Ayuttaya

[Paddy]

I notice that Tintin is in Ayuttaya just now. I've been thinking of going there myself for a day or two. I spotted it last time I flew into BKK. Seen from above, it has some amazing buildings.

Anybody been there? How long to get there from BKK? Any tips or suggestions? Thanks.

[plahgat]

Hi Paddy!
Ayutthaya was the old capital of Thailand, back then it had about 1 milllion inhabitants and was one of the biggest cities of it's time! It was moved to Bangkok (First Thonburi) in 1767 after the burmese army invaded, burnt and sacked most of the temples! Still lots of old ruins and temples left. Only about 2 hours north of Bangkok by bus, lots of tours go there. You can do you own tour with a rented motorbike or better rent a tuktuk with driver who can speak some english and explain the history behind this city. Lots of hotels to stay in the newer part of town. Nice for a few days of sightseeing!

[steven eleven]

I went to Ayuthaya from Bkk with a pickup-truck, over the higway approx 1hour and 30min drive. I like the ruins a lot, allthough the ruins are not that big. So it did not take me long to go around the place and shoot some pics.

[magnusvv]

I visited there on a tour, we took a minibus but it took forever to get out of bangkok due to the traffic, but the actual distance to ayutthaya isnt that far. The tour included lunch and a full day of sightseeing for 1000 bath.

I dont know if I would take several days to see everything, I guess it depends on how much time you have to spend, but for my trip I had so many things I wanted to see and do that 1 day was enough for me.

If you are interested in a bit of history, or maybe just a neat sight for taking some cool photos, ayutthaya is a good place to go.

[bonnetti]

I've also done it as a day-trip from Bangkok,complete with longtail boat ride & also elephant ride I seem to remember.Pretty neat place if you're interested in Thai history,or alternatively,as magnusvv says,a good place for taking photos (especially useful if you have to convince the folks back home that you don't spend your entire holiday partying,lol ).I think you can also do a river cruise to Ayuthaya from Bangkok on a converted rice barge.
Cheers,
Bonnetti

[Paddy]

Thanks for the info guys. I really appreciate it. One more question, if you don't mind - when I saw it as the plane was flying over, I noticed this amazing building. It was built in the very distinctive shape and lines of a traditional Thai temple, but it was made from ultramodern glass and steel, like a brand new office skyscraper. Predominant colours were blue and gold. Anyone know anything about it? Cheers.

[stevem]

It's really worth the visit, try the boat option.

[tintin]

I enjoyed it a lot, but one day if you start in the morning is more then enough!

The kings summer-palace, was a bit of a dissapointment.