"To cycle all the way to Ayutthaya? After seeing my friends' group cycling reviews on Pantip, I asked myself, "Do I want to go?" Then I decided to go alone (quick decision). The starting point of this trip was to go alone!!! As usual, I feel like I'm addicted to solo travel because I always decide where to go and it's not my first time traveling solo. I'm sticking to the same concept, "Go alone, hundreds of solo photos" by taking photos myself. From the original post http://pantip.com/topic/33908302
I decided to go immediately, taking a free train to go cycling. This trip is a short trip of 2 days and 1 night by cycling to visit historical sites in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province with a budget of no more than 800 baht."

August 1

9:09 a.m. I left home and arrived at Hua Lamphong Railway Station. I joined the queue to buy a ticket to Ayutthaya. At first, I was going to buy a regular ticket, which was only 20 baht. However, an officer shouted at the queue, "Those who are going to Hua Hin or Ayutthaya, come this way!" I followed him and found out that it was the time to get free tickets.

10:00 AM at Bang Sue Station, a group of cyclists attempted to board the train with their bicycles without prior notification. This resulted in the bicycles obstructing the train, necessitating a change of the locomotive or some other component. Additionally, the cyclists were fined for failing to inform the authorities about the presence of their bicycles. It is understood that bicycles must be transported in designated containers. If this information is inaccurate, please provide corrections from individuals who have encountered similar situations.

Many foreign tourists were on their way to Ayutthaya. The family of three sitting next to us were also foreigners, but they didn't speak English. We were confused when they asked what happened and why the train had stopped for so long. We couldn't communicate with them. The kind foreigners tried their best. They found a language translation app and handed their phone to us so we could speak in Thai. We explained the situation in broken English (which wasn't very good). After we explained, they understood. Oh! They could understand English, but they wouldn't speak it (just like people in our country).

We arrived in Ayutthaya around noon. We crossed the street from the train station and took a 5 baht ferry to find our accommodation. We walked around, taking pictures as we went.

After a short walk, we decided to stay at The Old Place Guesthouse by the river. As the name suggests, it was an old building. Luckily, there were two rooms available. We chose a room with a private bathroom and two beds for 350 baht. It was perfect for a good night's sleep!

The view has an old-fashioned atmosphere, but it's acceptable and not a big deal.

After putting away our belongings, we rented a bicycle for 50 baht per day. Usually, we would cycle for one day and return to Bangkok, but we would have to arrive early in the morning to have enough time to cycle and account for getting lost. However, since we arrived later and wanted to change our sleeping arrangements, we rented the bike for two days. There was no deposit required; we just had to leave our ID card. The bike we got is pictured here.

• - - - Red bicycle - - - -

Wandering aimlessly without a destination, they didn't even bother looking at the map provided. Instead, they opted to ask for directions verbally, finding the map overwhelming due to the sheer number of temples.

I only visited a few temples, but each one was incredibly vast. Just taking photos took days. The entrance fee is 10 baht for Thai citizens and 50 baht for foreigners. My hands got a little dirty.

My bike stand wasn't locked properly, so it fell over and the chain came off. I had to fix it myself.

The majority of cyclists observed were foreigners. Thai people tend to travel to Ayutthaya with their families in private vehicles. Similarly, the accommodation we stayed in was almost exclusively occupied by foreign backpackers seeking affordable fan-cooled rooms.

The architectural splendor of the ancient site captivated us, inspiring us to linger and capture its grandeur in photographs. We marveled at the ingenuity of its construction, pondering how such a feat was accomplished without modern machinery. Even in its ruined state, the beauty of the site is undeniable, leading us to imagine its magnificence in its prime. As we wandered through the grounds, we felt transported back in time, imagining ourselves as inhabitants of this once-thriving palace. #Lost in the grandeur

"Are you alone?" another person asked. "Yes, I'm alone," I replied.

Perhaps I should consider whether I feel lonely. To be honest, I haven't even thought about whether I'm lonely or not. Because I'm in an unfamiliar place, and I'm alone. My brain is constantly thinking about what to do, how to make decisions, and how to stay safe. Especially as a woman, I've been to Ayutthaya before, but this is the first time I've come alone and cycled alone. I got lost, and my brain was so focused on finding my way that I didn't even think about whether I was lonely or not.

Stopped watching for a long time. I used to raise squirrels. I love squirrels very much. "Little squirrel, conch shell".

Your drawing is beautiful.

Lost while pedaling, with a map in hand but unable to decipher it, I asked everyone I encountered for directions: food vendors, motorbike taxi drivers, fellow cyclists, and even joggers. I greeted foreign tourists cycling in the opposite direction with a smile or a friendly hello, embodying the spirit of the "Land of Smiles." I cycled, took photos, and visited temples, managing to see two before dusk. Returning the bicycle, I promised to rent it again the next morning. The owner asked if I wanted the same one, and I agreed. Exhausted and sore, the thrilling and near-misses-filled journey was worth it.

August 2nd

The original plan was to wake up early and go for a bike ride, but I ended up sleeping in because I slept so comfortably the night before. I checked out of the hotel just in time at 11 am and went to rent a bike. I thought I wouldn't get the same bike as before, but the owner had kept it for me even though I had told him I would be back in the morning. I put my bag in the front basket of the bike and was about to leave when the owner stopped me. He took the strap of my bag and wrapped it around the bike several times, saying, "Just in case." I see... there must be a lot of petty thieves around here. The people of Ayutthaya are so kind.

The roads were quite scary, as we had to ride on major highways with heavy traffic and numerous tour buses. However, most large vehicles were cautious of cyclists and yielded to them. Nevertheless, a few cars sped past, nearly causing accidents. I angrily cursed at them in a language I don't even understand. Haha! Therefore, for this trip, mental and physical preparation is crucial. You should be a strong cyclist and consider getting life insurance. 5555555

I don't usually go to temples, but this time I'm actively looking for them and praying.

Fortunately, it did not rain during the day on either day, but it rained at night, so we could sleep comfortably and not waste our trip being stuck in the rain.

The story is not finished yet. I will continue later.

Visiting only a few temples in Ayutthaya was challenging, as the city is surprisingly vast for cyclists. As a non-local, navigating the city proved difficult, leading to frequent detours and a sense of being lost.

Despite the heat and getting lost, it was worth it to get so many pictures and see the beautiful old city of our country. I even wondered how beautiful it must have been in the past. But as dusk approached and people started leaving the temple, I started to feel a little scared.

Lost in the moment, I was captivated by the opportunity to capture stunning photographs and explore the numerous intriguing nooks and crannies. As an avid admirer of antiques and historical artifacts, I was completely enthralled, almost forgetting to return home.

Around 3:00 PM, I started heading back, as I needed to factor in travel time and was unsure of the train schedule. After returning the bicycle, I took a ferry back to the train station, purchasing a 20 baht ticket. The train didn't depart until 4:00 PM, and the journey back to Bangkok took approximately 2 hours. While it was slower than driving, the experience was undeniably unique. Solo cycling in an unfamiliar city, navigating unfamiliar paths, offered a fresh perspective and a sense of adventure. Despite not exploring the entire city, I'm certain I'll return for another adventure.

Two days and one night damage cost

The train ticket to Ayutthaya is free for the outbound journey and 20 baht for the return journey.

Roundtrip ferry fare: 10 Baht.

The two-day bicycle rental fee is 100 baht.

Temple entrance fee: 3 times for 30 baht.

The room rate is 350 baht.

Food expenses for 2 days + purchases at 7-Eleven + public restroom fees, totaling 270 baht.

In total, it cost a little over 700 baht. Consider it skipping a fancy buffet meal and embarking on a new solo adventure instead.

8 Simple Reasons Why You Should Travel Solo at Least Once in Your Life

1. Discover Yourself: Solo travel allows for introspection and self-discovery. Away from the distractions of daily life, you have the opportunity to connect with your inner self and explore your passions and interests.

2. Build Confidence: Overcoming the challenges of solo travel can boost your confidence and self-reliance. You learn to navigate unfamiliar situations, make decisions independently, and trust your own abilities.

3. Embrace Flexibility: Solo travel offers unparalleled flexibility. You can create your own itinerary, change plans on a whim, and explore hidden gems at your own pace.

4. Meet New People: Traveling solo opens doors to new connections. You'll encounter diverse individuals from all walks of life, fostering cultural exchange and enriching your perspective.

5. Escape Routine: Breaking free from the monotony of daily life can be incredibly refreshing. Solo travel allows you to step outside your comfort zone and experience new adventures.

6. Develop New Skills: Solo travel presents opportunities to learn new skills, whether it's navigating public transportation in a foreign city or mastering the art of haggling at a local market.

7. Deepen Your Connection with the World: Traveling solo allows you to immerse yourself in different cultures and appreciate the beauty and diversity of the world.

8. Create Unforgettable Memories: Solo travel often leads to unique and unforgettable experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime. From breathtaking landscapes to unexpected encounters, these memories will become cherished treasures.

1. Learned to step outside of one's comfort zone.

2. This is a true recharge of energy.

3. Discovered something meaningful in life.

4. You will be able to do what you want without being embarrassed and without having to do what you don't want to do.

5. Meet new people and learn about different cultures.

Translation:

Is there anything else I can help you with?

7. Develop the ability to make decisive judgments.

8. No Drama! No unnecessary distractions.

I hope we can travel alone together again next time.

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