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Founded by King U-Thong in 1350, Ayutthaya was the capital of the Thai kingdom until it was conquered and sacked by the Burmese in 1767.

Today only the ruins of its splendor remain. The ruins of the old capital in the Ayutthaya historical park are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and have been so since December 1991.

Ayutthaya is 76 km north of Bangkok and boasts numerous magnificent ruins. Such ruins indicate that Ayutthaya was one of Indo-China’s most prosperous cities.

To get around this vast area, it is recommended to rent a bicycle (get a copy of a map for free at the shop that rents you the bicycle). There are many bicycle shops cum guest houses opposite the train station.

Otherwise you can hop around town by the mini "songthaew" style vehicle. This tuk-tuk can sit about 4 people comfortably. They charge about B300 per hour but can be bargained at a slightly lower price of B1000 for 4 hours.

By train: all north and north-east line trains depart from Bangkok's Hualampong train station and stop in Ayutthaya. The trip takes about 1.5 ~ 2.5 hours depending on the type of train service. 3rd class non air-con (no seat reservation) = B20, air-con (with seat reservation) = B245.

By bus: departs every 20 minutes or so from Bangkok's northern bus terminal (Mochit) directly to Ayutthaya. Makes frequent stops along the way. Trip takes about 2 hours and operates from 4.30am to 7.15pm everyday. 1st class air-con = B60, 2nd class = B45.

By van: operates from Victory Monument Square in Bangkok (makes no stops like regular buses). Take BTS skytrain to the Victory Monument Station, go right on the elevated walkway - keep on it until you cross a large road then descend. The minibuses are parked at the side of the main traffic circle. Cost is around B70. Trip takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. Only problem is that there is not much space to put big bags and you have to wait till the van is fully occupied for departure.

By cruise boat: 1 full day tour operated by tour companies. Traveling by boat to Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya is popular among foreigners since it does not only reveal the beauty as well as lifestyle of the people on both sides of the Chao Phraya River, but also reflects the life in history at the time of the Ayutthaya Kingdom when the Chao Phraya River served as a channel of transportation in trading with foreign countries.

TRANSPORT IN AYUTTHAYA & TRAIN STATION