Bang Kaeo River Bicycle Track

This bicycle tour has been designed for a 80 km bike training along the former Bang Kaeo River. The Bang Kaeo River is a defunct river which river bed at present still can be traced back along the different irrigation canals east of the Chao Phraya River. In the Ayutthayan era the river had its source at the split of the Chao Phraya River near Bang Kaeo in the same way the Lopburi River had its origin at Bang Phutsa. The river ran in the present Bang Kaeo Canal for 13.5 kilometers and turned southwest at Wat Han Sang. After 500 meter it ran into the present irrigation canal running through Hua Phai of Maha Rat district, Han Sang, Ta Nim, Bang Nang Ra, Khwan Mueang and Phut Lao of Bang Pahan district. From Ban Nonsi in Phut Lao sub-district, the river turned southwest towards Ban Mai and then turned southeast towards Ayutthaya. The Bang Kaeo River joined the old Lopburi River at Hua Laem at the northwestern point of the city in front of Sat Kop Fortress. The tour will take about 5 to 6 hours depending on the weather conditions and your physical fitness.

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

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 30-40 baht (about $1) 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 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. 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.

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.

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