.net
"Enjoy the view and delicious shrimp at Thongchup Restaurant"
Having come all the way to his place, it wouldn't be right not to try the grilled shrimp. After walking and walking all over the SACICT Gallery, hunger immediately struck.
We are currently in Ayutthaya, but we will take you to enjoy the shrimp in Sing Buri, a neighboring province with a border. It's not too far away. We head towards Sing Buri province. Before reaching the city center, turn according to the sign 'Wat Trachu' (on the left hand side, heading into Sing Buri). Then drive straight ahead and you will find Wat Trachu. There is a small parking lot (parking fee 10 baht) in the temple area. Follow the shop sign into the small community and you will find the Golden Shrimp Restaurant at the end of the road.
: : The Golden Shrimp Restaurant is a wooden house that stretches down near the river, giving it a riverside atmosphere and a relaxed feeling like eating at home.
The star of the meal was undoubtedly the grilled prawns, their plump bodies glistening with succulent roe, served with steaming hot rice. Other notable dishes included deep-fried fish cakes, crispy fried snakehead fish, and a slightly sweet tamarind leaf salad, which was tossed with fluffy fried fish. The steamed fish cake with snakehead fish was packed with fish, and the clear tom yum soup with catfish was delicious. Overall, the flavors were excellent. :)
Note: Grilled prawns are priced at 1,500 baht per kilogram (3 prawns per kilogram), which is quite expensive. Other food items are priced similarly to other restaurants. In addition, the restaurant also sells various kinds of Thai desserts.
On both sides of the path leading to the gold-plated shop, there is a community with shops and houses. There are grocery stores, pharmacies, and shops selling hard-to-find snacks like freshly fried peanuts, large pieces of coconut candy, fresh young coconut meat, dried fish, various types of sugar, and fruits at affordable prices that you'll want to buy as souvenirs.
We've reached the end of our one-day trip [from Ayutthaya to Sing Buri] MINDJourney style. This trip is easy to organize for the whole family, doesn't break the bank, doesn't take much time, and is sure to be a fun experience for everyone.
Thanks to my friends for following me until the end of the trip. Don't forget to travel with me again. Today... I'm going to think about the next plan first. Bye :)
: : Reread our 'Travelogue' here (click) : :
Coffee Tripper | 'Escape the Heat' and Relax at...WOOD Cafe'
Over a Million to the Land of...Phu Langka The End | Northern Trip Chiang Mai Chiang Rai Phayao Nan
Over a Million to the Land of...Phu Langka Part 1 | Northern Trip Chiang Mai Chiang Rai Phayao Nan
Chanthaburi Trip | When I accidentally fell for 'Chanthaburi'
Sapa, the city that made us fall in love with 'him' Part 1 | Vietnam Trip: Ha Noi - Sapa EP#1
Sapa, the city that made us fall in love with 'him' Part 2 | Vietnam Trip: Ha Noi - Sapa EP#2
Sapa, the city that made us fall in love with 'him' Part 3 | Vietnam Trip: Ha Noi - Sapa EP#3
: : If you are a travel enthusiast like us, come join us to talk, share and exchange travel stories on our page MINDJourney : :
GO OUT THERE
Friday, September 27, 2024 9:59 AM
