Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
POST
Main Post Office
(Th U Thong; 8.30am-4.30pm Mon-Fri, 9am-noon Sat & Sun)
Has an international tele-
phone service, open 8am to 8pm, upstairs.
TOURIST INFORMATION
Tourism Authority of Thailand
(TAT; 0 3524 6076; 108/22 Th Si Sanphet; 8.30am-4.30pm Mon-Fri)
If you
would like in-depth coverage of Ayuthaya history, talk to TAT about hiring a guide. TAT's
office at Ayutthaya Tourist Center (
Click here
)
is open daily.
WORTH A TRIP
SARABURI
Nestled between its more well-known neighbours of Ayuthaya and Lopburi, Saraburi is a small province with a
handful of attractions. Fortunately, two of the best spots are next to each other.
Wat Phra Puttachai
In this cave temple a silhouette said to be of the Buddha can be seen on one of its hillside
walls. Behind six Buddha images are prehistoric paintings dating back 3000 years. If you look closely, chickens
and religious images can just be made out. Clamber to the top of the hill and you'll be rewarded with magnificent
views of the plains down below. The temple is on Rte 3042, 5km from Hwy 1.
Nam Tok Sam Lan National Park
( 0 2562 0760;
www.dnp.go.th
;
adult/child 200/100B) Just 2km down
the road from Wat Phra Puttachai is Nam Tok Sam Lan National Park. Covering 44 sq km, the park has a central
plain and offers good trekking opportunities and the chance to see pheasants, barking deer, wild boar and butter-
flies. While the park doesn't quite match its 'three million waterfall' moniker, Nam Tok Sam Lan, Nam Tok Rak
Sai and Nam Tok Pho Hin Dat are all near the main entrance and worth a visit. Guides from the main office can
lead visitors on a three-hour trek. Tents (200B to 400B) and bungalows (600B to 6000B) are available.
Getting There & Away
BOAT
Several companies offer boats to Bangkok, though in reality they tend to drop you north
of the capital and bus you in.
BUS
Ayuthaya's provincial bus stop is on Th Naresuan, a short walk from the guesthouse area.
Minivans and air-con buses depart from down the road. The northern bus terminal is 5km
east of the old city, off Th Rotchana. A túk-túk from the terminal to the old city will cost
100B. For Kanchanaburi, transfer at Suphanburi. Buses to Mo Chit can stop at Don
Muang Airport.
TRAIN
