Approximately 86km north of Bangkok, Ayutthaya served as the Siamese royal capital from 1350 to 1767 and by all accounts it was a splendid city. Nowadays, Ayutthaya makes a pleasant and convenient escape from Bangkok, especially during the Loi Krathong festival, held on the full moon of the 12th lunar month. Although celebrations are held at several places around town, the largest spectacle takes place at Beung Phra Ram — the large lake in the central of the city —which is near the Wiangfa Hotel.

WAYS TO GET TO AYUTTHAYA:


BY CAR
Alternative I: Take Highway No. 1 (Phahonyothin Road.) then take Highway No. 32 to Ayutthaya.
Alternative II:Take Highway No.304 (Chaeng Watthana Road.) or take Highway No. 302 (Ngamwongwan Road.); turn righ to Highway No. 306 (Tiwanon Road.), then take Highway No. 3111 (Pathum Thani - Samkhok - Sena) and turn right at Amphoe Sena to Highway No. 3263.

BY BUS
Ordinary buses run between the Bangkoks Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit 2 Bus Terminal) and Ayutthaya's main terminal on Naresuan Rd. every 20 minutes between 5 a.m. and 7 p.m. The fare is 30 bahts and the trip takes around 2hours. Air-conditioned buses operate the same route every 20 minutes from 5.40 a.m. to 7.20 p.m. (every 15 minutes between 7a.m. and 5p.m.) at the rate of 47 bahts, the trip takes 1.5 hours when traffic to north of Bangkok is light, otherwise it will take two hours

BY TRAIN
Trains to Ayutthaya leave Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Station approximately every hour between 4.20 a.m. and 10 p.m. The 3rd class fare is 15 bahts for the 1.5 hour trip. Train schedules are available from the information booth at Hua Lamphong Station. Alternatively, call 0 2223 7010, 0 2223 7020, or 1690