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The ancient city of Ayutthaya, or Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, The Thai capital for 417 years, is one of Thailand’s major tourist attractions. Many ancient ruins and art works can be seen in a city that was founded in 1350 by King U-Thong when the Thais were forced southwards by northern neighbours. During the period of Ayutthaya being the Thai capital, 33 Kings of different dynasties ruled the kingdom until it was sacked by the Burmese in 1767.
Ayutthaya is 76 kilometers north of Bangkok and boasts numerous magnificent ruins. Such ruins indicate that Ayutthaya was one of Indo - China’s most prosperous cities. Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya a Historical Park, a vast stretch of historical site in the heart of Ayutthaya city, has been included in UNESCO’s list of world heritage since 13 December ,1991.
Bang Pa-In is a small town, 58km (36mi) north of Bangkok by rail, 61km (38mi) by road. The place is famous for its Royal Palace compound, typically visited on tours from Bangkok to Ayutthaya.
The palace, surrounded by a lake 400m (1312ft) long and 40m (131ft) wide, and the Wat Chumphon Nikayaram, were originally built by King Prasattong (reigned 1630-1655). Bang Pa-In was used as a country residence by every Ayutthayan monarch after King Prasattong, but when the new capital was established in Bangkok, Bang Pa-In was left unoccupied for 80 years. It was only during King Mongkut’s reign (1851-1868) that Bang Pa-In regained importance as a Royal residence. King Mongkut stayed there and had a new palace built.
His son, King Chulalongkorn (Rama V, reigned 1868-1910) liked the place, stayed there every year and constructed the Royal Palace as it is seen today
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ITINERARY |
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08:00 |
Depart Bangkok to Ayuthaya, passing through many main parts of the Angel City. Along the way, you will see an agricultural country |
09:30 |
Arrive at the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, built during the Ayuthaya era. The palace is beautifully decorated in both traditional Chinese and European style. See the beautiful Aisawanthipaya- Art Pavillion, the unique Chinese-style hall with a vast collection of Thai, Chinese, and European artifacts, as well as many other outstanding monuments. The palace itself is a pretty garden with plenty of rare flowers. |
10:30 |
Arrive at the Ayuthaya, the Ancient city, which was the former Thai capital for over 400 years. The prosperous city used to dominate trade in Asia as well as being the center of trade between Thailand and many European countries, including Britain, France and Holland. |
| Nowadays the glory and the beauty of the grand palace and Temples in the past vanished leaving merely a glimpse of ruins, despite this it is a good reflection of the past. River sun brings you a combination of both the ruins and the remaining historical attractions. | |
| - Wat Maha That. Over 600 years old, Wat Maha That was the heart and soul of the Ayuthaya people. It was almost completely destroyed by the Burmese during Thai-Burmese war. | |
| - Wat Na Phra Mane: Remains in perfect conditions, as it was used as the Burmese headquarters. The splendid Golden Buddha, dressed in regal attire, was place in the temple a long with the three thousand year old green stone carved Buddha. Both are considered as extremely valuable national relics. | |
| - Wat Lokayasutharam ha a mysterious past, hereby its origins are unknown. The temple enshrines a Largest Reclining Buddha Image which was built during the Early period of the Ayuthaya Region. The other two ancient temple, as well as the ruined site also surround the compound area. | |
12:30 |
Depart Wat Lokayasutharam for the River Sun Cruise, at the river sun Traditional Thai style pier at Wat Pho Taeng Nua. |
| Buffet Lunch: “Delicious meals served in the luxurious surroundings of the cruise boat”. | |
| - A full menu of Thai and European cuisines, desserts, seasonal fruits, coffee, and tea - Coffee Break - Throughout the journey you are able to watch the Chao Phraya River banks scenery from the river sun Cruise, ether on deck in the fresh cool tropical air or from the refreshing air-conditioned passenger room. Either view you get an amazing ling clear view of the life of the inhabitants that dwell along the river, and the unforgettable scenery of children as they great the visitors going by, making it an altogether worthwhile experience - Arrive at the city, the atmosphere and scenery shifts dramatically from the Thai-Style housed decorated with colorful flowers to the modern structures of downtown Bangkok. - Pass the Royal Grand Palace. The golden gild reflects the shimmering light from the Chao Phraya River, giving a unique impression unobtainable from land. - Pass by Wat Arun (The temple of Dawn). The glorious Wat Arun stands with serenity and charm, the light reflecting off the Chinese porcelain creates an astonishing view from the river. The temple was the former palace when the Thai capital of Ayuthaya was replaced by Thonburi. |
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16:30 |
Arrive Bangkok and disembark at the RIVER CITY SHOPPING COMPLEX, and transfer you back to your hotel. |
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| Remark: you can pay cash directly to our tour guide. The rates are nett per 1 person in Thai Baht. | ||||||||||||
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Thailand Sightseeing Services: Bangkok Sightseeing | Pattaya Sightseeing | Ayutthaya Sightseeing | Kanchanaburi Sightseeing Tours |
