Has Anyone been to Ayuthaya In Thailand?

Question

Im planning to go from Bangkok to Ayuthaya (Ancient Capital of Thailand) - Can you go by train? Or River Boat? Can you hire bikes there? How long should you allow to visit it? Please Help. Thanx

Answer 1

Get in

By train
The cheapest and most colorful way of reaching Ayutthaya is by train. All north and north-east line trains depart from Bangkok's Hualamphong Train Station and stop in Ayutthaya, a trip of about 1.5 hours. Second class costs 35 baht (seats can be booked in advance), while third class is just 20 baht (no reservations).

Ayutthaya's train station is to the east of the central island. The easiest way to get to central Naresuan Road is to walk straight ahead from the station and take the cross-river ferry for 2 baht.

By bus
Buses operate every 20 minutes or so from Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Moh Chit) directly to Ayutthaya. First class air-con buses charge 45 baht, while second class is 35. Allow at least two hours for the trip since the buses stop rather frequently and there are often jams on the roads out of/into Bangkok.

In Ayutthaya, the central BKS bus station is on the south side of Th. Naresuan next to the Chao Phrom Market. songthaews to Bang Pa-In also leave from here. Some 1st-class buses to Bangkok, however, leave from the north side of the road some 500m to the west, on the other side of the khlong (canal); the queue of air-con buses is easy to spot.

From Kanchanaburi, take a local bus from the main bus station to Suphanburi for 45 baht taking about 2 hours, then another local bus to Ayutthaya for 40 baht taking another 1.5 hours.

There is also a central bus station east of town serving northern destinations. It can be reached by songthaew--ask around to find the appropriate stop.

By minibus
Convenient minibus service (can get stuck in traffic, but makes no stops like regular buses) operates from the Victory Monument square in Bangkok. Take BTS Skytrain to the Victory Monument station, an go right on the elevated walkway - keep on it until you cross a large road, then descend - the buses are parked at the side side of the main traffic circle). The cost is usually ~80 baht, takes around 1 hour.

Minibuses from Kanchanaburi can be arranged by guesthouses or any tour operators for around 350 baht.

By boat
Cruise boats run up the river from Bangkok, often stopping at Ko Kret and Bang Pa-In along the way. You'll need to book in advance as there are no scheduled services, just trips for tourists. It's a fairly lengthy trip (at least one whole day) and some of the larger boats offer (pricy) overnight tours.

Get around
It is advised to rent a bicycle. You should get a copy of a map for free at the shop that rents you the bicycle. If you are physically larger than most Thais, be warned that the larger bicycles are not necessarily well maintained, so be sure that they work properly (seats well attached, handlebars don't slip in relation to front wheel direction) before you leave.

Alternatively, you can hop around town by tuk-tuk or motorbike for 20-30 baht a pop. Ayutthaya's tuk-tuks are larger than the Bangkok variety and you can easily squeeze in four or more on the two songthaew-style facing benches. Only "official" tuk-tuk drivers can pick up passengers from the train station (their photos are displayed on a board at the southern end of the platform) and they are required to work to a fixed scale of charges.

The local bus to Lopburi leave the main bus station every 20 minutes and pass Wat Nah Phra Meru.

Answer 2

Ayuthaya Ancient City is a pretty unique place. It has various sites located around the city. It is not likely for you to see eberything in just one day. You can choose either to concentrate on the main bigger sites or to take it easy and move around the place to take in all its beauty.

One thing is that due to the recent flooding, Ayuthaya had been quite badly affected. Some of the sites were flooded being located close to the river. You might want to check on updates regarding the status of the sites you want to visit. Damage review and repair will be taking place once the flood sunside.

You may want to consider the other option to head to Sukhothai, which was less affected. Come back to Ayuthaya when you pass through Bangkok later.

By the way, Thailady provided very detailed information on how to get there. My recommendation is either the train or the bus. Cheap and convenient.

Answer 3

The city is easily accessible by train or bus. I would suggest taking a train from Hua Lamphong Station in Bangkok. These run about once an hour through the day and take 1 hour 45 minutes.

Most people just rush through Ayutthaya but it has some of the finest architecture and ruins in all Thailand. In my opinion it is worth lingering for a couple of days in this city to see a wide range of temples. Even Sukothai is not as fine architecturally, though its sculpture and art may be superior.

My personal favorite is Wat Chaiwatthanaram, an amazing 17th century complex that features soaring spires, seated Buddhas and a great riverside location. This wat is about 3 kms from the central 14th century wats. You won't regret time spent at this fine site.

Answer 4

In Thailand, always take the train if it goes where you want to go. Always! Unless you can afford to fly, which saves time and is quite cheap, but you don't see as much.

If I may, I would suggest you go to Sukhothai instead of Ayudthaya. It is much more of a "real Thailand" experience and the temples are much more interesting.

If you really want to see the best temples, include a stop at Siem Reap, Cambodia on your trip. Angkor is the best man made thing on Earth.

Answer 5

Trains go about every hour from the main station; more trains early morning and evening than mid day.

Boat trips exist but are for tourists and are expensive. you can get evening dinner cruises but they dont stop

taxi is the quickest way - negotiate a price in advance.

Bikes are available in many locations, or you could even try an elephant. One day should be long enough to see most of it, though if you have a fascination with temples then you could spend longer.

Answer 6

If you arrive in Bangkok and stay just a few days then you go to ayuthya by boat and stay one night there for travel by bicyclel...and visit the heritage of the world Ayuthaya...you can get more information by click to www.pikulthailand.com or send the your question to [e-mail]

Answer 7

i've been there. boats are great there. bikes...probably more possible in bangkok.. i'D say allow at least a full day for visiting.

Answer 8

the best way is by car or bus , you can go by river,not sure about trains,i saw everything in one day

Answer 9

nope, sorry!