Accommodation and Transportation

Ayutthaya is 86 km from Bangkok by road. That's about 1½ hours by minibus or train, and two hours by regular bus. Several shades calmer and tranquil than the bustling city of Bangkok, Ayutthaya maintains a low-keyed image. For those tourists who plan to stay back as teachers, accommodation is available in different ranges to suit different affordability. However, it’s the teacher’s responsibility to arrange for accommodation with assistance often provided by the school.

The one-room apartments are the most popular in Ayutthaya. They are very basic but can be made nice. They have a bed, closet and bathroom and some have small balconies. These range in price from 2,500 baht for fan rooms to 3,000 baht for air con rooms. Bills are all paid separate each month with electric at 5 baht per unit and a standard charge for water at around 100 baht per month.

The town house can range in price from 3,000 baht to 4,000 baht per month. Most of town houses are unfurnished but you might come across one with some furniture, but not very often.
Whilst a nicer 4-bedroom detached house with a small garden will set you back 7,000 each month. A top of the range place with four large bedrooms, lots of marble and attentive security guards costs from 20-25,000.

Ruins of Ayutthaya are spread all over the island. And on a hot, dusty and humid day it is surely a daunting task to get around on foot. Therefore, the best way is to hire a Tuk-Tuk on an hourly charge. As per the regulated rates, an hour should be worth 200 baht. The Tuk-tuks in Ayutthaya are different than they are in other areas of Thailand. They look different but one still has to bargain. You can even get them to do a full-day package.

There are plenty of motorbike taxis, sangthaews and occasional samlor for the tourists. However, most teachers have their own motorbike.

Mini-buses can be taken from the railway station into town. Fares are approximately 5 Baht per person. Ferries can be taken from the pier near the railway station across the Pasak River. The fare is 2 Baht. Bicycles can also be rented for about 50 Baht per day.

Luxury Cruising along the rivers of Thailand is an experience worth indulging in. You can book a cruise to or around Ayuthaya , costing you not more than a thousand baht along with free food and drinks that can be bought. Last but not the least; an elephant ride around the ruins promises you a different vantage point transporting you back to the days of sovereignty.