Taking the train from Bangkok's century-old station to Ayutthaya~

Experience: I've always liked old train stations; it feels like over decades or even a hundred years, countless farewells and reunions have taken place here, which I find very interesting. So during my time in Bangkok, I planned to visit Hua Lamphong Railway Station to experience a slow train day trip, choosing Ayutthaya as the destination for a same-day round trip. But frankly, there’s no need to have too high expectations. The scene of sticking your head out to see vast fields is rare now, as there are high-speed rail bridge piers under construction along the way. Still, if it’s just about the experience, it’s worth it. Ayutthaya is also a fairly mature tourist destination. Of course, it’s a bit lacking compared to Angkor Wat, but it’s good for a leisurely stroll and relaxation. Rating: 8/10 Reasons to recommend/not recommend: First, Hua Lamphong Railway Station itself is quite a sight. It’s very similar to the old Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, with a huge common structure and open space underneath. The living old building itself has a great vibe and is very photogenic. It’s said that this station will soon be converted into a museum, so take the chance to ride the train while you still can, especially this kind of slow train with all windows open. This train station was also featured in the movie "Lost in Thailand," where Xu Zheng and Wang Baoqiang took the train, so you can recreate scenes. Many people call Ayutthaya the "Little Angkor." If you haven’t been to Angkor Wat, it’s worth visiting to see the historical remains, as it was the predecessor of Bangkok. Tips/Strategy: There aren’t many trains from Hua Lamphong to Ayutthaya now because most have moved to the new station. I personally recommend the 9:30 AM train, which costs 15 baht and arrives around 11:30 AM. Spending four to five hours there and returning to Bangkok works perfectly. You can buy tickets directly at the window by telling the clerk you want a ticket to "Ayutthaya." Then board according to the ticket information; seats are free seating, so just sit wherever there’s an empty spot. Ayutthaya Railway Station itself is also an old station with a nice atmosphere. Ayutthaya was the predecessor of Bangkok and was the center before the capital moved. Now it’s an area full of ancient ruins. Honestly, it’s quite a bit less impressive than Angkor Wat, but as I said, it’s good for a casual stroll, having coffee when tired, eating boat noodles, and passing the day. After exiting Ayutthaya Station, cross the river by walking straight down the street opposite the station. On the other side, there are many places to rent bicycles, motorcycles, or tuk-tuks. I personally recommend renting a bicycle or motorcycle for more freedom. There are many trains back to Bangkok from Ayutthaya, but most return to the new station. The return train schedule is shown in the last picture.