PASAK RIVER TOUR

A Pasak River tour in Ayutthaya is one of the most relaxing ways to experience the old capital from the water.

The river flows along the eastern side of Ayutthaya’s historic island area and connects with the Chao Phraya river and back into the Pasak river in a roughly square shape that surrounds the old city.

A typical river tour will pass traditional wooden houses, riverside temples with monks walking near the riverbank, small piers, moored boats, floating vegetation, and everyday scenes of local life along the water. On the other modern side, you will see contemporary buildings, riverside restaurants, and guesthouses.

The tour will often finish in the evening after visiting a temple ruin at sunset where you can take some amazing photos. It is a slower and more peaceful experience than travelling by tuk-tuk on a day tour, and it offers excellent photo opportunities, especially in the late afternoon when the light is softer.

There are piers all along the river where you hop off, visit the attraction, and then hop back on the boat again for the next one.

I suggest you wear a neck strap for mobile cell phones and cameras when taking photos from within these smaller boats. If they are dropped into the river when leaning out, you will never see it again.

The boat operator will give you a set time to return, so take some way of counting time, your mobile cell phone and set a 5 minute return alarm would be best so you don't delay the tour, or get left behind.

Your hotel or guesthouse can usually organise a tour and drop you off at the starting pier. These are local tours on the smaller long tail boats that can take about 8 to 10 people. A private longtail boat tour could also be arranged but at a premium price. You will need to bring your own water, snacks, sun protection, and possibly something warm to wear in the evening. You can expect to visit the major active and historical temple ruins along the river and then often dropped off in the evening to the food markets located on the north east corner of the Pasak River on Uthong Road.

Check the itinery with the hotel or tour operator. Making your way back to your accommodation is usually done by hailing a tuk-tuk.

Other larger Ayutthaya boat day tours originate from Bangkok and usually include lunch, transport to the historical center, and visiting the riverside temples.

See the interactive map below or view the Ayutthaya tourist map which has the Pasak river and old city.