DAY 1 : THE KINGDOM OF AYUTTHAYA

Begin your journey with a scenic drive to Ayutthaya, setting the stage for a full day of historical exploration in Ayutthaya, Thailand’s ancient capital.

Wat Yai Chaimongkon
Begin your journey into the past at Wat Yai Chaimongkon, renowned for its towering stupas and serene Buddha statues. This site offers a glimpse into the Buddhist influence on the ancient kingdom.

Continue to visit Wat Phanancherng, contains the oldest large cast bronze Buddha image in Ayutthaya.

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.

Visit either the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum (open Wednesday to Sunday) or the Ayutthaya Historical Study Centre (open Monday and Tuesday).

Continue to Ayutthaya Ancient Palace, which was originally built by King U-Thong in the 14th century and was expanded over the years. These pavilions were completely destroyed in 1767, leaving only the brick foundations, porticos, and walls.

Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit
Visit Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit, a sanctuary containing a large bronze cast Buddha image that was originally enshrined in the open area outside the Grand Palace and later covered by a building during the reign of King Songtham. The building was badly damaged by fire during the fall of Ayutthaya, and the one currently seen was reconstructed but does not have the same level of craftsmanship as the previous one.

Wat Phra Si Sanphet
Visit Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the most important temple within the Royal Palace compound and the original from which the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok was copied. Three outstanding Ceylonese style pagodas were built in the 15th century to enshrine the ashes of three Ayutthayan kings.

Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in Ayutthaya, sampling traditional Thai dishes and savoring the flavors of the ancient capital.

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.

Overnight : Ayutthaya
Meal : Lunch / Dinner

​

​

DAY 2 : BANG PA-IN SUMMER PALACE / CRUISE BACK TO BANGKOK

Breakfast at Hotel. Check-out.
Wat Mahathat
Next, visit Wat Mahathat, famous for the Buddha head entwined in tree roots. This iconic image symbolizes Ayutthaya’s spiritual heritage and resilience, making it a must-visit for an authentic feel of the ancient city’s ambiance.

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.

Depart from Ayutthaya to Bang Pa In, one of the 16 districts of Ayutthaya. Along the way, you may wish to buy a bag of fish or a cage of small birds for you to release back to nature. This is a wonderful gesture and makes merit.

Visit Wat Niwet Thammaprawat is a unique and fascinating Buddhist temple located in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thailand. It was built during the reign of King Chulalongkorn in the late 19th century, and it features a unique blend of Western and Thai architectural styles. The temple is situated on an island in the Chao Phraya River and is accessible by boat. One of the most striking features of the temple is its Gothic-style chapel, which is adorned with stained glass windows and intricate carvings. The temple also houses a large Buddha statue, and visitors can explore the surrounding gardens and enjoy stunning views of the river.

Bang Pa-In Summer Palace
Explore the stunning Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, a blend of Thai, Chinese, and European architectural marvels set amidst beautiful gardens and waterways. This royal summer retreat showcases a variety of styles, from an Italian-style palace to a Thai pavilion floating on a lake, and even a Buddhist chapel with stained-glass windows. Wander through the grounds to discover statues and memorials that tell tales of love and loss, all while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of this historical gem.

Get underway for Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Center. A short cruise downriver from Bang Pa In is the Bang Sai village, which enjoys the patronage of Her Majesty the Queen. Here you can see a variety of Thai houses in regional styles and see how Thailand's rural people make handicrafts such as fern basketry, silk flowers, hand-woven silk and cotton, silk dyeing, wood carving, miniature hand-modeled dolls and traditional furniture. A great place to shop for Thai handicrafts.

Afternoon Cruise Back to Bangkok by Grand Pearl Cruise
13:00 hrs: Welcome aboard the luxurious Grand Pearl Cruise at Wat Chong-Lom pier. Begin your journey with an exquisite buffet lunch featuring a rich assortment of oriental and western dishes. As the cruise takes off, immerse yourself in the panoramic views of the Chao Phraya River, affectionately known as the River of Kings. Watch the scenic transition from the rural landscapes of Pathumthani to the urban settings of Nonthaburi, all while luxuriating in the comforts of our grand cruise.

15:00 hrs: Refresh with a leisurely coffee break as the iconic silhouettes of the Royal Grand Palace and the Temple of Dawn come into view. These majestic landmarks stand as sentinels over a river bustling with life. Observe the harmonious blend of the traditional and the contemporary along the banks—wooden houses nestled beside vibrant markets, offering a living mosaic of Thai culture and daily life. Each sight and sound adds a layer to your understanding of this dynamic country.
16:00 hrs: As we dock back at the River City Shopping Complex, reflect on a day rich with cultural discoveries and scenic pleasures. We hope that the memories of Ayutthaya’s ancient ruins and the tranquil flow of the Chao Phraya River linger with you, as enduring souvenirs of your Thai adventure.

​​