| 07:00 hrs | Pick up from various hotel in Bangkok |
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| 08:00 hrs | Depart Bangkok by air-conditioned coach to Ayutthaya from the River City Shopping Complex. 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:
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.
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.
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.
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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| 12:30 hrs | Depart Wat Lokayasutharam for the River Sun Cruise at Wat Chong Lom Pier in Nontaburi Province. |
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| 13:30 hrs | 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. |
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| 15:30 hrs | Arrive Bangkok, transfer back to your hotel. |
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