Thailand

Ayutthaya	Ayutthaya	Ayutthaya	Ayutthaya	Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya	Ayutthaya	Ayutthaya	Ayutthaya	Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya	Ayutthaya	Ayutthaya	Ayutthaya	Ko_Chang
Ko_Chang	Ko_Chang	Kwai_River	Kwai_River	Kwai_River
Kwai_River	Kwai_River	Kwai_River	Kwai_River	Kwai_River

<<  1 2 ... >> 

 

From Wikitravel

Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya (อยุธยา) is an ancient capital and modern city in the Central Plains of Thailand, 85 km to the north of Bangkok.
Founded by King U-Thong in 1350 within a bend of the Chao Phraya river, Ayutthaya was the capital of the Thai kingdom at its mightiest.
Conquered and sacked by the Burmese in 1767, today only ruins of its splendor remain. Among Thai cities, Ayutthaya's English name is probably the least standardized. Ayutthaya, Ayuttaya, Ayuthaya, Ayutaya, Ayothaya, Ayotaya, Ayudhya and even the Sanskrit original Ayodhya (usually referring to the Indian city) are all used.

Half Price Hotels in Ayuthaya

By train

The cheapest and most colorful way of reaching Ayutthaya is by train. All north and northeast line trains depart from Bangkok's Hualamphong station and stop in Ayutthaya, a trip of about 1.5 hours. Second class costs 35 baht (reserve seat in advance), while third class is just 20 baht (no reservations). Ayutthaya's train station is to the east of the central island. The easiest way to get to central Naresuan Rd is to walk straight ahead from the station and take the cross-river ferry for 2 baht.

Temples

All the temples listed below are in ruins and no longer in active use, so no dress codes are enforced — although visitors are still requested to refrain from blatant stupidity like clambering up the Buddha statues. Most charge a 30 baht entrance fee, although enforcement is rather lax.

* Wat Phra Si Samphet (Sri Samphet Rd) is the largest temple in Ayutthaya, known for its row of chedis (Thai-style stupas). Housed within the grounds of the former royal palace, the wat was used only for royal religious ceremonies. It once housed a 16-meter Buddha covered with 340 kg of gold, but the Burmese set fire to the statue to melt the gold and destroyed the temple in the process.

* Wat Ratchaburana (Naresuan Rd) stands out for having a large prang recently restored to its original condition, clearly visible if you come in from the east. A major find of golden statues and other paraphernalia was made here in 1958, although much was subsequently stolen by robbers — the remnants are now in the Chao Sam Phraya Museum. You can climb inside the prang for nice views and a little exhibit. The mysterious staircase down, however, doesn't lead anywhere.

* Wat Phra Mahathat (Naresuan Rd), across the road from Wat Ratburana, is a large temple that was quite thoroughly ransacked by the Burmese. Several Leaning Prangs of Ayutthaya are still feebly defying gravity though, and the rows of headless Buddhas are atmospheric. This is also where you can spot the famous tree that has grown around a Buddha head.

Half Price Hotels in Koh Chang

Koh Chang

Ko Chang is the largest island in the Ko Chang National Park, in the North Gulf Coast region of Thailand. The island is situated about 330 kilometers to the east from Bangkok. Population is about 5000. This island is not heavily populated or developed, but tourism to the island is on the increase. The cheapest places to stay are located at Lonely Beach, on the southern end of the west coast.
The Tree House is popular among backpackers, touting an extensive boardwalk restaurant/bar built out over the water.
The next resort to the north is Siam Hut, which offers a quiet atmosphere, friendly staff, delicious food and spartan waterfront bungalows for around 300B per night.
One more stop to the North is Nature's resort, a more upscale place with a pool and hermetically sealed cabins.

Book Hostel in Koh Chang

Kanchanaburi (city)

Kanchanaburi is a city in the west of Thailand, with a population of 52,000. It is located at the confluence of the rivers Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai.
Bridge over the River Kwai, located 3 km north of Kanchanaburi, is the main attraction for many visitors. The bridge, immortalized in the movie and novel, was a part of the infamous Death Railway to Burma, constructed by POWs working for the Japanese in hellish conditions during World War 2. Some 16,000 POWs and 100,000 Asian workers died during the railway construction. Do note that the original bridge was destroyed by Allied bombing during the final years of the war, and the current bridge was rebuilt after the war in a different location.
The State Railway of Thailand operates a little tourist train with which you can drive across the bridge and back again. Fare: 20 Baht Duration: 15 minutes. You may also take one of the standard trains that pass by. Fare: 2 Baht.

Hostels in Ayutthaya, Koh Chang and Kanchanaburi
Baan Lotus . 20 Pa-Maphrao Road Tel: (09) 531 1680 Tel: (035) 251 988 Ayutthaya 13000	Lonely Beach Cottage 104/1 Moo 1 Koh Chang Klang Lonely Beach http://www.lonelybeachcottage.com/ Tel : 0-1740-8924 Koh Chang.
Apple's Guest House 52 Soi Rong Heeb Oil 3 Tel: (034) 512 017 http://www.applenoi-kanchanaburi.com Kanchanaburi 71000	Blue Star Guest House . 241 Maenam Kwai Road Tel: (034) 512 161 Kanchanaburi 71000

Central International of Hostel Reservation

<<  1 2 ... >>

[Back to Top]