morning glory, spinach, basil,
eggplants, chillies and lemongrass,
amongst others. They also grow a
variety of organic rice such as Hom
Patum and Hom Nakornchaisri.
Sampran Riverside also launched a
local farmer’s market called Talad
Sookjai, which runs on weekends.
The Hot Soup School Challenge
winners will have the opportunity
to participate in a range of activities
at Sampran, while also kicking
back and relaxing in this oasis
just outside the city.THE VENICE OF THE EAST
After the fall of Sukhothai, Ayutthaya –
founded in 1350 – became the second
capital of the Siamese Kingdom,
and remained so between the 14th
and 18th centuries. It flourished,
becoming a cosmopolitan hub ofabove Ayutthaya’s history as
a cosmopolitan hub of religion
and culture will be explored
bottom The team will have the
chance to explore Ayutthaya, a
magnificent complex of temples,
monasteries and stupas
politics, religion, commerce and
culture, and was once home to over a
million people. The great empire was
overthrown by the Burmese in 1767.
Thousands of people were imprisoned,
and many of the great city’s treasures
and historical artefacts were sadly
looted. The seat of power shifted,
and for decades, the glory of the
former empire was all but forgotten.
However, beginning in 1969, the city
underwent major restoration.
Today, Ayutthaya is run as a
historical park, and has been listed as
a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many of
the sites have been partially restored,
so that visitors are presented with a
glimpse of the kingdom’s former glory.
The winning team will have the chance
to explore this magnificent complex
of temples, monasteries and stupas.
Pack a good pair of walking shoes!IMAGE © SHUTTERSTOCKIMAGE © 123RF