Prangs of Ayutthaya Bicycle Track

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24 km
33 m
01u36
Easy

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350 keer bekeken | Publiek | DuitsFransNederlands

Laatst geverifieerd: 16 juni 2025

Beschrijving door de auteur

This bicycle tour has been designed to bring you to the most important prang towers of Ayutthaya. Stupas came in different forms, of which the prang and the chedi were the most common in Siam. The prang finds its roots in Khmer architecture. Before the establishment of Ayutthaya in 1350, the Khmer were present in this area. Lopburi was one of the main outposts of the Khmer realm and Ayodhya, the pre-runner of Ayutthaya, was likely a Khmer settlement.

During the Early Ayutthaya period (1351-1488 CE), the prang was the most prominent structure of the temple compound. Thai builders adapted the prang by extending and developing it. The bud-shaped tower, measuring between 15 and 40 meters in height, stood on a high square base and had four niches; three niches containing statues and a fourth giving access to the cella via a small, east aligned porch. A steep flight of steps could access the porch.

Depending on the type of temple, relics of the deceased or the Buddha (Maha That) were housed in the tower's vault. Variations were seen over time and sometimes the cella was simply replaced by a niche, with a Buddha image located in the cardinal directions. Initially, a Garuda was depicted halfway the prang in the four directions, but they were omitted later. Prangs were topped with a multi-branched finial; a Trishul, the "weapon of Indra".

The prangs essentially represent Mount Meru. Mount Meru was the centre of each system of the universe with around it, seven alternate belts of ocean and mountain; then an eighth (the great) ocean, at the four cardinal points of which are the four great human worlds or continents; one inhabited by men, the other three by half-human beings. The main visible difference between Khmer and Thai prangs is that the first tapers off decreasing stepwise, while the second tapers without visible steps, thus much smoother. Ayutthaya prangs mainly were built with bricks, then covered with stucco. Prangs were in general no more built after the early Ayutthaya period and were replaced by the Sri Lankan-styled chedi, except for the period of the reign of King Prasat Thong (reign 1629-1656 CE). The bicycle track is about 24 Km long and is paved all the way.
If you are interested in viewing photographs of the temples in advance or would like additional historical information about these ruins, 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, making 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 the map to simplify navigation.
Be cautious as traffic in and around Ayutthaya is sometimes chaotic. Motor vehicles often fail to see cyclists and pedestrians, so you must closely watch out for them. Motorcycles are a particularly hazardous cause of local accidents. Dogs and potholes can also be dangerous, especially in remote areas. The weather can be scorching, so drink plenty of fluids and wear sunblock. It is inadvisable to drive at night due to the lack of lighting and occasional recklessness of motor traffic.
The theft of bicycles is uncommon in Ayutthaya, but backpacks and cameras have been stolen on rare occasions. It is best to keep valuables with you when visiting the historical sites on route.

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

©2009 – 2022 Ayutthaya Historical Research
All rights reserved.

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Oorsprong van de route

Routebeschrijving

Regio

Statistieken

Moeilijkheidsgraad: Easy (23/100)

Lengte: 24 km

Duur: 01u36


Totale stijging: 33 m

Maximale stijgingsgraad: 0,6 %

Gemiddelde stijgingsgraad: 0,1 %

Netto stijging: 0 m

Totale daling: 33 m

Wegen en ondergrond

Verharde wegen: 24 km (100 %)

Kasseien: 0 m (0 %)

Fietspaden: 75,8 m (0 %)

Landschap


Kenmerken

  1. Autoluw
  2. Bereikbaar met OV
  3. Lusvormig
  4. Verhard (100%)

Thema's

  1. Architectuur

Groepen

  1. AHR - Bicycle Tracks

Begin en einde van de route

Navigeer naar startpunt

Bezienswaardigheden

  1. Wat Pa Sak

    0 · Ruin

    There are two main structures at Wat Pa Sak. The first is a Khmer-influenced chedi resembling a …

    Ayutthaya Historical Research
  2. Wat Phutthaisawan

    0 · Buddha temple

    Wat Phutthaisawan is situated opposite the mouth of Khlong Chakrai Yai, a canal linking the former …

    Ayutthaya Historical Research
  3. Wat Chai Watthanaram

    0 · Ruin

    Wat Chai Watthanaram was built in the 1630s CE by King Prasat Thong, who believed that the …

    Ayutthaya Historical Research
  4. Wat Worachet

    0 · Ruin

    Wat Worachet is often confused with a monastery sharing a similar name that is located directly on …

    Ayutthaya Historical Research
  5. Wat Kasattrathirat

    0 · Buddha temple

    Wat Kasattrathirat, or the Monastery of the Great Abode, is an active monastery located off the …

    Ayutthaya Historical Research
  6. Wat Jao Phram

    0 · Ruin

    Wat Jao Phram, or the Monastery of the Brahman, is a restored ruin situated in the southwestern …

    Ayutthaya Historical Research
  7. Wat Som

    0 · Ruin

    There is no clear record of when Wat Som was established; however, estimates based on the shape …

    Ayutthaya Historical Research
  8. Wat Lokaya Sutha

    0 · Ruin

    Wat Lokaya Sutharam is a massive temple ruin designed in the late Ayutthaya period style. At the …

    Ayutthaya Historical Research
  9. Wat Rakhang

    0 · Ruin

    Wat Rakhang, or the Monastery of the Bell, also known as Wat Worapho, is an enormous ruin with …

    Ayutthaya Historical Research
  10. Wat Choeng Tha

    0 · Buddha temple

    Wat Choeng Tha is located off the city island in the northern part of Ayutthaya, in the Tha …

    Ayutthaya Historical Research
  11. Wat Tha Sai

    0 · Buddha temple

    Wat Tha Sai, or the Monastery of the Sand Landing, is a restored ruin situated on Ayutthaya’s city …

    Ayutthaya Historical Research
  12. Wat Langka

    0 · Ruin

    Wat Langka is located along the eastern side of Khlong Makham Riang, known as Khlong Nai Kai, …

    Ayutthaya Historical Research
  13. Wat Khok Muang

    0 · Ruin

    Wat Khok Muang is oriented on an east/west axis. Three structures are in situ. To the east is a …

    Ayutthaya Historical Research
  14. Wat Ratcha Burana

    0 · Ruin

    Wat Ratcha Burana was established in 1424 CE by King Borommaracha II (reign 1424-1448 CE) after …

    Ayutthaya Historical Research
  15. Wat Maha That

    0 · Ruin

    Wat Maha That has become famous as the site where a Buddha's head peeks out from inside a tree. …

    Ayutthaya Historical Research
  16. Wat Nok

    0 · Ruin

    Wat Nok is a restored temple ruin located within the Ayutthaya Historical Park in the Pratu Chai …

    Ayutthaya Historical Research
  17. Wat Phra Ram

    0 · Ruin

    The Royal Chronicles of Ayutthaya date Wat Phra Ram to 1369 CE. King Ramesuan (reign …

    Ayutthaya Historical Research

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Reacties

Activiteiten

In de buurt

Routes in de buurt

Overnachtingen in de buurt

Diensten in de buurt

Wat Pa Sak
Wat Phutthaisawan
Wat Chai Watthanaram
Wat Worachet
Wat Kasattrathirat
Wat Jao Phram
Wat Som
Wat Lokaya Sutha
Wat Rakhang
Wat Choeng Tha
Wat Tha Sai
Wat Langka
Wat Khok Muang
Wat Ratcha Burana
Wat Maha That
Wat Nok
Wat Phra Ram
0 km1 km2 km3 km4 km5 km6 km7 km8 km9 km10 km11 km12 km13 km14 km15 km16 km17 km18 km19 km20 km21 km22 km23 km24 km24 km5 m11 m
PLUS
500 m

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