Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The train station is east of central Ayuthaya and is accessible by a quick cross-river ferry
from the centre of town (4B) or
sŏrng·tăa·ou
(50B). Pak Chong is the nearest station to
Khao Yai National Park. For Bangkok's Th Khao San area, get off at Bang Sue.
Getting Around
Sǎhm·lór (three-wheeled pedicabs; also spelt sǎamláw) or túk-túk are readily available.
Always agree on a price before you get on. For trips on the island, the rate is 30B to 40B.
As most of the ruins are close together, the most environmentally friendly way to see
them is by bicycle or elephant. Guesthouses rent bicycles (30B) and motorcycles (200B).
TOP OF CHAPTER
Around Ayuthaya
Bang Pa In Palace
(admission 100B; 8am-3.15pm)
An eclectic assortment of architectural styles makes this a
palace like no other. Built in the 17th century and restored during the reign of Rama V
(King Chulalongkorn; 1868-1910), its European, Chinese and Thai buildings reflect the
wide influences of Rama V.
Highlights include a replica of the Tiber Bridge in Rome, the stunning Chinese-style
Wehut Chamrun, the Victorian-influenced observatory Withun Thatsana and a Thai pavil-
ion in the middle of a pond housing a statue of Rama V.
In 1880, Queen Sunanta drowned during a journey to the palace. Thai law forbid
courtiers from touching the queen, and so nobody dared jump in and save her. As a result
of the tragedy King Rama V changed the law. A marble obelisk in memory of the queen is
in the palace grounds. Self-drive carts (400B for one hour, 100B per hour thereafter) are
available. Note the relatively early closing time.
Wat Niwet Thamaprawat
, to the rear of the palace car park, is the most unlikely of temples.
Designed to resemble a cathedral, its Gothic-style, stained-glass windows and knights in
armour stand in contrast to the Buddha images. Take a free, monk-operated cable car to
the other side of the water. Recent renovations have made it particularly quaint.
To reach the palace, take a public
sŏrng·tăa·ou
(25B, one hour, frequent) from the pro-
vincial bus stop on Th Naresuan in Ayuthaya. Once the
sŏrng·tăa·ou
drops you at the
Bang Pa In bus station, jump on a motorbike taxi (30B) to the palace, which is 4km away.
PALACE
