Cultural Ayutthaya city biking tour

Minimum age: 12

Highlights

• Visit the ancient city of Ayutthaya
• Stop at Diamond Fortress
• Try typical sweets of Roti Road
• Enjoy the nature of Somdet Phra Srinakarinda Park
• Discover the ruins of old temples in Ayutthaya Historical Park
• See the most famous Wat Phra Sri Sanphet temple and Royal Palace Gardens
• Explore Wat Mahathat and the famous Buddha head interwoven with tree roots
• Take a stroll in the traditional Chao Phrom Market

All about the trip

Being surrounded by three rivers, the Chao Phraya, the Pasak, and the Lopburi, Ayutthaya has a great strategic position. Over time, it grew from a small fortified island-city into a powerful kingdom. In its heyday, Thai culture and economy flourished, and many foreign merchants resided in the capital, including Dutch, Portuguese, French, English, and Japanese. Around 1700, with a population reaching 1 million, Ayutthaya became one of the world’s largest cities at that time.

On this trip, you will get a good impression of the once mighty capital of Siam. Firstly stop at Pom Phet or "Diamond Fortress," one of the 16 fortresses along the city walls of Ayutthaya. Despite being partially destroyed, it still depicts what the Kindom of Siam must have looked like in the past.

Continue the tour paddling through local neighborhoods and pass the so-called “Roti Road.” This place is famous for the colorful "Roti Sai Mai," threads of twirled palm sugar wrapped in a flatbread, so typical for Ayutthaya.

Keep on cycling through the quiet Somdet Phra Srinakarinda Park and take a photo stop at Chedi Phra Si Suriyothai, a memorial for the first heroine in Thai history. Ride further along the river and observe the daily life of the locals living on the riverbanks. Stop at a Muslim community where they make handicraft from palm leaves.

Next, visit the world-renowned Ayutthaya Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991 and discover the ruins of several old temples. Take a stop at Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, once the most significant temple of Ayutthaya situated within the Royal Palace grounds.

The next stop is at Wat Mahathat, best known for its iconic Buddha’s head interwoven with tree roots. It is one of the most recognizable images from Thailand decorating many postcards and travel books.

Continue the tour to Chao Phrom Market that has been around since Ayutthaya was the capital of Siam. It houses lots of amulet shops and stalls with food and all kinds of goods. Take a ferry across the Pasak River and finish the trip at the meeting point.

During the trip, there will be regular stops for sightseeing and refreshment. This biking tour can be done by anyone, as it is designed to be enjoyable, educational and fun while not too demanding on the legs.

What is included in the price

• Bicycle and helmet rental
• English speaking guide
• Entrance ticket to Wat Mahathat and Wat Phra Sri Sanphet
• Delicious Thai snack
• Boat crossing
• Water or soft drinks
• Insurance
• Unrivalled Ayutthaya cycling experience

What is not included in the price

• Personal expenses

Instructions

Please dress up respectfully and cover your knees and shoulders during the visit of ancient temples.

This activity is organised by Recreational Bangkok Biking, Rama III Road, Bang Phong Phang, Yannawa 884/20, Bangkok, 10120, Thailand, +66 2-107 2500, breuer@bangkokbiking.com.