| Morning | Pick up from
various hotel in Bangkok |
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Depart Bangkok by air-conditioned coach to Ayutthaya.
Our journey takes you past lush green paddy fields and areas of industrial expansion.
Upon arrival, you will come face to face with bygone glories and grandeur of our
former capital. Despite the ravages of time and human destruction, the ruins of
the palaces, temples and pagodas still offer a glimpse of their splendid past
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| | Bang
Pa-In Summer Palace
The site was first used by the royal court as a summer
retreat in the 17th century. However, the Palace was destroyed with the fall of
Kingdom of Ayutthaya and was restored by King Rama IV in the mid-19th century.
Most of the buildings that exist today date from the reign of King Rama V, who
regularly spent his summers there. The structures represent a variety of architectural
styles, set in a large park around ponds and waterways. The only royal residence
open to the public is the Chiness-style Wehat Chamroon Palace, constructed entirely
of materials imported from China. In addition, there is an Italian-style palace,
a circular pavilion with steps leading down to a pool, the graceful Thai-style
Aisawan Tippaya Asna Pavilion in the middle of a lake, and, across one of the
waterways, a Buddhist chapel in the neo-Gothic style with stained-glass windows.
Scattered around the extensive gardens are European statues as well as monuments
ordered to be built by King Rama V in memory of members of his family, one of
them a much-loved Queen who drowned in a boating accident. |
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| | Wat
Maha That - The Heart and Soul of City
From Artifacts and the style of
the Pagoda, we believe that Wat Maha That was built before the Ayutthaya Period
or around the 14th Century. One of the images which was excavated by the Fine
Art Department was a Buddha Image in the Sitting Attitude (sitting with drop down
legs). This image belonged to the Lopburi Period. The Pagodas are from the Bayon
Style or Bayon Period (compared to Khmer culture) which are built with laterite.
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| | Wat Na Phra Mane
- The most charming Buddha Image
From evidence, we believe Wat Na Phra
Mane was built in 1504. When Ayutthaya was collapsed for the second time, all
the Temples, Palaces and most of the City were destroyed, but Wat Na Phra Mane
survived. Wat Na Phra Mane contains the most complete Works of Art from the Ayutthaya
Period, especially the Image in the main shrine.
The Chapel Hall of Wat Na
Phra Mane is one of the largest in Ayutthaya, which contains a total of 9 rooms
(most Wats were only 3 or 5 rooms). The Temple is facing the Lopburi River and
the foundation of Hall is the shape of Chinese junk. Walking around the Hall you
will spot the walls of the hall which have no windows. It just has cut out spaces
to allow natural light to shine through and for the air to circulate. These are
called " Balusters " |
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| | Wat Lokayasutharam
Wat Lokayasutharam
is an abandoned temple and there is no absolute evidence that tells us which reign
it was built in. None of the historical records or any chronicles have mentioned
the period of construction. It is assumed that this temple was built in the Ayutthaya
period. Perhaps it was abandoned after the fall of Ayutthaya to the invading Burmese
in 2310 B.E. This temple houses a large Reclining Buddha Image 37 metres in length,
built of bricks and plaster. Nearby there are some ruined posts of the Wihara.
At the back , the ruins of Wihara, Ubosot and Prang still remain. |
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| | Cruise
back to Bangkok via the mighty Chao Phraya River onboard the air-conditionaed
River Sun boat; taking in scenes of everyday Bangkok life as well as significant
Thai landmarks.
A delicious Thai buffet lunch will be served for you to enjoy
at your leisure, followed by tea and coffee.
All along the enchanting Chao
Phraya River, you will experience the sights of some of Bangkok’s people, their
homes, their work and their general daily lives.
Throughout your tour with
River Sun, you will encounter endless fascinating aspects of Thai life past and
present. It is our hope that your experiences remain with you long after you leave
Thailand. |
Easy 
Moderate 
