Located approximately 85 km north of Bangkok, the city
was the Thai capital from 1350 to 1767. During this period
Thai culture flourished, and Ayuthaya became a centre
for international commerce.
The present day city is located at the confluence of the
Chao Phaya, Pa Sak and Lopburi rivers. A canal joins them
and encircles the town. Ayuthaya has many historic ruins,
two museums and is a fascinating place to visit.
Getting There
A daily bus service runs from Bangkok's Northern bus Terminal
every 15 minutes from early morning until 7pm. Average
journey time is 1½ to 2 hours. Trains leave from
Hua Lampong Station in Bangkok every half hour from 4.30am
to 8pm, and the journey time is 1¼ hours.
A more interesting way to travel is by long tail boat
from Bangkok, but the trip is rather long going up river.
It is better to take the bus or train to Ayuthaya then
the boat back to Bangkok which takes around 3 hours. You
will need to bargain hard for the fare.
Getting around
You can hire a samlor or songthaew (a pickup truck adapted
to carry passengers) by the hour. Boats are available
at the palace pier for the circular trip around the city.
Ayuthaya Map
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