The train station in Bangkok is very well laid out and there are very helpful information desks dotted around that speak brilliant English. When ordering our tickets we decided to be a little thrifty and get our Ayutthaya ticket then from there to Chiang Mai a couple of days in advance, which obviously helped with the price. We were then handed our 3rd class tickets and sent on our way.
3rd class is exactly what it says on the tin, a very basic carriage, but hey it's cheap.
The fans were switched off in our carriage, which made it a bit of a horrific start, however we were fortunate enough to nab a window seat! These huge windows open fully so you get a nice cool breeze instead. However seats are limited so get there early.
The train journey took approximately two and a half hours.
Whilst on route if you have a little look out the window you'll see some impressive sights of fields, wats and the odd mountain, but to be perfectly honest we took this time to nap, well attempted to. We were pretty much sweaty messes.
The attendant will notify you when you arrive, but just to make sure we had maps up on our phone and were checking it regularly.
When we finally arrived In Ayutthaya, the train station was rammed with shouting Tuk Tuk drivers trying to get your business (normally at an escalated rate, that we unfortunately found out the hard way) so word of warning, try to avoid them and go for a little wander and see if you can find one elsewhere.
We booked into San Sook Guesthouse which is very central for two nights. We were welcomed in such a lovely way, not only by the owner but also by long stay residents, and to be honest it was a shock to the system as we had never had that sort of welcoming before at a hotel.
It's a quaint little place with a very mum like figure as the owner. Really friendly, really cuddly and always made sure we had our sun cream on.
A lot of the residents living at San Sook were teaching at the school just around the corner and were just as accomadating and lovely. Giving us helpful advice and dos and don'ts of the area.
The hostel provided bicycles for us, which we used for our day out at Wat Matahat.
The bikes were a bit different to what we used to riding back at home, but the classic retro style was easy to pick up, plus they had a basket at the front which made it handy to pop a bottle of water in.
The roads here are a little manic for such a small place so take care and just keep left out of the way. On crossing major junctions we decided to get off and cross on foot just to avoid any danger.
We used the bicycles to cycle down to Wat Matahat which was the area we were most interested in seeing.
The bike ride was about 10 minutes, if that, and upon arrival there are designated bike racks and spaces. The lock and chain provided by San Sook came in very handy.
Wat Matahat is a beautiful site of very old ruins and structures. We were very excited to see the sandstone Buddha amongst the Bayon tree and trust us, it didn't disappoint!
Whilst taking time to see this beautiful creation of nature there is a sign to the right that reads, 'if you want to take a picture you MUST crouch down so you are the same, if not lower level than the Buddha's head'.
So take the time to have a little read and respect any information that is provided at these sites.
After a short walk around, go grab your bike as there is a beautiful park behind the site, with bridges to cross and grassy areas to take in the surroundings.
The next road down from the site may look very secluded but take a trip down as there is a lovely peaceful restaurant.
The food there is incredible and the portions are a decent size which left us nicely full for our journey back.
Heading to our next destination of Chiang Mai we had two options, the over night train or fly. We chose the over night train as it meant we saved money on the ticket (the flight was a little pricy at the time) but also on another nights accommodation.
We had heard mixed reviews about the train, and after our sweat fest on the day train we were a little reluctant. But hey, our tickets were booked so we gave it a shot and hand on heart it wasn't too bad.
We had two seats which consisted of a top and lower bunk. The lower looked more like a small double bed, where as the top was more like a shelf.
Having gotten off to a bumpy start we gathered our pre bought snacks, set up own mini cinema on Beardy's phone and just felt instantly chilled.
Shockingly we both were able to catch a few hours sleep, which for Suze was impressive as she hates sleeping on public transport.
Before we knew it 12 hours had past and we had arrived. Well worth the experience.
Hello Chiang Mai!
Top Tips
▪️If you are going 3rd class try and take a little fan with you for the train, and as much water as you can carry. These carriages get very hot!
▪️Buy your train tickets in advance for leaving Ayutthaya, they are cheaper and it's less of a rush once you get to the station.
▪️When in Ayutthaya DO NOT go to the restaurant opposite Tesco (yes there is a Tesco) this place is very much a tourist trap. It has extremely rude staff, disgusting food and might give you a case of Thai Tummy or Food Poisoning! You've been warned!
▪️For the over night train stock up on some snacks. Food is provided but at a cost and from the smell of it...well we'll leave that up to you.
▪️Try and download a few films or take a decent book, if like Suze you don't sleep well in those situations entertainment is key.
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