Free shuttle brings Bangkok visitors to Ayutthaya cultural showcase

Just an hour and a half from Bangkok, Ayutthaya is being reimagined as a living cultural stage where visitors can step directly into Thailand’s artistic heritage.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched a new cultural events programme linking the capital with Koh Kerd in Ayutthaya, transforming the journey into an immersive experience of Thai craftsmanship, Khon performance and fine art exhibitions.

At the heart of the initiative is “KOH KERD: The Living Legacy of Thai Craftsmanship”, a programme that connects Bangkok’s historic Grand Palace area with the Koh Kerd Arts and Crafts Centre, creating a cultural corridor between the two destinations.

The project is being held in tribute to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother on the occasion of her birthday anniversary on August 12, 2026. It also reflects a broader effort to make Thai cultural events more accessible, bringing traditional performances, craft demonstrations and heritage learning activities closer to the public.

Her Majesty’s long-standing royal initiatives to preserve and promote Thai arts and crafts continue to underpin the programme, helping sustain traditional skills while supporting community livelihoods and passing artistic knowledge to new generations.

A museum that changes with every visit

One of the key highlights along the route is the Arts of the Kingdom Museum in Koh Kerd subdistrict, Bang Pa-in district. Rather than presenting a static display, the museum features rotating exhibitions of fine art and craftsmanship, offering visitors an evolving showcase of Thai artisanship.

Nearby, the Khon Learning Centre brings Thailand’s classical masked dance drama into focus as a living art form. Through demonstrations and interactive exhibits, visitors can explore the many layers of Khon — from choreography and music to costume design, mask-making and stage craftsmanship.

A tram service links the cultural spaces within the complex, guiding visitors between exhibitions, workshops and retail areas featuring locally made crafts and souvenirs.

Designed as more than a sightseeing stop, the Koh Kerd programme positions itself as a hands-on cultural event series. Families, students and international travellers are encouraged to engage directly with performances, workshops and exhibitions rather than simply observe them.

A journey made easier from Bangkok

To support access to the programme, TAT is operating a free shuttle service between Bangkok and the Koh Kerd Arts and Crafts Centre every Wednesday to Sunday until December 26.

The outbound bus departs at 11am from Na Phra Lan Road, opposite Wiman Thewet Gate on the Silpakorn University side, arriving in Ayutthaya at around 12.30pm. The return service leaves Koh Kerd at 3.30pm, reaching Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal between 4.30pm and 5pm.

Each trip is limited to 50 passengers, with advance registration required.

Culture as a shared experience

Throughout the programme, TAT is promoting the events across online and offline platforms, encouraging visitors to take part in exhibitions, performances and workshops at both the Arts of the Kingdom Museum and the Khon Learning Centre.

By combining live cultural events with accessible transport, the initiative aims to strengthen cultural tourism between Bangkok and Ayutthaya while deepening public engagement with Thai heritage.

At Koh Kerd, tradition is not only preserved — it is performed, demonstrated and shared. The result is a cultural journey that invites visitors to experience Thailand’s artistic legacy as something alive, evolving and within reach.

More information and registration are available at artofthekingdomfreebus.com.