Prangs of Ayutthaya Bicycle Track

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

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