Cycling Through Ayutthaya on a Budget: My One-Day Bike Adventure (Part 2)

In part one, I introduced information about bicycle rentals in Ayutthaya and the first two temples I visited. In this second part, I’ll report on three more major temples and local dining experiences that helped soothe the fatigue from cycling.

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

Wat Phra Si Sanphet

My next destination was Wat Phra Si Sanphet. On the way there, I unexpectedly encountered an elephant strolling down the road! I was so overwhelmed by its imposing presence that I instinctively gave way. While there are elephant riding tours available in Ayutthaya, when you’re exploring by bicycle, you can experience these kinds of unexpected encounters.

Wat Phra Si Sanphet is a temple located on the former royal palace grounds, featuring beautiful stupas that represent Ayutthaya. Built in the 15th century, this temple functioned as the royal family’s exclusive temple during the Ayutthaya Kingdom.

Its distinctive feature is the three large chedis (reliquary monuments) arranged in an orderly row. These are said to contain the ashes of former kings. Their white-painted appearance is majestic and beautiful, making them iconic symbols of Ayutthaya.

There are also many Buddha statues and remnants of structures within the temple grounds, allowing visitors to imagine what the royal palace was like. When gazing at the vast site, you’ll want to explore it at a leisurely pace for as long as time permits.

Mongkon Bophit

Next, I headed to Mongkon Bophit, famous for its giant seated Buddha. This temple is located right next to Wat Phra Si Sanphet.

The massive bronze seated Buddha in the center stands 12.45 meters tall and 9.55 meters wide, and its overwhelming presence is astonishing. This Buddha statue was built in the 16th century and symbolized the prosperity of Ayutthaya. However, it was severely damaged during subsequent warfare. It was restored in 1956 to its current form.

The building covering the statue is also beautiful, allowing visitors to enjoy traditional Thai architectural styles. Inside, you can see gold leaf offerings from worshippers shining at the base of the statue, indicating that it’s still an important object of worship today.

With the strong sunlight, I felt a little envious of the tour groups moving around in cool buses. However, it’s also true that having a bicycle allows you to move around freely and observe details closely. The key is to take proper heat precautions and proceed at a relaxed pace.

Wat Phra Ram and Bueng Phra Ram

Wat Phra Ram is an ancient temple built in 1369. The prang (tower-like spire) soaring in the center is a beautiful example of Ayutthaya-style architecture. Smaller stupas are placed at the four corners of the prang, creating a symmetrical beauty.

Around the ruins, you can find elephant reliefs and fragments of intricately decorated stone statues. By observing these details, you can glimpse the magnificence of the art from that period.

The adjacent Bueng Phra Ram is an artificial pond that was once said to be a resting place for royalty. Walking paths are maintained around the pond, allowing you to get off your bicycle and enjoy a leisurely stroll.

While there’s no shade and the heat is intense, it felt a little cooler by the pond. The reflection of the ruins on the water’s surface is also beautiful, making it a recommended spot for photography.

Lunch Time

Feeling tired from the heat, I decided to have lunch at “Baan Mai Rim Num AYUTTHAYA,” a restaurant along the Chao Phraya River. With its open wooden structure, dining while gazing at the river scenery was wonderful.

The menu features mainly Thai cuisine, and I enjoyed grilled fish and steamed mussels. The freshly grilled river fish was flavored with aromatic herbs and was absolutely delicious. The steamed mussels had a refreshing lemongrass fragrance, perfect for a hot day.

Enjoying a relaxed meal while watching boats go by on the river helps heal the fatigue from the morning. Being able to take your time at such local restaurants is another charm of exploring by bicycle.

After the meal, I cooled down further with a blue smoothie at a café called “Ayutthaya Café อยุธยาคาเฟ่.” This café is popular with locals and is famous for its Instagram-worthy blue butterfly pea drinks. It was mildly sweet and deliciously refreshing for my heat-exhausted body.

Summary

A cycling trip in Ayutthaya is the best value way to freely explore historical ruins. A major attraction is being able to feel the atmosphere of the city and the lives of the people in a way that bus tours cannot offer.

However, be careful when visiting during hot seasons. Don’t forget to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun. It’s also recommended to utilize relatively cooler times like morning or evening.

The value is exceptional, allowing you to enjoy Ayutthaya all day. The bicycle rental fee is inexpensive, and because you can sightsee at your own pace, you can have a fulfilling trip while keeping to your budget.

Historical ruins, peaceful townscapes, delicious food, and unexpected encounters. A cycling trip in Ayutthaya will surely become an unforgettable memory. Why not experience a cycling trip in Ayutthaya yourself?