FULL-DAY: Ayutthaya Biking
06:30 hrs
Depart for Ayutthaya, located 76 kms. north of Bangkok. It was one of Indo-China's most prosperous cities and is one of Thailand's major historical attractions.
The grandeur of Ayutthaya is reflected by numerous magnificent structures and ruins concentrated in and around the city island surrounded by the Chao Phraya, Pa Sak and Lop Buri Rivers. The area, well conserved as a historical park, has been included in UNESCO's list of World Heritage since 1991.
08:00 hrs
Visit the local museum:
Wednesday to Sunday = Chao Sam Phraya National Museum.
Monday and Tuesday = The Ayutthaya Historical Study Centre.
Start cycling to explore interesting places in Ayutthaya Historical Park, covers the ruins of the old city of Ayutthaya, Thailand, which was founded by King Ramathibodi I in 1350 and was the capital of the country until its destruction by the Burmese army in 1767. In 1969 the Fine Arts Department began with renovations of the ruins, which became more serious after it was declared a historical park in 1976. The park was declared a UNESCO World heritage site in 1981.
Visit Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit. Phra Mongkhon Bophit, a large bronze cast Buddha image was originally enshrined in the open area outside the Grand Palace and later covered by a building in the reign of king Songtham. During the fall of Ayutthaya, the building was badly destroyed by fire. The one currently seen was reconstructed, but does not have as beautiful craftmanship as the previous one. The open area east of the sanctuary was where the royal cremation ceremonies took place.
Visit Wat Phra Si Sanphet. This is the most important temple within the Royal Palace compound and the original from which the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok has been copied. Three outstanding Ceylonese style pagodas were built during the 15th century to enshrine the ashes of three Ayutthayan kings.
Continue to Ayutthaya Ancient Palace, was original built King U-Thong in the 14 th century, and was expanded over the years. These pavilions were completely destroyed in 1767, leaving only brick foundation, porticos and walls.
Transfer to visit Wat Mahathat is located in front of the Grand Palace to the east, next to Pa Than Bridge. The temple is believed to be one of Ayutthaya’s oldest temples, possibly built by King Boromaraja I (1370-88). Its central prang, of which only the base remains, once rose to a height of 165 feet. Traces of the original stucco decorations can still be seen on some of the surrounding chedis.
Then continue to visit Wat Ratchaburana sits right next to Wat Mahathat, in the symbolic center of the old city. Established in 1424 by King Boromaraja II, the temple was built to hold the ashes of his elder brothers, who killed each other in battle - on elephant back - fighting over the throne.
Across the river north of the palace to visit Wat Na Phra Men, the temple has been restored a number of times but still has a finely proportioned ubosot and viharn. The Ubosot design is very old in the typical Thai style. The most interesting object is the principal Buddha image, which is fully decorated in regal attire. The most interesting fact attributed to the image is that it escaped destruction when the Burmese were burning everything down. It was from the grounds of this temple that the Burmese King Chao Along Phaya decided to fire a cannon at the Grand Palace.
Ride back to the island, return your Bike to the rental shops.
12:00 hrs
Lunch will be provided at riverside restaurant.
13:00 hrs
Before continue afternoon tour, quick visit to Ayutthaya Elephant Camp for feeding the food to elephant. (Elephant ride is available but not included).
13:30 hrs
Across the Rivers to the south of the Island. Visit Wat Chaiwatthanaram, one of the most imposing ancient Buddhist monasteries, was established by the command of King Prasatthong in 1630 A.D. It is believed that the wat is located on the site of his former home. The reason for building this monastery was to make merit for his mother. Prince Damrong Rachanuphap noted that its architecture was similar to that of Angkor Wat and inferred that the wat might have been built to commemorate the king's victory over Cambodia.
14:30 hrs
Leave from Ayutthaya pass green paddy fields, villages, and temples then return to Bangkok.