Bangkok - Advice on trips to Ayutthaya and Damnoen Saduak..

[Fetchez la vache]

We're in Bangkok for a few days from next Monday, and wanted to see the Damnoen Saduak Floating market + Ruins at Ayutthaya (not in one go as they're nowhere near one another).

I understand that that particular floating market is going to be busy, but the one we were going to see is only open Fri-Sun, so not an option.

I'm after any advice on getting to either - It's looking as though the best option is to go via bus - any advice either way on this?

Also, the markets are an early morning thing as they seem to be over by lunch, and we're toying with Ayutthaya on another afternoon - Does Ayutthaya take a whole day, or could we get a decent idea of it if we arrived there after lunch. Ideally I'd like to mooch about for a day at Ayutthaya but it doesn't look as though we'll have time.

Thanks.

[nyt]

Car hire in Thailand is cheap and driving easy - except for bangkok.

Far better just to hire a taxi (surprisingly cheap) who'll take you where you need to be, wait and then take you home.

Lots of stuff on the internet but you could start at: http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTopic-g293916-i36...

[QROPS]

You could also take a minibus from Victory Monument to Ayuthaya, it's about 100thb a seat, we bought the whole back row so we had it to ourselves. Once there you just take one of the tuk tuks and he will ask how many you want to visit. Definitely no point taking one of the expensive planned trips from Bangkok as they are overpriced and rush you around.

Same for the floating market, no need for expensive tours, just take a cab and amble around for the day.

[g3org3y]

Ayutthaya is very much worth a visit (old capital of Thailand iirc).

I visited en route from Bangkok to Chang Mai (via train). Met a very pleasant German couple at the train station and went round together.

We ended up hiring bikes (from quite near the station, I think you had to leave your passport as a deposit!) and had a very nice day touring around the ruins. As well as the aforementioned ruins, it's also worth visiting the Royal Palace.

Bike was the best way to get around, walking would be too time consuming especially if you want to see it all in half a day.









Have a great time!

[Fetchez la vache]

Thanks for the tips!

I like the idea of a tuk-tuk, as it seems like there's quite a bit of walking - I'm with my 8 & 14 y/o so the little-un cycling all day would probably be a bad idea

I've also changed things about so can make a whole day of Ayutthaya - this is now looking like the part of the whole trip I'm looking forward to most.

btw g3org3y - whats with the custard pots?

[g3org3y]

Have a great time. I really enjoyed Ayutthaya, absolutely worth a visit.

[havoc]

Not sure about tuk-tuk - Ayutthaya is a fair trek outside of the centre.

We found a recommended private-taxi firm on TripAdvisor, booked them in advance for both the airport run and a full-day to Ayutthaya and back. Wasn't overly expensive...although this was 2007.

[v15ben]

Ditto what others have said.
Train or shared minibus from BKK to Ayutthaya, then rent a bike to get around.
Nice relaxed pace and a good and cheap way to get around.

Definitely get yourself to the floating markets area, no need for an expensive tour company to do that.
I'd recommend getting there very early if you can, bit quieter with fewer tour groups around.