Ayutthaya - Khlong Khao San Kayak Track

This kayak tour is designed to bring you along one of the most important former canals east of Ayutthaya. The area was probably already populated during the Dvaravati era (6th to the 11th centuries). There is evidence that a community settled in this area much earlier than 1351- the official date of establishment of the city of Ayutthaya. Sources suggest that the Khmers occupied the area as early as 850-1000 AD and established an outpost here, naming it Ayodhya after the ancient and one of the holiest Hindu cities of India (the old capital of Awadh in the Faizabad district of Uttar Pradesh). This ancient Ayodhya community was situated on the stretch of land formed by Khlong Hantra, Khlong Ban Bat (Kamang) and the Pa Sak River. The area was later invaded by Anawrahta, the King of Pagan (r.1044-1077) and controlled by the "Burmese"; for about a hundred years. After the Burmese influence waned, it was conquered once again by the Khmer and held until the mid 13th century. The Tai seized political power shortly afterward by combining the Lavo and Suphannaphum Kingdoms. When King U-Thong arrived at Wiang Lek in 1347, a number of architectural structures already existed.

The tour will take 2 to 3 hours depending on your kayaking ability and the tide. A few sites have been listed for the sake of smoother navigation. Paddlers can choose where to stop according to their own tastes and time constraints.

If you are interested in viewing photographs of the temples in advance or would like additional historic information about these monasteries, visit our website at www.ayutthaya-history.com.

Tips and Warnings

The only location in Ayutthaya, which offers kayaks for rent is “The Seven Seas Riverside Ayutthaya”, located along U-Thong Road (Soi 19) and near Khlong Chakrai Yai and the Somdet Phra Sri Nakharin Park. The small hotel has kayaks available for renting to tourists. As thus, the starting point of this kayak tour begins at “The Seven Seas Riverside Ayutthaya”.

Be aware that from time to time canals could be clogged up by water hyacinth, making paddling difficult or even impossible. It is not possible to predict such a blockage, as it depends mainly on the swift action of the local authorities in regular maintaining the waterway and keeping it open for navigation. Water hyacinths are a reoccurring problem on virtually every river and canal in Thailand.

Ayutthaya, although located far away from the Gulf of Thailand, is still under tidal influence. The Chao Phraya River at Ayutthaya is thus a tidal river, causing the river to shift direction once a day. The tidal action is predictable. It may be useful to adjust your itinerary in function of these shifting currents and do some of the kayaking routes in reverse if missing stamina.

Be aware for whirlpools and heavy current at the confluence of the Pa Sak and Chao Phraya River in front of Phet Fortress and between Ko Loi - Ayutthaya Boat Building School and the eastern Pa Sak River bank, especially during the second part of the rainy season (September – November). In normal months, stick close to eastern Pa Sak river bank; From September to November stick to the western Pa Sak River bank. Stick south close to Wat Phanan Choeng when crossing the Chao Phraya River confluence with the Pa Sak River. Wear a life jacket and hook up your equipment!

Protect you from sunshine. Wear a hat, sun-glasses and loose-fitting clothing that covers arms and legs. Use sun blocker on exposed parts of the body. It is important to bring a large bottle of water aboard.

On the water, exercise caution!

Who are we?

Ayutthaya Historical Research [AHR] consists of a small group of researchers/writers with the aim to promote Ayutthaya’s cultural heritage. We are local expatriates who have been living in Ayutthaya for many years and would like to share our knowledge with future visitors. Therefore, we have personally tested each of these suggested routes by cycling and/or walking. More information on the authors can be found at: http://www.ayutthaya-history.com/Authors.html

In case of emergency or accident

Contact the Ayutthaya Tourist Police Station: (035) 241-446, (035) 242-352 or 1155.

Disclaimer

AHR 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

The route

Historical signboard in situ is marked as (*)
Entry fee required is marked as ($)
Boat dock present marked as (+)

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