Bearings and Directions
by Bangkokjoe
Directions to the sites on individual tips do not really make much sense on a website such as this.
My recommendation for you is not to panic, select around half a dozen key sites you definitely want to see, note them down and seek them out on a map when you arrive. Then fill in other sites and experiences for the rest of the day as you stumble across them.
The Central Island of Ayuthaya is only six square kilometres and this is where the majority of the sites are. So if you are hiring a bike, or have your own driver you can criss cross the island many times, and if you don't go outside of the rivers you'll know where you are.
On the outer river banks there are the Golden Mountain, Elephant Kraal and so on. Easily accessible by bridges and good roads. So once you've done the interior, starting working outwards in concentric zones.
Maps are available at the Tourist Centre - right on the end of the road in from Bangkok, directly in front of you at the T junction. The best one is that which has cartoon illustrations of all the key sites, and you'll recognise most from your views of these tips. Free.
Costs and Photography
by Bangkokjoe
Most of the smaller temples are free to wander around. All the parkland is definitely free for anyone to take a stroll.
The key sites do have a nominal fee, around 20 to 30 thai baht each. The Historical Study Centre costs a bit more at 100 baht.
To be fair, we didn't even notice that we lobbed out the odd 20 baht note every now and again. Often we got a small printed guide to where we were thrown in for the price. For the costs to maintain this heritage site I feel we were undercharged, yup you read that right.
There are no extra charges for cameras, or tripods or videos - and it is well worth bringing a tripod if you are thinking of staying after sunset.
Inside some of the (non-ruined) wats it is not correct behaviour to take photographs. The museums may ask you to leave your camera at the desk if you look a bit dodgy.
To Market, To Market!
by idy
Locals mainly buy and sell produce (vegetables, fruits, raw meat), cooked food (Thai salads, takeaway pad thai, cut fruit, chilled drinks) and various other products (even plastic flowers!) at the market.
Game for some inexpensive local food? Have some noodles at the streetside noodle stall, buy some takeaway pad thai or barbequed meat, snack on crispy insects, have a mango salad whipped up on the spot, or enjoy some freshly cut fruit!
Suncream!
by Designerartgirl
Suncream is a real must in Ayuthaya. The sun streams down on you all day and suddenly without realising it, you're all red. If you go by bike it is especially important as you dont feel the sun so much with the wind but it reflects off all the lakes and buildings meaning that its easier for you to get burnt! Therefore my best tip would be to cover yourself in it!!
Temple in the rice fields
by herzog63
I don't remember the name of this Temple but it is a few miles out of town. We were just cruising the countryside and my friend wanted to show me the Temple. It was a beautiful setting. We could see the clouds weren't look real friendly but we ascended the heights of the Temple. The stairs are very steep! As we arrived at the highest point on the Temple that you can climb we saw 2 lightning strikes off in the distance. I didn't feel real comfortable being on the highest point of ground for miles around. So we took a few photos and made our way back down. Just as we arrived back at the car the storm reached us and it was raining so hard that the windshield wipers couln't even keep up. There were so really close lightning strikes and the thundeer was so loud. I'm glad we didn't wait another 5 minutes at the top of the Temple or we could have been in some serious trouble.
Sign in with Facebook
Pig's head for sale at Hua Rau market
Japanese village entrance
A dug-out boat in the front gallery
Elephant Camp
