Ayutthaya - Southern Bicycle Track (The Foreign Settlements loop)

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16,6 km
14 m
01u06
Easy

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783 keer bekeken | Publiek | DuitsFransNederlands

Laatst geverifieerd: 16 juni 2025

Beschrijving door de auteur

This bicycle tour highlights old foreign settlements and important historical sites south of Ayutthya’s main city island. This culturally diverse area will introduce you to a potpourri of churches, mosques and monasteries. The route tends to be peaceful and quiet with limited traffic, making it ideal for those wanting to get off-the-beaten track for some natural scenery as well. This southern area is shaped by the borders of Khlong Takhian and the Chao Phraya River and split into two parts by Khlong Khu Cham.

The western section was inhabited by the Cochin Chinese - mostly Christian communities of Tonkinese, Annamese and Cochin Chinese. This is where the French made their quarters in the 17th century. The French referred to Khlong Takhian as “Canal du Grand Cochon”, and they established a church at its upper mouth. The French settlement was dominated by priests and thus focused more on religion than trade. Mon refugees settled in the area on the opposite side of the canal.

The eastern section was populated by the Chinese (around Bang Kaja) and the trading community of the “Portugals”, which included three neighborhoods with churches along the west bank of the Chao Phraya. In addition, the eastern section included Buddhist temples pre-dating the foundation of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, which have yielded relics dating to the late-Dvaravati period.

Muslims had foreign settlements throughout the area. The southern part was occupied by the Malay and Pattani Muslims, who also had neighborhoods and markets in the north along the Chao Phraya River. Opposite Khlong Takhian, on its south bank, was the location of the Makassarese refugees before they were killed for uprising against the throne. Cham Muslims from Cambodia and Vietnam lived beside Khlong Khu Cham (known as “Le Canal du Petit Cochon” by the French). In addition, Muslims from Persia and India settled in this area as well. These Muslims communities were sometimes collectively labeled as Moors by early Westerners.

The tour will take 4-5 hours depending on the time spent at each location point. Riders may not want to stop at every highlight listed on this tour itinerary. A few sites have been listed more for the sake of smoother navigation. Individual cyclists 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 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. It is also possible to rent bikes near the train station, which is closer to the area 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 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 common cause of local accidents. Dogs and potholes can also be dangerous, especially in remote areas. Weather can be very hot, so make sure to drink plenty of fluids and wear sun block. It is inadvisable to drive at night due to the lack of lighting.

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 temples on route.

If you would like some information about lodging and restaurant options, please visit: www.ayutthaya-info.com.


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 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.


POI Markings:
Historical signboard in situ is marked as (*)
Entry fee required is marked as ($)

©2009-2015 Ayutthaya Historical Research
All rights reserved.

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Routebeschrijving

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Statistieken

Moeilijkheidsgraad: Easy (17/100)

Lengte: 16,6 km

Duur: 01u06


Totale stijging: 14 m

Maximale stijgingsgraad: 0,9 %

Gemiddelde stijgingsgraad: 0,3 %

Netto stijging: 0 m

Totale daling: 14 m

Wegen en ondergrond

Verharde wegen: 16,6 km (100 %)

Kasseien: 0 m (0 %)

Fietspaden: 10,5 m (0 %)

Landschap


Kenmerken

    Thema's

      Groepen

        Begin en einde van de route

        Dichtstbijzijnde adres bij begin: Toto House, นเรศวรไชย 2, 13000 พระนครศรีอยุธยา, ประเทศไทย
        Dichtstbijzijnde adres bij einde: Chantana Guesthouse, นเรศวรไชย 2, 13000 พระนครศรีอยุธยา, ประเทศไทย

        Navigeer naar startpunt

        Bezienswaardigheden

        1. Soi 2 - Naresuan Rd

          0 · Route start

          Naresuan Soi 2 Rd is often referred to as 'Farang Street' and is situated off Naresuan Road near …

          Ayutthaya Historical Research
        2. Ferry for pedestrians and cyclists

          0 · Ferry for pedestrians and cyclists
          Bicycles and motorcycles can use this ferry boat for only a few baht. The first reference point is …
          Ayutthaya Historical Research
        3. Wat Khun Phrom

          0 · Buddha temple

          Wat Khun Phrom is an active monastery situated along the Chao Phraya River. The ordination hall is …

          Ayutthaya Historical Research
        4. Wat Bang Kaja

          0 · Buddha temple
          (You do not have to return to the main road yet. Turn left on the first road immediately beside …
          Ayutthaya Historical Research
        5. Wat Pho Chai

          0 · Historical place

          Wat Pho Chai (Rang) is a not restored ruin located within the Portuguese settlement, off the city …

          Ayutthaya Historical Research
        6. Masjid Takia Yokin

          0 · Mosque
          (Return to the main road and continue south for some distance. You will pass a Muslim neighborhood …
          Ayutthaya Historical Research
        7. Masjid Yami Ul-Islam

          0 · Mosque
          This mosque is distinguished by its tall minarets, which is a rare feature among the mosques of …
          Ayutthaya Historical Research
        8. Wat Khok Jindaram

          0 · Buddha temple
          (Take the exit leading west when leaving Masjid Takei Yokin. Turn right when you arrive at the …
          Ayutthaya Historical Research
        9. Wat Samphao Lom

          0 · Buddha temple
          (From the Wat Khok Jindaram exit continue to head west (without crossing the bridge to Masjid Yami …
          Ayutthaya Historical Research
        10. Saint Joseph Church

          0 · POI

          St. Joseph's Church is situated beside the Chao Phraya River with Khlong Takhian bordering to its …

          Ayutthaya Historical Research
        11. Ferry for pedestrians and cyclists

          0 · Ferry for pedestrians and cyclists

          The ferry boat will deliver you on the opposite side of the Chao Phraya River, back on the main …

          Ayutthaya Historical Research

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        In de buurt

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        Overnachtingen in de buurt

        Diensten in de buurt

        Soi 2 - Naresuan Rd
        Ferry for pedestrians and cyclists
        Wat Khun Phrom
        Wat Bang Kaja
        Wat Pho Chai
        Masjid Takia Yokin
        Masjid Yami Ul-Islam
        Wat Khok Jindaram
        Wat Samphao Lom
        Saint Joseph Church
        Ferry for pedestrians and cyclists
        0 km1 km1 km2 km2 km3 km3 km4 km4 km5 km5 km6 km6 km7 km7 km8 km8 km9 km9 km10 km10 km11 km11 km12 km12 km13 km13 km14 km14 km15 km15 km16 km16 km17 km17 km4 m13 m
        PLUS
        500 m

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