Ayutthaya - Han Sang Bicycle Track

This bicycle tour has been designed to bring you to Wat Kai or the Monastery of the Chicken in Han Sang of Bang Pahan District in Ayutthaya Province. At Wat Kai we find the representation of the Buddhist Hell. There are 31 planes of existence divided in 3 worlds (Traiphum) being the Immaterial World, the Fine-Material World and the Sensuous World. The latter consists of 11 realms of which our world is the seventh and last of the favorable realms in a unique balance of pleasure and pain. The next four are bad realms of which the last one is Hell; a realm of unimaginable suffering and anguish. This Hell is not eternal (as every other realm), but temporary. The Hell or nether world is called Niraya (Thai: Narok) or the downward-path in Buddhism. Wat Kai offers a picturesque and colorful view Niraya. The temple is also known for its monkeys on the premises. Food for the monkeys can be bought in location.

The bicycle track is about 45 Km long and is paved all the way. Start is at the Elephant Kraal and brings you through the Pho Sam Ton Fields towards the old Bang Kaeo River, at present a large irrigation canal. You will followed the canal until Wat Kai. After a visit of the monastery you continue further north and turn towards the right bank of the Lopburi River near Maha Rat. From here you bike south again to the Elephant Kraal. The track consist mostly of inside roads without traffic and shows a rural landscape.

If you are interested in viewing photographs of the temples in advance or would like additional historic information about some of these points of interest, 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, 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 particularly hazardous 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 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 historic sites 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 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 eco-tourism. 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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