A couple of days in Ayutthaya

[Big Boy]

We're off to Ayutthaya for a couple of days soon. Are there any sightseeing 'must do's' while we're there please?

At the moment we intend getting there, and simply playing it by ear. It would be awful if we got back and everybody started asking if we had been to see such and such a place.

[Dannie Boy]

We're off to Ayutthaya for a couple of days soon. Are there any sightseeing 'must do's' while we're there please?

At the moment we intend getting there, and simply playing it by ear. It would be awful if we got back and everybody started asking if we had been to see such and such a place.

Here's a starter for 29!!

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions- ... vince.html

[Dr Mike]

I am ashamed to admit that I have never been there.
Please post a report after your visit.

[dtaai-maai]

There's plenty to see in Ayuthaya itself, but you ought to visit the Bang Pa-In Palace while you're there. Only a few miles down the road.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bang_Pa-In_Royal_Palace

EDIT: Dress appropriately!

[Big Boy]

Dress appropriately!

Please expand i.e. does it simply mean no shorts, or does it mean more?

[dtaai-maai]

It's a long while since we were there, but I remember Mrs D-M being required to hire a 'patung', a sort of sari-style wrap, to cover her bare legs. Can't remember what I was wearing, but it wasn't Speedos!

[Big Boy]

Can't remember what I was wearing, but it wasn't Speedos!

Now, that might have turned a head or two

[PeteC]

Dress appropriately!

Please expand i.e. does it simply mean no shorts, or does it mean more?

I was there a few years ago with family visiting from the States and we were all in shorts. Button short sleeve shirts though rather than T's. I don't recall having any problems at all, the place was packed with Thais and foreigners and it must have been 42c that day...in November!

The rest of the place BB......there isn't much else but ruins. Maybe try a short boat trip as a break from all the walking. There are several that just go around the immediate area for an hour or so. Your wife should be able to source them out with no problems. Pete

[Nereus]

Awhile since I have been there, but I would suggest you stay away at the weekends. Many of those that can`t get to Hua Hin at the weekend do get to Ayutthaya!

[Bristolian]

At the palace the wearing of resonable length shorts, for men, is ok. Make sure that the ladies cover their shoulders (no strapped tops showing shoulders). If you forget you can hire a short sleeve blouse/shirt for the visit together with sari-style wrap. Not the most fashonable but never mind. The gardens and different architecture, in the various palace buildings, is well worth seeing

Not sure if they are still runnning but on late afternoons/evenings they did run dinner boat cruises.

[richard]

Did it a few years back with friends from RSA. Ladies must be covered and smart casual (shorts permitted) for men. I went by coach and then cruised back down the river which served dinner and moored overnight. A lovely way to enter Bangkok viewing all that the river banks have to offer

[Bamboo Grove]

When I did tours to Ayutthaya, I used to take tourists to some sights where not that many westerners find their way i.e. the blacksmith village of Aranyik and the drum makers village in Angthong. Bang Sai is better known among the western tourists but not that many actually go there.

Besides the Palace, I'd recommend

Bang Sai
http://ayutthaya-info.com/index.php?opt ... &Itemid=60

Aranyik village and its sword makers
http://www.asianventure.com/thailand/gu ... llage.html

This drum makers' village is actually in Angthong but it's a relatively short drive away from Ayutthaya
http://www.tourismthailand.org/See-and- ... lage--2427

[dtaai-maai]

^^Yes, there's an interesting Arts & Crafts Centre at Bangsai that is worth a visit.

[Big Boy]

Thanks for the replies guys - plenty of food for thought (not the speedos ). An excellent response

[JimmyGreaves]

At the gate they check that you are also wearing underpants. Luckily I was!