3-Hour Sunset Bike Ride

Ayutthaya: 3-Hour Sunset Ride Bike Excursion runs through Recreational Bangkok Biking. Rated 4.8 across 37 reviews. Runs 3 hours. From $50.

Overview

This evening ride from Recreational Bangkok Biking puts you on a bicycle as the sun goes down over the old capital, following a loop that takes in markets, dinner and the floodlit temple ruins. You start at the operator's Ayutthaya branch, get a bike and helmet, and set off with an English-speaking guide. The route crosses the Pa Sak River by ferry and winds through Chao Phrom Market, past Chankasem Palace and the old prison, before stopping at Bang Ian Night Market for a snack and a look at local nightlife.

After dark the tour moves into the historical park proper. Wat Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Phra Ram and Wat Phra Si Sanphet are all on the route, lit from the ground against the night sky, with photo stops along the way. Dinner comes at a local restaurant, where the guide orders the Thai dishes. The final stretch crosses the Chao Phraya River toward Wat Chaiwattanaram, built in 1630 by King Prasat Thong, and ends with the reclining Buddha at Wat Lokayasutharam and the city pillar on the ride back.

The tour runs about three hours and suits travellers who want ruins, street food and local colour in one outing. Reviewers often call the pace manageable, the bikes good quality and the dinner a highlight. It is a ride, though: one reviewer logged roughly 15 km, and another found it longer than expected.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at ThailandBiking AyutthayaThe tour starts and ends at the operator's Ayutthaya branch. Bikes, helmets and a safety briefing are handled here.
2. Wat Suwandararam areaA guided ride with sightseeing and off-road sections, about 20 minutes.
3. Phet fortressA short stop of about 10 minutes for a visit and guided commentary.
4. Ayutthaya break and snacksAbout 15 minutes for a break with local snacks and food tasting.
5. Wat Lokaya SuthaA roughly 20-minute stop at the reclining Buddha, the largest in Ayutthaya.
6. Wat Phra Sri SanphetAbout 20 minutes to visit the royal chapel site, whose three chedis survived the destruction of 1767.
7. Wat Maha ThatA roughly 20-minute guided visit to the royal monastery, plus a further 20-minute ride through Ayutthaya.
8. Return to the officeThe ride ends back at the ThailandBiking Ayutthaya branch.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you decide whether this ride fits your evening.

• Pace and distance. One reviewer counted about 15 km and called it not too taxing, while another found the ride longer than expected. Frequent stops at temples and markets break up the riding. Go in with some margin in your evening plans.
• Food and drink. A night market snack, a Thai dinner at a local restaurant and water are all included, so you do not need to eat beforehand. Several reviewers praised the meal, with the guide choosing typical dishes. Only a tip for the guide is excluded.
• What to wear. Helmets are provided, and one reviewer mentioned reflective vests were offered as well. Wear something comfortable for cycling in warm weather. The tour also includes walking sections at the temples.
• Weather and season. One reviewer rode through heavy rain with children and said everyone still enjoyed it. The tour runs at night, and one reviewer noted the evening timing means it is not so hot. Weather can vary, so check conditions before you set out.
• Photos. The illuminated temples are the point of the timing, and stops are built in for pictures. One reviewer said the guide knew the good shots and took photos for the group. Bring whatever camera you are comfortable carrying on a bike.
• Group feel. Reviewers describe guides who are funny, knowledgeable and attentive, with a second guide sometimes helping secure the road. The minimum group size is two people for the tour to operate.

Common issues. The tour needs at least two participants to run and should be booked at least 48 hours in advance, so solo travellers or late bookers may miss out. It is not available to children under 12, and there is no hotel pickup, so you must make your own way to the operator's Ayutthaya branch. One reviewer found the ride longer than expected, and another mentioned busy roads and festival crowds on the route.

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