Ayutthaya - Nakhon Luang Bicycle Track I

This bicycle tour has been designed for a 35 km bike trip from Ayutthaya to Nakhon Luang and back. It is the shortest possible route by bicycle. The route follows the Pa Sak River on both banks. The track starts in Ayutthaya and goes over Suan Phrik, Ban Ko, Khlong Sakae, Bang Duea and Bang Rakan to Nakhon Luang. The return route on the left bank of the Pa Sak River and follows mainly road #3063 and #3053 until Ayutthaya.

Situated on the east bank of the Pa Sak River, Amphoe Nakhon Luang, Prasat Nakhon Luang was a royal residence for Ayutthayan kings during their trips to Lopburi and the Buddha's Footprint Shrine in Saraburi. It is assumed to have been constructed during the reign of King Songtham (1611-1628), but was improved to be a brick and plaster building during the reign of King Prasat Thong (1629 - 1656). Another source - “A history of Siam - W.A.R. Wood - Page 187” - state that Prasat Nakhon Luang was erected by King Prasat Thong - a design copied from Angkor Thom - to celebrate the event of the renewal of Cambodia’s allegiance to Siam. Although no record can be found of an invasion of Cambodia in the reign of King Prasat Thong. It is assumed that a show of force was sufficient to renew Cambodia’s allegiance. Dutch writers refer more than once to preparations made by King Prasat Thong, during his reign, to subdue Cambodia, which had proclaimed independence in 1618 after the death of King Srisuphanma of Cambodia.

The tour will take about 2 to 3 hours depending on the weather conditions and your physical fitness. The full track is paved. There are passages involved over main roads with heavy traffic. Be very careful in these locations.

If you are interested in viewing photographs of the temples and sites or would like additional historic information about some Points of Interest, visit our website at www.ayutthaya-history.com.

Tips and Warnings

Bicycles can be rented in different locations on Soi 2 Naresuan Rd, which is the starting point of this tour. Bike rental costs 40-50 baht (about $1.5) per day on average, which makes bike touring an inexpensive way to see the city. Ayutthaya’s terrain is mostly flat and easy to ride, but many streets and side roads are poorly marked, so use a map to simplify navigation.

Be cautious as traffic is sometimes chaotic. Motor vehicles often fail to see cyclists and pedestrians, so you must closely watch out for them. Motorcycles are a common cause of local accidents. Dogs and potholes can also be dangerous, especially in remote areas.

Be visible and wear yellow or orange colors. Use flashing rear bike lights during your bicycle trip. It is inadvisable to drive at night due to the lack of lighting.

Weather can be very hot, so make sure to drink plenty of fluids and wear sun block. Cover the body parts as much as possible and wear a hat or even better a bike helmet. Stay hydrated!

Be sure to have a tire repair kit with you, as flat tires are common due to the badly maintained roads and the lack of bicycle paths.

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

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.

©2009 - 2015 Ayutthaya Historical Research
All rights reserved.