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Royal cities: your own wayAfter the chaos of Bangkok, you can immerse yourself in the tranquility of Royal Thai culture in Ayutthaya. The pace is far slower and more stately here, making it a wonderful place for a stopover before heading into the jungles of the north.In Ayutthaya, the former capital of Thailand, you can stroll between the imposing chedis (temple towers) and palaces, built in the Khmer style. You will see the temples at twilight whilst taking a sunset tuk-tuk tour through the city. Seated comfortably in this typically Thai means of transport, you can watch the sun sink behind the temples, bathing the ancient ruins in spectacular glowing colours. Click here to read a few customer comments about this module. |
Duration | Two days / one night Departs daily from Ayutthaya | Accommodation | One night in an air-conditioned bungalow/room, with private bathroom. |
Price | £32 per person-Authentic veranda bungalow | Includes | Accommodation with breakfast, sunset tuk-tuk tour and travel advice. |
Travel | Tuk Tuk tour | Excludes | Travel to Ayutthaya. Drinks and other meals, excursions and entrance costs not listed in the daily itinerary. |
Day 1: Arrival in AyutthayaThis module starts in Ayutthaya, with most travellers arriving from either Bangkok or Kanchanaburi. There’s a handy air-conditioned bus that leaves from Bangkok every 20 minutes and takes only 1½ hours. Trains depart from the capital at 10:50am or 1:30pm. After leaving the suburbs of Bangkok, a truly subtropical landscape will unfold before you from your seat on the train. Alternatively, if you have just finished The river and the railway module in Kanchanaburi, you can take the 9am bus, which takes about four hours to get to Ayutthaya. |
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The entire city of Ayutthaya, (which means ‘holy city’) is situated on an island between rivers and has been designated as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. The city was created in the 12th century and was one of the wealthiest kingdoms in Southeast Asia, its borders stretching from Angkor in Cambodia to deep within Burma. Chinese, British, Dutch, Spanish and Portuguese traders came here and were amazed by the beautiful palaces, temples and monasteries, as well as elephants that ate out of golden bowls and the colourful river junks. In the 18th century, the city lost its power after the invasion of the Burmese, who destroyed the temples and left the ruins behind as we see them today. In the afternoon, you can take some time to stroll around the temples. The temples can be found all over Ayutthaya, and you'll often find yourself alone, wandering amongst the ruins with no other tourists in sight. Wear a hat and take plenty of water to drink. |
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It can be difficult to choose which temples to visit as there are so many to choose from and they are spread over a large area. We can suggest Wat Mahatat and Wat Rachaburana (entrance fees are approx 50p per temple). Both of these majestic temples will give you a good feel for Khmer-style architecture. At the end of the afternoon, you can freshen up at the hotel and relax for a while. Then, at about 5:30pm, you'll be collected from the hotel for the sunset tuk-tuk tour. Around 6pm the sun begins to sink, bathing the ruins in an ethereal light. As your driver may not speak much English, you may need to take a guidebook for detailed background information about each temple. Our favourite temple is Wat Chai Wattanaram, which you’ll visit just as the sun is setting. The temple is a little further out of the city, so there’s an excellent view over the paddy fields and cashew trees. Both the temple and the surrounding landscape are spellbinding at sunset. Around 7:30pm you’ll be dropped back in the city centre. Now is a wonderful time for dinner at one of the atmosperic floating restaurants on the river. A perfect end to a fantastic day. |
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Day 2: Ayutthaya and departureThis module ends after breakfast. You'll check out and leave Ayutthaya, with most travellers will heading further north to Chiang Mai. There is a train that leaves at 7:25am, arriving in Chiang Mai at 7:45pm. Or, better still, there's an overnight sleeper train. This would give you another whole day to explore more temples and palaces, slowly soaking up Ayutthaya. Additionally, you will simply wake up in Chiang Mai the next morning, with no wasted time at all, and better still no accommodation costs.You can also take a bus across to the undiscovered eastern side of Thailand, for our special In the Thai Countryside module. For those going to Bangkok, it's very easy and cost effective to make your own way back by bus or train, if you need help you can contact our local agent for instructions. |
SukothaiFor those interested in historic Thai cultures, you can continue to follow the ‘ancient capitals’ path from Ayutthaya to Sukothai. Sukothai is 5½ hours north by bus and unlike Ayutthaya, has rarely seen conflict. There are some 21 historic sites and 4 great ponds, all enclosed by ancient walls. We will reserve seats on the daytrain to Phitsanulok for you. On board all you need to do is sit back, relax and take in the beautiful Thai scenery of green farmland and rice paddies. You’ll arrive at the tiny station of Phitsanulok around 2pm. A quick look on the map of Thailand will tell you you’re right in the middle of the country. Most travellers stay on board to continue north to Chiang Mai, but you’ll leave the train here to discover one of Thailand’s best kept secrets; the hidden Khmer city of Sukothai. At Phitsanulok station you’ll be greeted by your driver and transferred to your hotel in Sukothai. It’s one of the nicest hotels in Thailand in wonderfully peaceful surroundings and there’s a pool. The hotel is within walking distance of the ruins, so head over there in the evening to enjoy the sunset. In the afternoon you can relax by the pool or visit the ruins and wander around the ancient buildings. Early morning in Sukothai is magical, so we recommend being in the park by 8am so you can explore the ruins as the sun slowly rises. Late morning, when the temperature starts to soar, head back to your hotel for lunch and check-out. You’ll be picked up around 1pm and taken back to Phitsanulok station to catch the train to Chiang Mai.You can also travel in opposite direction from Chiang Mai via Sukothai and Ayutthaya to Bangkok. We'll arrange your accommodation and you will arrange your transport independently, with instructions from our agent. If you’d like to include Sukothai in your trip then let our travel specialists know. You can read more about the history of Ayutthaya and Sukothai here. |
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