3. Chao Pluk - Ayutthaya Kayak Track

This kayak track is the third kayak track of the Lopburi River descent and part of the Lopburi River Kayak Route set up by Ayutthaya kayaking Experience [AKE] aiming to paddle the full stretch of this river from its source - the split-off from the Chao Phraya River- in Bang Phutsa sub-district, Sing Buri province until its mouth in Pho Sam Ton sub-district, Ayutthaya at the confluence with the Pa Sak River.

The Lopburi River, borrowing its name from the ancient city of Lopburi, is one of the three tributaries of the Chao Phraya River. The waterway runs through the very low alluvial plain created by the deposition of sediment by the main river over a long period of time. The Lop Buri River leaps through Sing Buri, Lop Buri and Ayutthaya provinces. The river splits of from the Chao Phraya River in Bang Phutsa in Mueang Sing Buri district and runs east towards the city of Lop Buri. At Phrommat, west of the city, it makes a 90 degree turn south and descends towards the city of Ayutthaya. The Lopburi River has one short tributary of its own, the Bang Kham River.

The waterway runs through the sub-districts of Bang Phutsa, Ton Pho and Mueang Mu of Mueang Sing Buri district in Sing Buri province; the sub-districts of Bang Nga, Tha Wung, Bang Khu, Pho Talat Kaeo of Tha Wung district and the sub-districts of Bang Khan Mak, Phrommat, Tha Hin, Pho Kao Ton, Talung, Ngiu Rai, Kong Thanu of Mueang Lopburi district in Lop Buri province; the sub-districts of Ban Mai, Ban Phraek, Sam Phaniang of Ban Phraek district, the sub-districts of Khlong Noi, Phit Phian, Rong Chang, Chao Pluk, Nam Tao, Hua Phai of Maha Rat district, the sub-districts of Thang Klang, Sao Thong, Bang Nang Ra, Khwan Mueang, Pho Sam Ton, Khayai in Bang Pahan district, and at last Suan Phrik sub-district of Mueang Ayutthaya district, all in Ayutthaya province.

This track brings you from Chao Pluk in Maharat district over Bang Pahan district to the mouth of the Lopburi River in Pho Sam Ton sub-district of Ayutthaya.

Lopburi was an important ancient city initially known as Lavo. The Yonok Chronicles stated that Phra Chao Kalvanadith (King Kalavarnadish) from Taxila founded the City of Lavo in 648 AD in the territory of the Mon Dvaravati Kingdom. During the reign of King Suryavarman II in the first half of the 12th century, the area in the Menam Basin centered on Lopburi came under the Khmer Empire. The Khmer outpost became a powerful centre. Witnesses of this period are Phra Prang Sam Yot, the Phra Kan shrine, Wat Nakhon Kosa and Prang Khaek. The Khmer Empire though started to wane at the end of the 12th century and with it, its centre in the Meanam basin also weakened. In the middle of the 13th century, the region gained its independence. Lopburi - for a long time been associated with the Angkorian civilization - was the major regional centre of Theravada Buddhist learning at that time. With the founding of the city of Ayutthaya in 1351 by Uthong, Lopburi lost its prominence. During the reign of King Narai (r. 1656-1688) it became back again a royal capital. Most of the architecture of that time reflects the mixture of Thai and Western styles. Remnants of this period are the Narai Ratchaniwet Palace, the Vichayen House, Wat Phra Si Rattana Maha That, the Chai Chana Songkram Fortress and the Phra Thinang Yen.

The track will take 6-7 hours of paddling according to your level of physical fitness, the conditions of the water current, and your personal kayaking experience. Highlights are listed to give you a number of reference points on this tour itinerary. Do not initiate this tour without the necessary physical fitness and preparation.

Tips and Warnings

General - Stock up supplies of water (500 ml/hr), electrolyte beverages (3-4 bottles) and dry food (take a snack every 2 hours) as there is hardly opportunity to find a meal on this itinerary. Keep up mobile communications with somebody for emergency cases and do know where you are exactly at all times. Protect your equipment with waterproof bags and tie everything to the boat.

Water currents - The most important variable for making kayaking plans is water current. Rainy season will result in flooding and/or rapidly moving water. In this case not every kayak is suitable. Use caution when the current is fast and wear a life jacket.

Clothing - Wear a good hat and loose-fitting clothing that dries quickly. Long pants and shirts with long sleeves may be useful and appropriate to protect you from the sun. The refracted sunlight from the water makes sunburn commonplace, so put on plenty of sun block on not covered parts of your body and wear sunglasses.

Who are we?

Ayutthaya Kayaking Experience [AKE] is a sportive subsidiary from Ayutthaya Historical Research [AHR]. AKE’s objective is to promote kayaking tourism in Ayutthaya, by basically showing kayak presence on canals and rivers. Kayaking is the perfect outdoor recreation to explore the city island contours and its surroundings. We are local expatriates who have been living in Ayutthaya for many years and would like to share our kayak knowledge with other sportsmen. More information on AKE can be found at: http://www.aykaex.yolasite.com/

Disclaimer

Ayutthaya Historical Research or Ayutthaya Kayaking Experience will not be held liable for any loss or damage whatsoever for any suggestions made in relation to the site’s promotion of ecotourism. It is the responsibility of the user of the site to take the necessary precautions to avoid any physical injury, traffic incident, animal attack, theft, and damage to equipment. Any reliance on the site’s information is therefore strictly at your own risk. Read our full disclaimer at website www.ayutthaya-history.com.

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