Historical Park Ride, 3 Hours

Overview

This three-hour ride, sometimes stretching a little past that, covers Ayutthaya's old capital by bicycle, from the fortress at Pom Phet on the former city walls to the temple ruins inside the Historical Park. Recreational Bangkok Biking runs it in English or Thai.

The ride begins at the operator's Ayutthaya branch on Thanon Uthong and rolls through local neighborhoods, past vendors selling roti sai mai, a palm-sugar dessert. Stops include Somdet Phra Srinakarinda Park, Chedi Phra Si Suriyothai, a Muslim community that weaves palm-leaf mobiles, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet in the old Royal Palace grounds, and the famous Buddha statue at Wat Mahathat. The tour ends with a loop through Chao Phrom Market and a ferry crossing over the Pasak River on the way back.

Bike, helmet, guide, ferry fare, temple entrance fees, a drink and a snack are all included, so there is little to sort out on the day. Hotel pickup is not included; you make your own way to the meeting point. Reviewers often praise the guides' knowledge and the relaxed pace, and one noted the breeze from cycling made the heat easier to handle than walking.

Itinerary

1. Meet in AyutthayaMeet at ThailandBiking's Ayutthaya branch at 14 Thanon Uthong. Hotel pickup is not included.
2. Pom Phet fortressRide to the ruins of Pom Phet on the old city walls, the point where travelers once arrived by river into the Kingdom of Siam.
3. Local neighborhoodsPedal through small communities and past vendors selling roti sai mai, a dessert of palm-sugar threads wrapped in bread.
4. Park and riversideCycle through Somdet Phra Srinakarinda Park to Chedi Phra Si Suriyothai, then follow the river bank to a Muslim community known for hand-woven palm-leaf mobiles.
5. Historical Park templesEnter Ayutthaya Historical Park, stop at Wat Phra Sri Sanphet in the Royal Palace grounds, and photograph the famous Buddha statue at Wat Mahathat. Entrance fees for both temples are included.
6. Chao Phrom MarketWander the market with its amulet shops and food stalls.
7. Ferry and returnTake the ferry across the Pasak River and cycle back to the starting point. The full ride runs three to three and a half hours.

Common Questions