Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
a market on Wednesday evenings.
BUDDHIST TEMPLE
Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon
(admission 20B)
A 7m-long reclining Buddha is the highlight at Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon. If
you can get a coin to stick to the Buddha's feet, it is thought good luck will come your
way. King U Thong built the monastery in 1357 to house monks from Sri Lanka. The bell-
shaped
chedi
was built later to honour King Naresuan's victory over Burma.
Wat Tha Ka Rong
( 6am-5pm; )
Just to the northwest of the island sits this bizarre temple. If you
aren't dazzled by the fairy lights, you may notice the skeleton models that
wai
as you pass
by, the room full of life-size monk statues and the super-fancy bathrooms, which are an at-
traction in themselves.
The display of differing Buddhas from neighbouring countries is worth a look. To the
rear is a modest
floating market
that focuses on food.
BUDDHIST TEMPLE
Tours
You can take brief rides around the historical park by
elephant
( 0 8066 87727;
www.elephantstay.com
;
200-500B)
. The elephants stay at a kraal on Th Pa Thon.
Pedalling around the island is the best way to see the ruins. To see more of the sur-
rounding countryside, guides are available and two-day trips are possible. Try
Tour With
0 3523 1084;
www.tourwiththai.com
;
Th Naresuan)
.
Boat tours
(per hr 150B)
can be arranged at the pier near the night market or at guesthouses.
Guesthouses offer two-hour sunset tours of the ruins (180B), though these can be can-
celled if numbers are too low.
For in-depth coverage of Ayuthaya's history, talk to staff at TAT about hiring a guide.
