Ayutthaya - Pilgrimage Bicycle Track

This bicycle tour has been designed to bring you to nine important Buddhist monasteries in Ayutthaya. Why 9? Nine is an important number in Thailand. Odd numbers are considered luckier than even numbers, especially the number 3. You already found out that nine is 3 x 3, and thus the maximum fortunate and sacred number used not only across Thai society but also in large parts of the world. For example, often nine monks are invited to Buddhist ceremonies, being for the inauguration of a house, a shop or a wedding. In some cultures, the number 9 represents God. Women need nine months, being 36 weeks (3+6) to give birth; 999 is the measurement of Gold and Silver, while 9 is the only number that can be used to multiply with your hands.

 

An extension of the number 9 is the number 108 (1+0+8). Nine planets travel through the 12 zodiac signs (9 x 12). The diameter of the sun is 108 times the diameter of the Earth. The average distance from the earth to the Sun is equivalent to 108 suns in a row. The average distance from the earth to the Moon equals 108 moons in a row. Isn't it magical?

 

The bicycle track is about 35 Km long and is paved all the way. The first part of the track brings you to the Ayodhya area and the foreign settlements along the left bank of the Chao Phraya River. Near Ko Rian, you will cross the bridge of Rd #356 and return towards Ayutthaya on the right bank of the Chao Phraya River and through the Portuguese settlement. Turning to the west, you will pass Wat Chai Watthanaram and the Indo-Chinese settlement with the St Joseph Church. Continue through Ban Pom sub-district, where you will cross a bridge over the Chao Phraya River (Rd 3#47) again and follow the left bank of the river along with the Phukhao Thong Fields. Near Hua Laem, the roads turn east and you will enter the city of Ayutthaya via the north.

 

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 and dangerous. 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 make sure to 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 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 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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