FULL-DAY: Ayutthaya Experience
08:00 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.
09:30 hrs
Visit Wat Yai Chaimongkon. A large working wat, with ruins that appear on some of the well known photos of temples in Thailand. It features a large reclining Buddha in saffron robes in its own ruined wiharn, and, most spectacularly, a huge chedi swathed in golden cloth set in a courtyard which is lined by Buddha images all wearing saffron robes. Very photogenic.
Transfer you to within Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The ancient capital was founded in 1350 by King U-Thong and it was from here that the Siamese ruled their Kingdom for 417 years.
10:00 hrs
Visit the local museum:
Wednesday to Sunday = Chao Sam Phraya National Museum.
Monday and Tuesday = The Ayutthaya Historical Study Centre.
10:30 hrs
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.
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.
11:30 hrs
City-sightseeing tour along the Inner City. En route you can see many magnificent temples and ruins, including Wat Mahathat, Wat Ratburana, Wat Phra Ram then feeding the food to elephant at Ayutthaya Elephant Camp.
12:00 hrs
Lunch will be provided at riverside restaurant.
Before continue afternoon tour, quick visit to Ayutthaya Elephant Camp for feeding the food to elephant. (Elephant ride is available but not included).
13:00 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.
14:00 hrs
Leave from Ayutthaya pass green paddy fields, villages, and temples then return to Bangkok.