Bang Pa-In

Getting Here & Around

Boat Tours to Bang Pa-In

The Chao Phraya Express Boat Company (Maharat Pier, 2/58 Aroon-Amarin Rd., Bangkok. 02/222-5330) runs a Sunday excursion from Bangkok to Bang Pa-In Summer Palace. It departs at 8 am and arrives in time for lunch. On the return trip, the boat stops at the Bang Sai Folk Arts and Craft Centre before arriving in Bangkok at 5:30 pm. The trip costs B350.

Another option is the Manohra Song (Marriott Royal Garden Riverside Hotel, 257/1-3 Charoen Nakorn Rd., Bangkok. 02/476-0021 or 02/276-0022. www.manohracruises.com) cruise; for a day and a half or longer, you can relax in suites decorated with rich woods like mahogany and teak and yards of flowing silks, and you are pampered by a private chef.

By Bus

Buses regularly leave from Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit) to Bang Pa-In Bus Station, which is located just 500 meters from the Palace. Fares are B46 for an air-conditioned bus. Buses leave from the bus station on Naresuan Road in Ayutthaya.

By Car

Once you get out of Bangkok's labyrinthine roads, it is also easy to get to Bang Pa-In by car. Get on Highway 1 (Phahonyothin Road) to Highway 32 toward Ayutthaya. It's a 30-minute drive here from Ayutthaya along Highway 32.

By Songthaew

Songthaews travel between the bus stations in Bang Pa-In and Ayutthaya regularly.

By Taxi

One-way taxi fares from Bangkok to Bang Pa-In should be B800, but be sure that the driver agrees to this fare before departing, or you may be charged more upon arrival.

By Train

Trains from Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Station regularly make the hour-long trip to Bang Pa-In Station, where you can catch a minibus to the palace. Fares range from B12 to B54. It is necessary to take a tuk-tuk from the station in Bang Pa-In to the palace.