Hop on KIHA: A Playful Ride to Ayutthaya

KIHA train at Don Mueang Station—the starting point of a simple yet charming journey.

Sometimes, the journey is the destination, and KIHA proves exactly that.

If you’re looking for a short, easy escape from Bangkok, this charming little train is your perfect excuse to slow down, sit back, and just enjoy the ride.

The KIHA Experience

Inside KIHA: spacious, cool, and comfortably quiet—this is slow travel done right.

KIHA is not your typical commuter train. It’s a special sightseeing train designed for relaxed, short-distance travel—from Don Mueang Station to Ayutthaya, with a gentle one-hour journey passing through local stations like Rangsit, Chiang Rak, Thammasat University, Bang Pa-In, and more.

Along the way, wide rice fields stretch across the horizon, reminding us of Thailand’s agricultural roots—blending slowly with emerging industrial landscapes.

Inside, it feels… surprisingly good.
Wide seats. Cool air-conditioning. Soft leather cushions. And most importantly—space. No crowds, no rush. Just you, the window, and the rhythm of the tracks.

A Slow Morning Escape

KIHA resting briefly at Ayutthaya Station before heading back to Bangkok—just a short pause in a seamless journey.

We chose the 9:30 AM departure, a perfect time for a lazy morning.

Exactly one hour later, at 10:30 AM, we arrived in Ayutthaya.
Some passengers stepped off, ready to explore. Others stayed on board, simply enjoying the KIHA experience as a round-trip journey. (Yes, it’s that kind of ride.)

First Stop: Crossing the River

The Pa Sak River and a small local ferry—an everyday crossing that feels like part of the adventure.

Right outside the station, the adventure begins.

A short walk takes you to the pier, where a tiny local boat ferries you across the Pa Sak River for just 10 THB.

Three bridges across the Pa Sak River—Ekathotsarot, Pridi–Thamrong, and Somdet Phra Naresuan—standing quietly in a perfect line.

Less than 10 minutes later, you arrive at the charming Chao Phrom Market side—and suddenly, everything feels slower, more local, more real.

Wandering Through Old Ayutthaya

Two-storey wooden houses along U-Thong Road, in the charming Chao Phrom Market area—simple, nostalgic, and full of stories.

From the pier, walk left and just… wander.

Wooden shophouses line both sides of the street, quietly telling stories of the past.

Handwoven crafts—hanging fish mobiles, baskets, and local handicrafts displayed along U-Thong Road.

Keep walking until you reach the river bridges—three standing side by side, with traces of the ancient city walls beneath.

No rush. No plan needed. This is Ayutthaya at its best.

A Quiet Moment at Wat Suwandararam

The main Buddha image inside the ubosot of Wat Suwandararam—peaceful and deeply revered.

A short walk brings you to Wat Suwandararam Ratchaworawihan, a temple that feels both grand and peaceful.

Colorful mural paintings inside the ubosot—vivid, detailed, and beautifully preserved.

Step inside the ubosot to pay respect to the Buddha and admire the vivid mural paintings—rich colors covering every wall, telling stories in silence.

The ubosot of Wat Suwandararam, uniquely shaped like the hull of a traditional ship.

Look closer, and you’ll notice something unique:
the ubosot curves like the hull of a ship—an old architectural style rarely seen today.

The viharn and the main bell-shaped chedi, surrounded by smaller decorative stupas—elegant and timeless

The View from Pom Phet

Pom Phet Fortress—once a strategic stronghold of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, now a quiet place overlooking the river.

Continue along U-Thong Road, and you’ll reach Pom Phet, one of the most important fortresses of the Ayutthaya Kingdom.

A cargo boat passing Wat Phanan Choeng—life on the river continues, just as it has for centuries.

A sand barge slowly moving past Pom Phet—simple scenes that define the rhythm of the river.

This is where two rivers meet, Chao Phraya and Pa Sak, and the view is… timeless.

Boats drift by. The water flows slowly.
Across the river, temples stand quietly watching over history.

Honestly, it might just be one of the most beautiful river views in Thailand.

Optional: Take It to the Water

If you’re visiting on a weekend, you can rent a boat nearby and explore the river, or even cross over to Wat Phanan Choeng.

It’s a different kind of Ayutthaya.
Slower. Softer. More connected to the past.

Easy, Flexible, Effortless

Not in the mood to walk?
No problem, rent a bicycle at Chao Phrom Market and explore at your own pace. The roads are easy, the traffic is light, and the vibe is just right.

Why KIHA?

Because it’s simple.
Because it’s comfortable.
Because it turns a one-hour trip into a small experience you’ll actually remember.

The only catch?
KIHA doesn’t run on weekends.

A Little Hidden Stop Before You Go

Luang Por Suriyamuni (Luang Por Kho Hak), an ancient Buddha image from the Dvaravati period—once found damaged, now carefully restored and deeply respected by the local community.

Before heading back, if you have time, cross to the other side of the railway near Ayutthaya Station.

You’ll find a small shrine housing “Luang Por Kho Hak”, a sacred Buddha statue quietly respected by the local community.

A small stop—but somehow, it stays with you.

Travel Notes

KIHA runs 3 round trips daily
Departures from Don Mueang: 06:10 / 09:30 / 16:40
Travel time: ประมาณ 1 hour
Stop at Ayutthaya: ~10 minutes before returning
Not available on weekends

Travel, the Pacific Leisure Way

Ayutthaya Railway Station in the evening—calm, warm, and gently winding down the day.

“The Station” café at Ayutthaya Station—great coffee, good food, and a perfect spot to wait for your train.

Classic tuk-tuks waiting near the station—ready to take you around the city at your own pace.

We believe travel doesn’t always need to be far.
Sometimes, it just needs to feel right.

Let KIHA take you there, to a slower rhythm, a softer day, and a side of Ayutthaya you didn’t expect.

Ready to ride?

Editor in Chief : Nampetch Siramanon
Editor: Pacific Leisure (Thailand)
Content Creator : Mr. Saroj Na Ayutthaya