Cycling Through Ayutthaya on a Budget: My One-Day Bike Adventure (Part 1)

Ayutthaya is a popular tourist destination that can be easily visited as a day trip from Bangkok by train

Planning a trip to Thailand? Why not try a cycling adventure in the ancient city of Ayutthaya? Unlike buses or taxis, bicycles allow you to freely move around Ayutthaya at your own pace.

Ayutthaya flourished as the capital of the Ayutthaya Kingdom from 1350 to 1767, and today it’s a historical park scattered with numerous temple ruins and Buddha statues. Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s a precious place where you can experience Thai history firsthand.

In this two-part series, I’ll provide a detailed report of my one-day cycling experience in Ayutthaya! In this first part, I’ll introduce information about bicycle rentals and the first two temples I visited.

Bicycle Rental Shop

Ayutthaya Railway Station

Right in front of Ayutthaya Station, there’s a bicycle rental shop and restaurant called “Nong Nine Bike & Restaurant.” Here, you can rent a city bike for 50 baht, a mountain bike for 100 baht, or a motorized scooter for 200 baht.

I chose a mountain bike since city bikes are apparently unpopular in Ayutthaya’s scorching heat. The advantage of a mountain bike is that it can comfortably handle not only paved roads but also the occasional gravel or rough paths you might encounter.

You’ll receive a map, so I decided to follow it while cycling

One thing to note is that the business hours are until 7 PM, so you need to return the bicycle by then. They also provide a map and a lock, which gives peace of mind. The map shows the main tourist attractions, making it easy to navigate around Ayutthaya even for first-time visitors.

Starting the Ayutthaya Tour

Cycling paths are well-maintained throughout Ayutthaya, making bicycle travel smooth and easy

As soon as I left the cycle shop, I realized that Ayutthaya is perfect for a cycling trip. The well-maintained cycling paths make it safe even for beginners. The distances between ruins are also appropriate for cycling, and with a full day, you can comfortably visit all the major spots.

However, since I visited in May, it was extremely hot! If you’re visiting during the hot season (March to May), don’t forget sun protection and hydration. Hats, parasols, and sunscreen are essential items.

Wat Mahathat

The first place I visited was the famous Wat Mahathat. Built in the late 14th century, this temple functioned as the spiritual center of the Ayutthaya Kingdom.

The most famous attraction here is the Buddha head entangled in the roots of a bodhi tree. This mystical scene created by the passage of time and the power of nature takes your breath away. The way the head has been gradually embraced by the tree roots over many years gives you a sense of the fascinating fusion between nature and history.

Show respect by positioning yourself lower than the Buddha when taking photos – a unique aspect of Thai culture

There are also many other ruins with distinctive atmospheres, such as headless Buddha statues or those with only parts of arms remaining. It’s a place where you can simultaneously feel the past glory and the passage of time.

Along the way, I found a statue that looked like it was doing the “I’ll be back” pose from “Terminator,” which made me laugh. Finding such unexpected humor within historical ruins is also one of the joys of travel.

A Buddha statue that appears to be giving a thumbs-up

Wat Racha Burana

Next, I headed to Wat Racha Burana, which is right next door. Built in 1424, this temple is said to have been constructed to house the ashes of the king’s three brothers.

In the center, there’s a large prang (stupa) surrounded by a cloister. The majestic appearance of the prang tells of the high level of architectural technology of the time.

Many gold artifacts and jewelry were discovered in the underground chambers of this temple. While most of these excavated items are now displayed at the National Museum in Bangkok, you can also see some of them in the small museum within the temple grounds.

Part One Summary

A cycling trip in Ayutthaya is perfect for value-conscious travelers who are tired of package-like tours where you just ride in taxis between tourist spots

How did you find this cycling trip in Ayutthaya? I’ve shared the convenience of bicycle rentals and the charm of the first two temples I visited. The great appeal of cycling is that you can enjoy sightseeing at your own pace while slowly absorbing the history.

In part two, I’ll introduce three more major temples and the unique dining experiences in Ayutthaya. You’ll get to know the charms of Ayutthaya even more deeply. Stay tuned!