About Rock Around Ayutthaya
Rock Around Ayutthaya is an immersive cultural experience off the beaten path, offered as a private guided cycling tour — a one- or two-day journey into the very soul of Ayutthaya.
The one-day programme focuses on the city’s historical and religious legacy. For those wishing to deepen their discovery, the two-day programme adds an exceptional artistic dimension centred on traditional Thai art, craftsmanship, and the timeless epic of the Ramakien — a journey where mythology, religion, creativity, and history intertwine in perfect harmony.
Ride through peaceful lanes shaded by giant banyan trees, manicured lawns, centuries-old canals, iconic temples, the remnants of former foreign settlements, striking art and craft venues, and picturesque river paths. The glorious legacy of this cosmopolitan royal city — born around the same time as the Italian Early Renaissance — shone over Southeast Asia for more than four centuries and reveals itself to you over the course of a bucolic day.
Visit prestigious religious landmarks such as Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana, and the majestic riverside Wat Chaiwatthanaram, glowing in the golden light of sunset — as well as St Joseph’s Church, a living tribute to the early French Catholic presence in Ayutthaya.
Follow in the footsteps of Siam’s early visitors by exploring Baan Hollanda and the historic Japanese and Portuguese Villages, where traces of ancient trading posts still echo the city’s cosmopolitan past.
Pay homage to King Naresuan and Queen Sri Suriyothai, then wander silently through the evocative ruins of the Ayutthaya Royal Palace.
Deepen your understanding of Thai culture at the Khon Learning Centre, the Arts of the Kingdom Museum, the Sustainable Arts and Crafts Institute of Thailand (SACIT) and the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum, where treasures of gold, faith, and craftsmanship illuminate the royal and spiritual heritage of Ayutthaya.
Set to a gentle rhythm and a contemplative pace, enriched with story-driven narratives, Rock Around Ayutthaya invites you to feel the heartbeat of Siam’s history and engage with the spiritual forces that still imbue this eternal kingdom.
Last but not least, this journey offers a delicious immersion into local Thai cuisine along the river — a chance to savor both authentic dishes and famous traditional sweets. Among them Roti Sai Mai — a colorful Ayutthaya specialty made of soft pandan crêpes wrapped around fine threads of spun sugar, like a Thai version of cotton candy; Khanom Chin — fresh fermented rice noodles traditionally served with rich coconut-based curries and a variety of herbs and vegetables; and Foi Thong — delicate golden threads made from egg yolks simmered in syrup, symbolizing prosperity and longevity in Thai culture.
