Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Day Trips from Bangkok
Thailand's heroic former capital, Ayuthaya is a Unesco World Heritage site and a major pilgrimage site for anyone inter-
ested in ancient history.
This island, only a few hours from Bangkok, has famously squeaky sand beaches and accommodation to fit any budget.
Amphawa's canal-side setting and ancient wooden houses look like they are straight out of a movie; its homestays
provide a first-hand experience of this unique community.
Phetchaburi's temples and peak-roofed wooden houses combine to form the epitome of central Thai life.
Recent history is only a train ride away in Kanchanaburi, where vivid museums and touching monuments bring home the
area's history as a WWII labour camp.
Home to Khao Yai National Park, one of Thailand's biggest and best preserves, where mountainous monsoon forests
boast hundreds of resident species.
TOP SIGHT
AYUTHAYA HISTORICAL PARK
Ancient ruins, a rural Thai vibe, tasty food, good-value accommodation - and all this
only 70km from Bangkok: Ayuthaya is the easiest and most worthwhile escape from
the Big Mango.
The riverside city served as the seat of one of ancient Thailand's most powerful king-
doms until 1767, when it was destroyed in warfare by the Burmese. Today, the ruins of the
former capital,
Ayuthaya Historical Park
, are one of Thailand's biggest tourist sites. They're
separated into two distinct districts: ruins 'on the island', in the central park of town west
of Th Chee Kun, are most easily visited on bicycle (30B per day) or motorbike (200B per
day); those 'off the island', opposite the river from the centre, are best visited by evening
boat tour (150B per hour). For more detailed descriptions of the ruins, pick up the
Ay-
uthaya
booklet from the tourist information centre.
