AYUTTHAYA NORTHERN BICYCLE TRACK 1
This bicycle tour is designed to illustrate important historical sites related to warfare between the Siamese and the Burmese. The route focuses on
the northern rim of Ayutthaya’s city island, and much effort has also been placed on showcasing the city’s beautiful scenery such as canals, rivers,
rice fields, and other countryside views.

The tour will take 5 to 6 hours depending on the time spent at each location point. Riders may not want to stop at every highlight listed on this tour
itinerary. A few sites have been listed more for the sake of smoother navigation and referencing. Individual cyclists can choose where to stop
according to their own tastes and time constraints.

This route has been designed with specific historic sites in mind where important battles took place. For example, in 1549, Burmese troops fought
with the Siamese, who had been greatly weakened due to dynastic disputes. This conflict resulted in the heroic death of Queen Suriyothai, an event
much popularized in Thai folklore and film. In 1563/64 there was another Burmese invasion known as the "White Elephant War". This conflict arose
when the Siamese king refused the Burmese king’s request that some white elephants be presented to him as a gift. 1568/69, the Burmese attacked
again, which led to the first fall of Ayutthaya and resulted in Siam becoming a Burmese vassal state.

In 1759/60, the Burmese besieged Ayutthaya yet another time; however, the Burmese King died in an accident and Burmese troops were forced to
withdraw. Finally, in 1766/67, the Burmese sacked Ayutthaya for the second and last time. The city was destroyed, the inhabitants mostly killed or
taken away as war captives, and the numerous temples deserted. The capital then moved shortly to Thonburi and was ultimately set up Bangkok.

If you are interested in viewing photographs of these temples and ruins in advance or would like additional historic information about the warfare
mentioned, check this website.

Markings:

Historical signboard in situ is marked as (*)
Entry fee required is marked as ($)
(Downloadable pdf-files)