The children from Years 5 and 6 at our international school recently enjoyed a field trip to Ayutthaya, where they became explorers, historians, and archaeologists – all while making lasting memories with their friends.

Over the three-day trip, the children visited several heritage sites, including Pom Phet Fortress, the Japanese Village, the Portuguese Village, Wat Phra Si, the Aranyik Craft Museum, and the Wat Chai Mongkol temple complex. The children absorbed the local history and heritage: reflecting on the lives of those caught up in the siege of Ayutthaya by Burma, the children composed narratives from the perspective of local shoppers, soldiers, and even the elephants. They learnt from local experts about traditional skills such as blacksmithing and knife-making, and got a chance to try their own hand at clay brick-making!

Amidst all their adventures, there was plenty of time for the children to play team-building games, indulge in some refreshing pool-time, and meditate on their beautiful environment by creating watercolour painting of the areas that inspired them the most.