Ayutthaya - Nakhon Luang Bicycle Track II

This bicycle tour has been designed for a 40 km bike training from Ayutthaya to Nakhon Luang. The route follows first more or less stretches of the Lopburi River and Khlong Ko Loeng until the main road Bang Pahan - Nakhon Luang (#329). The latter is followed for about 4 Km until Prasat Nakhon Luang, where the track runs again through the rice fields towards the Asian Highway; from there the right bank of the Pa Sak River is followed until the Lopburi River and the Elephant Kraal.

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 under 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 careful in these locations. The track starts in Ayutthaya and goes over Suan Phrik, Khayai, Pho Sam Ton, Ban Bang Pahan, Ban Ko Loeng, Bang Rakam, Nakhon Luang, Ban Choeng, Nong Pling, Bo Phong, Ban Ko and back to the Elephant Kraal at Suan Phrik.

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. As this is a bicycle training track, not all Points of Interest are posted. They are mainly for reference.

Tips and Warnings

Be cautious as traffic is sometimes chaotic and dangerous. 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 Bicycle Adventure, hereafter called ABA, consists of a small group of bikers with the aim to keep up the overall physical condition in an healthy environment.

Disclaimer

ABA will not be held liable for any loss or damage whatsoever regarding the suggested tracks. It is the responsibility of the user to take the necessary precautions to avoid any physical injury, traffic incident, animal attack, theft, and damage to equipment. Any reliance on the ABA's information is therefore strictly at own risk.

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