Bangkok

Mustang · #1 13-10-2005, 01:51

A day trip to Ayuthaya is on my must do list this time around in early November.I've done some research,but I'm wondering if other BM's have some tips or info that might be helpful.
Things like...Taxi vs bus vs boat(or a combination)
Access to food,water,transportation on site
How long to plan for(full day,early start?get home early evening?)
hire a guide or wing it?
Best way to get around
bring along a TG?do they have an interest in ancient ruins other than me?
Highlights of the area
Booking trip through the Nana Hotel
Any insight from your trip to Ayuthaya would be great.Things that worked for you,things you'd do differently.....anything Ayuthaya! Thanks

Burg · #2 13-10-2005, 05:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mustang

A day trip to Ayuthaya

Been there quite some times. Always go by train. Go to Hualompong (trainstation in Bkok, sataanie rot fai) and buy a ticket to A. 15 Baht. Train takes about one hour. It's warm in the train and full, but it's a nice experience. And every 5 minutes somebody is offering you to buy a cold beer. That will get you through ;-)

Once in A, you can rent a bicyle and see as many beautiful temples as you want. A boat trip in the afternoon is also pretty nice (bargain on the price though). Don't miss out to see the first Catholic Church in Thailand: the St-Joseph Cathedral. Build in 1666, it was destroyed by the Birmese (in 1767?) and rebuild in 1891 (Rama V, Chulalongkorn). On the other side of the river is a restaurant where you can zip on your beer and look at the church and the nice staff.

Don't bring your bargirl. A lot of beautiful woman in A. Stay there one night, 2 days should be enough. Cheap guesthouses and decent hotels all available.

aussie dollar · #3 13-10-2005, 16:42

FUlL DAY TOUR
River Cruise to Ayuthaya
depart from your hotel by coach to Bang Pa In (summer palace of king rama V)
then walk through the ruins of Ayuthaya then a cruise down the Chao Phya river back to Bangkok (lunch on boat)

tour is with Turismo asia office number bangkok 0-22451551 ext 1645-47
or most large hotels have tour desk

fidainc · #4 18-10-2005, 15:02

Er... how long is the train ride?
I am thinking of riding some elephants when I'm there!

Mustang · #5 21-10-2005, 22:46

Thanks for the info guys.I'm leaning toward the bus/train in and boat out option.I'm really not into being part of a large tour group but would it make sense to hire a private guide to cover the area more efficiantly and get some additional insight?
fidainc train ride is about an hour.I like the elephant idea.

Maybe it's the tourist in me talking but I'm definatly taking an elephant ride this time in Thailand.

Probably in Phuket though.The only elephants I've seen so far were on the streets of Pattaya.Here's a baby.

Allybabba22 · #6 22-10-2005, 08:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by fidainc

Er... how long is the train ride?
I am thinking of riding some elephants when I'm there!

I think Beastility is illegal in Thailand

...55555555..

Whats more fu*ked up is a young innocent "Catholic" boy knows what beastility is, Dirty mike has a lot to answer for....lol..

fidainc · #7 28-10-2005, 09:08

Hey come on... stop reading between my lines :P

I dun mean it metaphorically... just to set things straight

Dunno abt Mustang though... its the "tourist" in him, remember!

Monkey Chest · #8 15-11-2005, 00:20

I like idea of a day trip by boat. Even though I have lived in BKK for some time now I still have not made it up to A. I must go with my GF after the new year....