Activities PhraNakhon Si Ayutthaya
Option in PhraNakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thailand
As one of the premier tourist destinations in Thailand, Ayutthaya has innumerable activities to participate in, ensuring that visitors with any interest will find something to keep them entertained on their Ayutthaya holiday. The following are some of the most popular activities on Ayutthaya:
Boat Trips
Faster and more flexible than river cruises in terms of sightseeing routes, a long-tail boat trip offers a fun alternative to exploring Ayutthaya’s scenic riverside. These narrow boats can navigate through the narrow khlongs (canals), reaching temples and attractions located further inland. If this sounds like a good plan, head over to Pom Phet Pier, Wat Phanunchoeng Pier or the pier in front of Chantara Kasem National Museum to charter a long-tail for the day. The fare depends on the route and duration of your journey.
Cycling and Night Cycling
Besides elephant rides, cycling is a great way to explore the areas around Ayutthaya Historical Park. With the ruin sites relatively close to each other, peddling on two wheels doesn’t feel like a physical challenge but rather a pleasant and enjoyable experience. Outside the park, it could be quite a challenge to ride around due to the narrow roads and busy traffic but it’s still manageable. For something completely different and memorable, try riding around the park at night. After sunset, Ayutthaya turns into a magical place, with a splendid backdrop of the ruin sites at twilight painting the skyline. You can only experience this kind of magic here.
Elephant Rides and Mahout Training
Another activity that’s worth considering if you are thrilled by the thoughts of exploring Ayutthaya’s temple ruins on elephant back. Opposite Khum Khun Phaen in the Ayutthaya Historical Park, Ayutthaya Elephant Camp offers elephant rides as well as daily shows and feeding from 9:00 to 17:00. Ayodhaya Elephant Village (next to Ayodhaya Floating Market) has overnight mahout training programmes, in addition to elephant riding trips to nearby temples, for those interested to get real close up and personal with a pachyderm.
River Cruises
Fringed by picturesque temple ruins and rural villages, Ayutthaya’s riverside sets the stage for a scenic river cruise. Catch a glimpse of Ayutthaya of yesteryear as you embark on a river journey down the Pasak and Chao Phraya Rivers. Day cruises usually cover major temples and attractions along the riverbanks, while dinner and overnight cruises feel more romantic, with an unfolding backdrop of the river sunset and candlelight dinner enhancing the mood of the evening.