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Founded around 1350, Ayutthaya became the second capital of Siam after [wiki=cda3c97966f9a627c6f1f525525ea0c5]Sukhothai[/wiki]. Throughout the centuries, the ideal location between China, India and the Malay Archipelago made Ayutthaya the trading capital of Asia and even the world. By 1700 Ayutthaya had become the largest city in the world with a total of 1 million inhabitants. Many international merchants set sail for Ayutthaya, from diverse regions as the Arab world, China, India, Japan, Portugal, the Netherlands and France. Merchants from Europe proclaimed Ayutthaya as the finest city they had ever seen. Dutch and French maps of the city show grandeur with gold-laden palaces, large ceremonies and a huge float of trading vessels from all over the world. All this came to a quick end when the Burmese invaded Ayutthaya in 1767 and almost completely burnt the city down to the ground.
Today, only a few remains might give a glimpse of the impressive city they must have seen. Its remains are characterized by the prang (reliquary towers) and big monasteries. Most of the remains are temples and palaces, as those were the only buildings made of stone at that time. The great cultural value of Ayutthaya's ruins were officially recognized in 1991, when the Historic City became an [wiki=d8a9b665cf6b311b9557019e63670643]UNESCO World Heritage Site[/wiki]. Its proximity to Bangkok make it a popular day-trip destination for travelers from Bangkok.
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Orientation
Ayutthaya is an island at the confluence of three rivers: the Chao Phraya River, the Lopburi River and the Pa Sak River. As the train station is at the east side off the island, most visitors will need to cross the river by ferry boat. Navigating your way around the island is not particularly hard: U Thong Rd is a ring road that circumvents the island completely. Most temple ruins can be found at the northwest of the island, while accommodation and night life is clustered around the northeast. As non-Siamese peoples were not allowed to live inside the city walls, things foreign are found off the island.
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Communication
Unlike other tourist hotspots, very few people speak and understand English. You may encounter difficulty at your accommodation, restaurants and shops.
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By car
From Bangkok, one can get to Ayutthaya by various routes:
*Take Highway 1 (Phahon Yothin) via Pratu Nam Phra In and turn into Hwy 32, then turn left to Hwy 309 to Ayutthaya.
*Take Hwy 304 (Chaeng Watthana) or Hwy 302 (Ngam Wong Wan), turn right into Hwy 306 (Tiwanon), cross Nonthaburi or Nuanchawi Bridge to Pathum Thani, continue on Hwy 3111 (Pathum Thani-Sam Khok-Sena) and turn right at Amphoe Sena into Hwy 3263 to Ayutthaya.
*Take Hwy 306 (Bangkok-Nonthaburi-Pathum Thani), at Pathum Thani Bridge Intersection, turn into Hwy 347 and Hwy 3309 via Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre, Amphoe Bang Pa-in, to Ayutthaya.
*Take Expressway No.9 (Si Rat Expressway) via Nonthaburi-Pathum Thani and down to Hwt 1 via Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre, turn left onto Hwy 3469 towards Bang Pahan and turn right at Worachet Intersection to Ayutthaya.
One can also contact a taxi for pick up at Bangkok's airports. For example: Car Service, phone: +66 28 195 390, email: raksacharoen@hotmail.com. Advance booking possible. ~1,200 baht one-way.
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By train
The cheapest and most scenic way of reaching Ayutthaya is by train. It regularly departs from [wiki=3d147c6ba113929f5a004a5e9dcc832e#By_train]Bangkok's Hualamphong Train Station[/wiki] and stops in Ayutthaya. The trip takes about 1h20min - 2.5 hrs depending on the type of service. Second-class seats (A/C) cost 245-345 baht, third-class is just 15-20 baht (!) (no reservations and seats are not guaranteed). Check time table here: [http://www.railway.co.th/checktime/checktime.asp?lenguage=Eng]. (Please note that fares listed on the Thai railways site are out of date and incorrect).
Although in the past railway employees preferred not to sell 3rd-class tickets to foreigners, as of 2011 the employees were explicitly offering 3rd-class seats to western tourists as a standard option. Also note that some train stations (for instance Bang Khen) do not appear on the sites map, and that tickets may even be cheaper. If you have local friends, they may have some good advice.
The railway station is not on the island but across the river a short ferry ride away. Walk across the main road and down the small street straight ahead. Ferry boats run every few minutes and cost 5 baht. Alternatively, tuktuks are waiting in front of the station to take you into town for around 60 baht.
When taking the train, it's best to get on/off in Bang Sue. The track inside Bangkok is at-grade, and the train often got stopped because of traffic signal. Delay is expected especially during rush hour.
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By bus
Buses operate every 20 minutes or so from Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Moh Chit*) directly to Ayutthaya (despite what locals say, the last bus leaves at 18:00). First-class air-con buses charge 56 baht. This trip is scheduled to be around an hour and a half, but 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.
*To get to the Northern Bus Terminal, go to Mo Chit BTS Station. Upon exiting the gate, cross the bridge on the right to go to the bus stop, and take bus service 3 or bus service 77. (air-con buses charge 12 baht, non air-con buses charge 7 baht.) Bus ride is about 10-15 minutes and the Northern Bus Terminal destination is the last stop for the bus services. However, buses do not stop in the Northern Bus Terminal, but at the bus stop across the street. Cross the bridge to get to the bus terminal.
*Bus service 3 runs also near Khao San. It goes by Chakrabongse Rd which is a street on the western end of Khao San. The trip to the Northern Bus Terminal from here takes around 1 hour. Getting back in the evening can take longer due to traffic. Official metered taxi directly from Mo Chit bus terminal taxi stand to Khao San Road costs 105 baht.
Also you can take a minivan from the Victory Monument direct to Ayutthaya. Takes ~1 hour and costs 60 baht. Minivans depart every 20 minutes or so.
The buses run from 04:30-19:15. For more details, call Tel. +66 29 362 852-66 or see the website [url=http://www.transport.co.th]]and Ayutthaya Bus Terminal, Tel. +66 35 335 304.
In Ayutthaya, the central BKS bus station is on the south side of Naresuan Rd next to the Chao Phrom Market. [[Thailand#Songthaew|songthaews[/url]] to [wiki=ced850b6a3ae8f220214c8b7af5b6a03]Bang Pa-In[/wiki] also leave from here. Some 1st-class buses to Bangkok, however, leave from the north side of the road some 500 m to the west, on the other side of the khlong (canal); the queue for air-con buses is easy to spot.
From [wiki=507f15ea27c0d2ff2a4f55aa8c93d104]Kanchanaburi[/wiki], take a local bus of horrible quality from the main bus station to [wiki=4291964d0650c05b01348397a4fff84e]Suphanburi[/wiki] for 50 baht (2.5 hours + long waiting for bus and departing) and then official airconditioned "minibus" (actually Toyota Hilux minivan) nr. 703 to Ayutthaya for 80 baht (1 hour). Big bus from Suphanburi to Ayutthaya was cancelled and replaced by minivan service nr. 703 even according timetable on bus station, although there is no price mentioned on timetable so 80 baht is probably farang (foreigner) price and locals pay less (they use this minivan service too). The best advice is avoid this route completely, because it will cost you 130 baht and you will tired after spending 4.5-5 hours (incl. waiting) to get from Kanchanaburi to Ayuthaya, so it's actually faster go back to Bangkok and get to Ayuthaya from Bangkok without any cheating or double prices and more comfortable for same amount of time or even faster and only little bit more expensive. A taxi from Kanchanaburi costs 2,000-2,500 baht (2 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.
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By minibus (van)
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, and go right on the elevated walkway. Stay on it until you cross a large road, then descend (13.76414N 100.53878E). The buses are parked at the side of the main traffic circle. The cost is 60 baht, takes around 1 hour to 1 hour 20 min. There is a stand next to the buses where you pay, you then get a numbered ticket that you take to your driver. It's quite convenient since you don't have to go to bus terminals (nearby Mo Chit) but the only problem is that the minibuses don't have much space to carry big bags and have to wait until the car is fully filled. You may have to pay extra for big bags, or maybe it's another scam (360 Baht for 4 people with large bags [Jan 2014]). You can get the same bus coming back but it usually takes longer (>20 minutes) for these vans to fill up.
The stop in Ayuttaya is located at (14.359006, 100.576965)
There is an ongoing scam, in which the minivan driver will drop you at a remote station outside the old city, and then a tuk-tuk driver approaches you and offers to take you to the old city for an outrageous 100 baht. The actual minivan stop (which you paid for) is in the old city right near Naresuan Soi 2 (where all the guesthouses are), so demand to stay on the van until your final destination. The scam can be easily spotted when the van / bus is full of locals, and the driver tells you (the only tourist) that this is Ayutthaya and opens the door. In case there are no locals left in the van (sometimes they all alight at the previous stops), look out for the surroundings: it should look like a not very wide town street with buildings on all sides and there most certainly will be other minivans (look at the Google Street View at the coordinates above before your ride).
Minibuses (van) from [wiki=507f15ea27c0d2ff2a4f55aa8c93d104]Kanchanaburi[/wiki] can be arranged by guest houses or any tour operators for around 400 baht. Most tour operators charge 400 baht for the 2.5 hours drive. There is one tour operator charging 380 Bbht, but this one is not recommended since it takes 5 hours to reach Ayutthaya. This one passes through Bangkok first.
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By boat
Cruise boats run up the river from [wiki=3d147c6ba113929f5a004a5e9dcc832e]Bangkok[/wiki], often stopping at [wiki=69c19d89a68d6f4ffe0d166a6beef89a]Ko Kret[/wiki] and [wiki=ced850b6a3ae8f220214c8b7af5b6a03]Bang Pa-In[/wiki] 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.
Travelling by boat to Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya is popular among foreigners since it does not only reveal the beauty as well as lifestyle of the people on both sides of the Chao Phraya River, but also reflects the life in history at the time of the Ayutthaya Kingdom when the Chao Phraya River served as a channel of transportation in trading with foreign countries.
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By bicycle
Bicycling around the ruins is the most enjoyable and fun way to spend the day. The archaeological park is easily reachable and manageable on bike even if you aren't very fit. The paths are paved and the distances between temples are small. Its fine to bike to the off-island sites too (Floating Market, various wats) as long as you're confident sharing the roads with the speedy Thai traffic.
You can rent a bicycle for around 50 baht per day. You also have to leave a passport or credit card as a deposit. (January 2014)
The bicycles are not necessarily well maintained, so be sure that they work properly (wheels are firm and inflated, seats adjusted to your height and well attached, handlebars don't slip); good shops will give you a free bike lock as well. There is a good bike shop directly opposite the train station.
Free map of the city is widely available in all hotels.
Bicycle rentals: Soi 2 (where the majority of tourist hotels and restaurants are located) have numerous bike rental facilities. They are all next to each other so it will be easy to shop around and find the one with the best bike for you.
The park opens at 07:30. It is recommended that you begin your tour early, before the tour groups arrive from Bangkok. Take a big bottle of water with you.
At T.W.T (TourWithThai) (before Tony's guest house which not far from minibus stop at Soi 2) has bicycles big and small size and seat for small child for rent. If you short of time maybe you can go around by motorcycle which you can rent in the same area.
A day of biking to see major sites is at least 20km. It's extremely hot during the day. The free maps are terrible, the labeling of some sites is poor, so plan on getting lost and the extra backpedaling this involves. Traffic on some roads is a little fast to be biking on. The bike is good for getting around town but for major touring it might be better to consider a motorbike. This writer wishes he had. It sounds so romantic to be biking around old ruins but most of your biking will be in and around the city.
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By tuk-tuk
Alternatively, you can get around town by tuk-tuk (motorized 3-wheeler). Ayutthaya's tuk-tuks are larger than the Bangkok variety and you can easily squeeze six people in on facing benches. Only "official" tuk-tuk drivers or tourist "helpers" can pick up passengers from the train station. You can verify their status by looking for their photos/name on a "Tourist Officials" board displayed at the southern end of the platform. These people are required to charge/work for fixed charges, usually quoting 300 baht/hour, but this can usually be bargained to a slightly lower price (e.g., 1,000 baht for 4 hrs).
You can also flag down tuk-tuks from the street and try to hire them, most drivers carry with them a stack of postcards featuring the famous sites of the city to ease communication, they also are used to the standard temple hopping circuit. If you have a map you can point out any of the destinations that you wish to see and they'll often quote a trip price and will wait for you at each stop. 200 baht per hour seems to be the starting point for tourist tuk-tuks picking up backpackers away from the station, although it can be possible to negotiate a lower price.
If you are really determined on your route, you can negotiate a single fare with the driver. Trips from inside the island goes around 100 Baht, and from outside the island around 150 Baht.
There are usually tuk-tuk outside various wats waiting to pick up passengers, so no need to worry of being stuck. They can also be easily flagged down from the street within the island.
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By tram
As of April 2010 no trams were running. Updates as to their status are elusive.
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By mini-bus
From Ayutthya, mini-buses can be taken from the railway station into the city. Hiring a mini- bus within Ayutthaya costs between 400-500 baht/day. For travelling between Ayutthaya and Bang Pa-in, mini-buses regularly leave Chao Prom Market, Chao Prom Road starting from 06:00.
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By boat
Boat trips to enjoy the beautiful scenery and Thai lifestyle along the Chao Phraya River, the Pa Sak River and around the town island of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya are available. A long-tailed boat can be chartered at the pier in front of Chanthara Kasem National Museum, Pom Phet Pier, and Wat Phananchoeng Pier. The fare depends on the route and duration. Rice barges are also available for groups that offer a relaxed way to see Ayutthaya.
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By Songteow
There are dark blue ones which circle the inner city.
Flag one down and hop aboard.
Once you arrive at your destination, press the buzzer.
VERY cheap!
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By cyclo
You can go sightseeing by just sitting on the seat and let the driver take you around the archaeological park. A cyclo can contain for only 2 people.It's recommended for this cyclo sightseeing in the night when the driver will turn on the light which is decorated all over the vehicles. For the fare, you have to negotiate the price with the driver. Some drivers might request you for overrated fare,hence,you might ask local people who can speak English for making a bargain with the driver.
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By motorbike
You can ride a motorbike to go anywhere you want in the city. Most of the bikes are scooters and easy to ride. Due to most people using motorcycles, the are some dangers to riding in Ayutthaya. You must learn and follow Thai traffic rules before riding. You can rent the bikes with full fuel at the rate around 300-400 Baht(approximately 10-13$) per day.
Rentals : There are 2 biggest hotspot for renting.The first one is nearby the railway station and another is at Soi Thor Kor Sor (ซอย ธกส.)at which is near Chao Prom Market(ตลาดเจ้าพรหม).
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Ayutthaya is 76 kilometres north of Bangkok and boasts numerous magnificent ruins. The ruins indicate that Ayutthaya was one of Southeast Asia's (and probably the world's) most prosperous cities in the 17th Century and beyond. Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park, a vast stretch of historical site in the heart of Ayutthaya city, has been a [wiki=d8a9b665cf6b311b9557019e63670643]UNESCO World Heritage Site[/wiki] since December 13, 1991.
There were three palaces in Ayutthaya: Grand Palace, Chantharakasem Palace (the Front Palace) and Wang Lang (the Rear Palace). In addition, there were many other palaces and buildings for royal visits located outside Ayutthaya, such as the palace at [wiki=ced850b6a3ae8f220214c8b7af5b6a03]Bang Pa-In[/wiki] and Nakhon Luang Building at [wiki=27c19698c1b8a7a31cfd07589e3dc89f]Nakhon Luang[/wiki].
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On the island
The temples with entry charges are usually in ruins, so there is no dress code, although visitors are still requested to refrain from blatant stupidity like clambering up the Buddha statues. Working temples tend to charge no fees and there are often no officials to check that a dress is appropriate (though it is advised to follow these customs to show respect for sacred places).
* The largest temple in Ayutthaya, known for its distinctive row of restored chedis (Thai-style stupas) found on many images of the city. Housed within the grounds of the former royal palace, the temple was used only for royal religious ceremonies. It once housed a 16 m high Buddha covered with 340 kg of gold, but the Burmese set fire to the statue to melt the gold and destroyed the temple in the process. The royal palace can also be accessed from the same entrance at Wat Phra Si Sanphet, but it only has a few free standing buildings remaining.
* An impressive building that houses a large bronze cast Buddha image. It was originally enshrined outside the Grand Palace to the east, but it was later transferred to the current location and covered with a Mondop. During the second fall of Ayutthaya, the building and the image were badly destroyed by fire. The building currently seen was renovated but does not have as beautiful craftsmanship as the previous ones. The open area east of the sanctuary (wihan) was formerly Sanam Luang, where the royal cremation ceremony took place.
* A large temple that was quite thoroughly ransacked by the Burmese. Several leaning prangs of Ayutthaya are still feebly defying gravity though, and the rows of headless Buddhas are atmospheric. This is also where you can spot the famous tree that has grown around a Buddha head. When taking pictures of you and the Buddha head, make sure you kneel to show respect, as it is considered holy by Thais.
* This temple stands out for having a large prang recently restored to its original condition, clearly visible if you come in from the east. A major find of golden statues and other paraphernalia was made here in 1958, although much was subsequently stolen by robbers - the remnants are now in the Chao Sam Phraya Museum. You can climb inside the prang for nice views and a little exhibit. The mysterious staircase down, leads to two unrestored rooms with original paintings still visible on the walls.
* A working wat, but also contains the ruins of a large chedi and a huge roofless viharn which has tall brick columns leaning at alarming angles and a large tree growing picturesquely out of the side of one wall. It was already constructed before the establishment of Ayutthaya. The Wihan Luang once enshrined an enormous bronze head of the Buddha of the U Thong period, now exhibited at the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum. The temple also houses a Reclining Buddha hall called Wihan Phra Phutthasaiyat, built by his queen consort following her wish made for her daughter's recovery from an ailment. The wihan is located to the north of Phra Chedi with a base of 52 surrounding singha or lions, and houses a north-facing reclining Buddha image measuring 12 m in length, with both feet gilded and inlaid with glass mosaic.
* This modern wat with no ruins can be accessed by side streets off U-thong Rd. The wat contains a few small spires, and some nicely decorated modern buildings.
* This fortress was the city's most important defensive structure in the 15th century. Originally built of wood in 1350 by King Mahachakraphat, the fortress was later rebuilt with bricks. A few walls still remain and the grounds have a nice view of the river. The fortress is close to Wat Suwan Dararam, and is right beside a ferry that can take you to Wat Phanan Choeng.
* This temple consists of one huge prang and some smaller chedi and outbuildings, all in disrepair though the top of the prang is complete. Staircases to the side of the prang give views of Ayutthaya. This monastery was located outside the grand palace compound to the east. King Ramesuan commanded it built on ground where the royal cremation ceremony for his father, King U-Thong, took place. A big lagoon is in front of this monastery. Its original name was "Nong Sano". It was changed to "Bueng Phraram" and currently is Phraram Public Park.
* A white and gold coloured chedi built as a memorial to a previous queen. Set in small, well-kept gardens, it is the memorial for the first heroine in Siamese history. It's of some interest as a proof of the honour that ancient Siamese society gave to women. It was renovated in 1990, and during the renovations some antique objects were found such as a white rock crystal Buddha image in the posture of subduing Mara, a chedi replica, and a golden reliquary. These ancient objects were brought to be under the care of the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum.
* Built some time during 1688-1703 during the reign of King Phetracha on the grounds of his former residence near the main gate of the southern city wall. Its location and area plan was confined to a north-south orientation by ancient communication routes. Unlike other temples, the king had all buildings roofed with yellow glazed tiles and the temple became known as "Wat Krabueang Khlueap" or the "glazed tile temple". The construction took 2 years and the temple underwent a major renovation in the reign of King Borommakot, who had 3 pairs of door panels decorated with fine mother-of-pearl inlays. One pair of them is currently at Ho Phra Monthian Tham inside the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the second is at Wat Benchamabophit (The Marble Temple), and the third was turned into cabinets and is now exhibited at the Bangkok National Museum.
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Off the island
Much of Ayutthaya's history revolves around trade with other nations, but these nations were not allowed to set up camp inside the city walls. Thus, surrounding Ayutthaya's waters are plenty of remains from the countries that once set sail here, such as the settlements of Japan, the Netherlands and Portugal, as well as the interesting Thai-Chinese temple of Wat Phanan Choeng.
* The temple that graces the official tourist pamphlet for Ayutthaya, this wat is a must see. Many intact pagodas surround a central chedi that you can climb from all sides. A nice view of the city can be had from the top. Very photogenic.
* This Wat offers a mix of old and modern buildings. It is unique because it survived the destruction of the city in the 18th century. Of interest are the vaulted ceilings and a Buddha made of black stone
* A working monastery with a well-preserved ordination hall and a prominent central prang in the Khmer style with a lotus flower on top. It's worth stopping by as it is an interesting mix of older-style ruins and relatively modern. Particularly interesting is the Viharn with mural paintings and a teak altar.
* A working monastery located south of Ayutthaya, no one knows how old it is, but it existed before Ayutthaya was founded as the capital. It contains the oldest large cast bronze Buddha image in Ayutthaya, called "Phrachao Phananchoeng", built in A.D. 1325; it is made of stucco in the attitude of subduing evil. A small room to the right of the main hall contains a nice collection of Buddha images and the room is painted with many individual unique pictures, in bright colours offset with gold.
* Impressive and huge white, and slightly wonky, chedi set in a big field. You can climb to the top for extensive views over the countryside surrounding Ayutthaya, although the modern town and power lines obscure much of the historic city on the horizon. The actual nearby temple is still working and has small grounds with a smiling fat buddha image set in the ruins of a small viharn. You will see the 'Monument of King Naresuan the Great' on the way.
* The large pagoda from far away, and some it's ruins appear on well known photos of temples in Thailand. Constructed in the reign of King U-Thong, the temple features a large reclining Buddha in saffron robes in its own ruined wiharn, and, most spectacularly, a huge chedi swathed in golden cloth set in a courtyard which is lined by Buddha images all wearing saffron robes. Very photogenic
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Located next to the Pasak River on U-Thong Rd., this market offers food, clothing, and day to day necessities at a variety of shops and stalls. More for locals, the market lacks the usually touristy trinkets; however, the food is fantastic, good clothing deals can be found, and the visit may be of interest for those who wish to experience a more authentic Thai marketplace.
There are several night markets with many street hawkers selling a range of food and some stalls with clothing, phones and more.
*Is a not for profit program located at the Royal Elephant Kraal and village. Live, work and play with Elephants!
Elephantstay is a fantastic way for you to get hands on experience & make a real difference to the lives of our old elephants. Stay in the most exciting, innovative, working elephant village in Asia, dedicated to conserving elephants, just 1 hour from Bangkok. EXPERIENCE | SPIRIT | CONSERVATION
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A tourist attraction of Thai culture. It is the biggest floating market in Ayutthaya province. This place has the primary objective of being a tourist attraction and educational site of art and cultural from Ayutthaya era. For example, the market features gorgeous traditional dressing, Thai amusements, local performances and consumer product from older times. The Ayothaya Floating Market has over 200 shops consisting of goods and food. Tourism can enjoy spending time with shopping, sightseeing the wonderful Thai local architecture or joining a tour boat. In the market compound Ayothaya Elephant Village and tourism can also take tourists around the area on 20-minute elephant ride at 100 baht per person. The market has a lot of food shops and several noodles boat stores. There are many seafood, from fish and shrimp to squid and crab, as well as chicken, pork and Thai sweets including ice-cream and Roti Sai Mai (โรตีสายไหม). The floating market has Thai dance and song performances have three shows on weekdays (12:00, 17:00, and 19:00 pm) and four shows on weekends (11:00, 12:00, 17:00 and 19:00 p.m.). The show is free of charge.
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Original boat noodle was cooked on a boat. It's noodles and soup with meat and vegetables. They are served in a little bowl and most people would eat more than one to relieve their hunger.
* Reasonably priced restaurant with great views of Wat Ratchaburana and very good food. Meat in most dishes can be substituted with tofu. Eat indoors or on the balcony. Also sells some of Ayutthaya's best coffee.
* Roti Saimai is a Thai-style candy floss wrapped in a roti - a very popular local dessert.
* Serves unremarkable Thai and Vietnamese food, but makes up for it with an excellent location with views of Wat Mahathat as you eat, air conditioning, and possibly the best toilets in the city.
* One of the usual Thai rahn a-hahn jair. With 8 different meals available and side orders of gluten and gluten.
*There are 2 main night markets in every night. The first one is located in front of of Telephone authority building and another one is located opposite to Chandrakasem Palace (พระราชวังจันทรเกษม). Usually,the vendors set up their stalls and start selling around 4.30 pm then continue selling until 9.30.If you want to save your budget or try various foods,these markets are the right places for you. Many kinds of food are sold at reasonable price and,exactly,most of them are Thai foods,for instance,noodle,papaya salad or Somtam (ส้มตำ),Pad Thai (ผัดไทย),Thai dessert and so on. However,the biggest problem that you will face is,as always,the language,so it's suggested for asking some advice from your guesthouses,guides or hotel receptions about the foods and how to order.
*Look for the green overhang to get delicious food in a 1950's themed diner. Vintage Thai Pepsi, Coke, and Fanta soda bottles and preserved decor give you something to talk about and admire.
Thai Food is served her as well as local beer, fresh coffee ( hot & iced coffee) and ice cream. Prices 30 - 60 Baht.
Located towards the end of Naresuan Rd. The owner, Earl, speaks English.
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The main traveller-oriented area is Soi Torgorsor, between Pamaphrao Rd and Naresuan Rd opposite the western end of Chao Phrom Market. It has a number of bars staying open until late, some with projection screens for sports.
* Shares a food menu with Chang House next door, but offers a better soundtrack. When the jazz bands aren't playing, the instruments are pick-up-and-play, or you might find yourself dodging insulting trivia questions thrown at you by the staff.
* Street Lamp offers wooden seating spilling into the street in front of the attached guest house. Live music in the evenings is provided by the charismatic Mr. Noi playing his way through rock classics in a gravelly faux-American accent and inviting members of the audience to join in.
* Nice small coffee joint, served by a friendly staff (and a bit shy with foreigners).
* Best coffee in Ayutthaya. This place is run by a brother and sister team who are very passionate about coffee and their shop.
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There are a large number of traveller-oriented guesthouses on and around Soi 2 between Naresuan Road and Pamaphrao Road, opposite the western end of the Chao Phrom Market. Accommodation in the upper price brackets is limited though there are some options by the riverside. Many people choose to day-trip from [wiki=3d147c6ba113929f5a004a5e9dcc832e]Bangkok[/wiki].
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Budget
A friendly place offering all en suite rooms. With Internet access and a 'order what you like' restaurant. The three 300 baht rooms along the side alley have air vents open to a public restaurant next-door. For budget travellers, they offer in a nearby building some rooms for 100 baht each: neat, friendly doubles with fan.
* Clean rooms with fan and a separate wash room, with free wifi. Pro: The place is a traditional, two-story, all-wood house with a lot of character. Con: Its very close to the river, so it can be noisy with boat traffic at night.
* Right before (diagonally opposite) P-U Guest House. Old small Thai house, family-run, where you can feel like living in a Thai family. Backpacker atmosphere with basic and clean single/double rooms. One big room with air-con and private bathroom. The owner (Sato) is very relaxed and helpful. Bike and motorbike rental and Thai meals available.
*Very nice and familiar place. The owner is very friendly, as well as the very beautiful daughter. There also some friendly Thai people who frequently go there at night. Good food for the right price. Cheap beer and alcoholic drinks to be had, with tables outside on the road and it's completely open
*good place with a full range of rooms: single/double/family, shared/en-suite bathroom, fan/AC. Owner helpful and friendly, rents bikes (40 baht) and scooters, and offers a full range of tours and ticket booking services. Offers Western breakfast and beers in the evening. Surrounded by bars for later drinks.
* The hotel has 75 rooms. Prices are 562/618 baht for air conditioning, king/twin bed, and for electric fan-equipped room king/twin bed 450/506 baht.
* Clean rooms with fan and a separate wash room. Plus points: it's within sight of the train station and night market, manned by a friendly, jovial owner. It's a bit far from the main attractions, but motorbikes can be rented out for a mere 150 baht a day.
* Small guesthouse run by Steve from England. Nice, simple and cheap. Only 3 rooms available, no web site. Just come and ask for a room. Steve is nice and helpful. Bicycles for rent - 40 Baht, motorbyces - 200 Baht per day.
* Despite its name, the place provides rooms for a decent rate (~800 baht for twin with fan and private bath. But breakfast excluded thus, this is one of the most expensive on Soi Farang. One 1HFree Wi-Fi only. As at Aug 2013, double aircon was B600. There is no bottled water, glasses or soap provided.
* Has free wifi. Two scams operate here. The 1st is when you arrive the place is fully booked (even though you have a booking) but you can stay next door for an increased price. The 2nd is they will rent you a potentially faulty bicycle (e.g. loose wheel nut) and if/when the bicycle breaks during the day not only will you be stranded but they want you pay for the repairs.
*Well-located in the heart of downtown, this cozy guest house has five rooms and a free swimming pool. Located right around the corner from a food fair and walking distance from the on-island ruins. The house has a decent restaurant offering both Thai and Western food, and bicycle rentals. Shared bathroom. Free Wi-Fi.
* A little away from the main action, but closer to the sights, this guesthouse offering fan-only rooms at 200 baht a night with private bathrooms, this is a more Thai-oriented guest house. Watch out, this is maybe too basic for you. Compared to what you get in Bangkok for 200 baht this is worse: no place to hang up the towel. You get a soap, but there is no place to put it in the bathroom. No sink: You can't wash your stuff. No flush (this is indeed Thai style).
*Many rooms, a decent-priced bar with many seating options and areas to relax. Sometimes live music. Free swimming pool and wi-fi.
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Mid-range
Cozy bed and breakfast set in a traditional Thai style home. Each room has a double bed, television, mini-fridge, and wardrobe. Outside is a private balcony with a view of the moat and bridges. Great atmosphere. Free Wifi
* This accommodation features rebuilt teak houses, and they rent bicycles too. Lovely decked area in the back, built over a large pond. Great for realxing after a day around the temples. Free Wifi
*Close to downtown, this guest house offers great comfort and a swimming pool to those who want to stay close to the ruins & away from busy tourist street. It is located near Ayutthaya Beptist Church, and is close to the main ruins on the island & local night markets. A la carte breakfast, tax & VAT included. All rooms with private bathroom & hot shower, Satellite TV with English & French Channels, fridge, sefety deposit box, tea & coffee set. Free Wi-Fi.
*Family-run resort is located in the quiet northern part of Ayutthaya. The fee for small wooden bungalow includes breakfast and free Wi-Fi.
*Close to downtown. Close to the main ruins on the island & local night markets, 7/11(ATM), pharmacy, Dechawat Post Office & Police Station. A la carte breakfast, tax & VAT included. All a/c rooms with private bathroom & hot shower, safety depisit box, fridge, TV with English Channels, tea & coffee set. Free Wi-Fi.
*35 rooms, free Wi-Fi and LAN, shower, desk, coin-operated washing machine. The hotel's recreational facilities, which include green space, are designed for escape and relaxation.
* Traditional Thai Wooden House by Chaopraya river with multi-cultural environment and best view in Ayutthaya. Each room has a double bed/ king-sized bed, television, fridge, and wardrobe, chit-chat corner. Great atmosphere, located by the Chaopraya river and enough space for outdoor activeties. Free Wifi.
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Wear long pants/skirts to temples and no sleeveless t-shirts or revealing blouses. Treat Buddha images with utmost respect, just as you would in the rest of Thailand.
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Ayutthaya has a lot of hungry stray dogs in poor condition. They can particularly be a problem in the off-season when there aren't so many people in the streets. While largely docile and harmless, to avoid being chased around by a pack of them it is best not to walk around alone, particularly at night. For those accustomed to travel in developing areas, there should be no problem.
When cycling around the city beware of motorcyclists. Do not put any valuable items in your handlebar basket, as they may be snatched at traffic lights. Also, women travelers have been groped by passing-by motorcyclists, so beware if someone slows down next to you. Sometimes they go on the wrong side of the road.
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Most visitors get out the way they came from [wiki=3d147c6ba113929f5a004a5e9dcc832e]Bangkok[/wiki]. But there are a number of other interesting next stops in the area:
* [wiki=ced850b6a3ae8f220214c8b7af5b6a03]Bang Pa-In[/wiki] - famous for its eccentric palace and only 20 km to the south
* [wiki=507f15ea27c0d2ff2a4f55aa8c93d104]Kanchanaburi[/wiki] - the famous Bridge over the River Kwai and numerous World War II museums
* [wiki=250352ffa643a1bcec3255f340d4debc]Khao Yai National Park[/wiki] - first and largest national park of the country
* [wiki=970b82e585eb5d86a03a0c207957a1db]Lopburi[/wiki] - the next destination if you take the train north, with monkeys and ancient ruins
* [wiki=6e4de336e5285d14ce91ff961be7dbb5]Nakhon Ratchasima[/wiki] - gateway to the Isaan region
* [wiki=cda3c97966f9a627c6f1f525525ea0c5]Sukhothai[/wiki] - another former capital of Siam with impressive ancient ruins
[wiki=72ea409cdb9374fad9d9d6d755151bf1]de:Ayutthaya[/wiki]
[wiki=b68dd824a0628ab8f297ebcaf2291b7b]fr:Ayutthaya[/wiki]
[wiki=4433e55bf5b7114f5485e8a35c36d996]it:Ayutthaya[/wiki]
[wiki=c311dfd0ff5bfc032523a2e5c7daef33]ja:アユタヤ[/wiki]
[wiki=07902b5583d015334cbbd5d69f2f0f79]nl:Ayutthaya[/wiki]
[wiki=775cd1961c1ede906dd75ca31f414fd9]pt:Ayutthaya[/wiki]
[wiki=abd0ca33a824ebbd4b52757028ed10c8]wts:Category:Ayutthaya[/wiki]
[[WikiPedia:Ayutthaya (city)]]
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