Wat Phra Si Sanphet
Although the original temple was destroyed by Burmese in 1767, the structure and its legacy still remains. The temple, during its period of complete existence was the temple of the royal family. No moks lived at the place.
Highlights: The impressive structure of the place has additional facilities that are on the raised platform. These platforms are called the three Chedis and has been restored. The design is in Ceylonese style, which is a reminiscent of a bell. Overall, the terrace is surrounded by a cloister. It has symmetrically designed four halls which were once used for meeting purposes.
Location: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District
Wat Lokkayasutharam
Highlights: The main highlight her is the reclining Buddha statue, which is effortlessly detailed and so stunningly depicted that it will leave an imprint on your heart. But it’s not just the Buddha, even the overall culture that will leave an impression on you.
Here, you will find other tiny statuettes that people will push you to buy for Good luck. You will also find village women selling flowers and incense at the place. The Buddha itself is quite impressive and you can explore other ruins that mark the beauty of this place.
Location: Ayutthaya Historical Park
Wiharn Phra Mongkhon Bophit
Highlights: The highlight of this temple is the Buddha statue, which is one of the largest in the country. It is believed that the beautiful statue was built during the Ayutthaya Era of King Srongtam. But, a thunderbolt had caused some damage to the main dome of this temple, which has been restored over the years.
Now, the interesting part of this temple is that the roof of the dome is a part of the cathedral, which makes it similar to a Church. Over the years, it was restored again to the Ayutthaya architectural style.
Location: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District.
Wat Chaiwatthanaram, Ayutthaya
The rectangular platform used construction has hidden entrances with steep stairs that lead to the top. There’s an ordination hall in the two with chedis. Large sitting Buddha statues dominate the overall construction. The royal temple was used for performing religious ceremonies.
The place is a part of Ayutthaya Historical Park. Although it is not a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is certainly known for its extensive detailing. Constructed by King Prasat Thong, this is the temple that depicts a long reign and a glorious era. Designed in Khmer style of the 17thcentury, the place has a high prang or tower, with four smaller towers.
Location: Ban Pom, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand.
Timing: 8.00 AM to 6.30 PM.
Price: INR 115; Baht 50.
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Chao Phrom Market
Highlights: Apart from Muslim snacks, the place is quite popular for its Chinese dishes. The place is an authentic market that offers fresh produce. If you are planning on staying in Thailand for a while and wish to explore it further, then shop for day to day necessities at this place.
The local Thai market has fresh items, from non-vegetarian delicacies to delectable desserts that any epicurean will love to try. It also explores the dynamic relationship that Thailand has with rest of the South Asia.
Location: Th Naresuan.
Price: 200-1000 Baht
Boat Tour
Highlights: The main highlight of this ride is that it truly brings you closer to the Thai culture. It goes beyond temple as you get to experience modern and traditional riverside life. You would even see things like a boat advertising banking service or a floating clinic that will melt your heart.
Location: From Ayutthaya and Sukhothai.
Best Time: December to February
An Elephant Stay
Highlights: The program supports mahout culture and is designed to ensure that anybody can experience the beauty of elephants. The elephant stay program has been designed to create a sustainable future for elephants. The program is non-profit in nature and promotes elephant lives’ through tourism. It is here that people can get to learn mahout life and enjoy developing a bond with elephants. The place is recommended for young children and receive high standards of care. Accommodation is available for a single or multiple day stay at the place.
Location: Royal Elephant Kraal and Village, 74/1 Moo 3, Tumbol Suanpi.
Timing: Open all day.
Price: 12000-151000 Baht for 2 nights to 27 nights stay.
Bang Pa-In Palace
Highlights : The original complex was built in 1632 by King Prasat Thong. The palace’s use was discontinued over the years and therefore, it became overgrown in the 18thand 19thcentry. That’s when King Chulalongkorn decided to restore it. Now opened to visitors, the palace is sometimes used by King Bhumibol Adulyadej and his family for special occasions.
This stunning palace features vast greenery, beautiful gardens and exquisite landscaping. The Royal Palace and Throne room have been inspired by Chinese styles, whereas the brightly painted lookout tower is another attraction at the palace.
Location: An Len, Bang Pa-in District, Phra
Wat Suwan Dararam
Highlights: The temple has gone under complete restoration and today, its main highlight is the Buddha image, which is a large stone copy of the Emerald Buddha that is found in Bangkok. The place has stunning roof columns, which have been extensively carved. It also features bot dips in the center, which was once a building tradition of that time. The temple is in service every day and is a serene place of worship.
Location: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District
Wat Na Phra Men
The temple is just opposite Grand Palace on the island. Originally constructed during the reign of King Ramathibodi II, the place is known for its stunning architecture.
Highlights: The still functional place has ordination halls for conducting different ceremonies. It is extensively designed to reflect Hindu and Buddhist architectural styles. It is here that one can find crowned Buddha, the structure of which is 6 meters high.
It is covered in cast of metal and gold life as well. The royal dress is completed with a crown. It is one of the most popular Buddha images that were used in the Late Ayutthaya Period.
Location:Thailand
Wat Yai Chai Mongkol
Highlights: The temple is popular for its later constructions as well, including Chedi or Pagoda that was built by the King Naresuan, the great. The large Chedi in the monastery was built for the purpose of unique architecture and later on, it was come to be known as Wat Yai Chiamongkhon.
The Buddha image restored here is considered to belong to the 2508 BE, according to the publication of Wat. Here, there’s a Buddhist temple and the top has been designed extensively. The satellite stupas have structural formation and the place also has a hall meant for important religious ceremonies.
Location: 3477 Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District
Chao Sam Phraya National Museum
Highlights : One of the most beautiful things about the place is its comprehensive collection of materials found in the ruins of major temples in the region. It is the second largest museum in Thailand which was opened in 1970. The place is known for Thai Pavilion relics of Lord Buddha. Other major objects here are as old as 500 years old. Here, one can find antique bronze images of the Buddha, with impressive carved panels, local artifacts and several other religious objects.
Location: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District
Timing: 9 am to 4 pm.
Price: 150 Baht/free
Wat Ratchaburana
The temple is supposed to be built on the cremation site of the king’s two elder brothers. The temple has main prang, which is one of the finest in the city. Highlights:The temple is known for its prang, which is basically a spire, tall like a tower. It is richly carved and derives architectural elements from Hindu and Buddhist architecture.
The prang has now gone intense restoration. But still, one can see the original stucco work and the mythical creatures on the prang. It also has four Srik Lankan Stupas with a crypt that’s accessible by steep stairs.
Location:Ayutthaya
Chedi Phra Sri Suriyothai
Highlights: The name of the statue and the consequent temple indicates ‘surya’ or the ‘rising sun.’ Suriyothai was married to Prince Tien and she had bravely put herself between the king and the viceroy of Prome for her husband. The legacy of this place is a highlight in itself, which is a reflection of how women had been brave throughout their lives. A memorial chedi or stupa is dedicated to her at this place. The chedi is detailed with bright golden color, reflecting the sun.
Location: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District
Ayutthaya Historical Park
The 715-acre area has been listed the UNESCO World Heritage site since 1991 as it portrays the heydays of one of the largest kingdoms in Indochina history.
Highlights: Visit Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Mongkhon Bophit, Wat Na Phra Meru, Wat Thammikarat, Wat Ratburana and Wat Phra Mahathat temples, all of which can be easily visited on foot.
Getting There: Ayutthaya Historical Park is located 85 km from Bangkok.
- 8H
- Bangkok
- 8H
- If you are in Thailand make it a wish on your bucket list to visit The Grand Pearl Ayutthaya Cruise and get acquainted with the historical culture of the old capital in Thailand.
- Commence your tour at about 07:30 AM after getting picked from your hotel in Bangkok and around 09:00 AM, reach Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, originally built by an Ayutthaya King.
- At about 11:00 AM, you will reach in the ancient capital of Ayutthaya and visit the city's largest temple built in 14th Century, Viharn Phra Monkol Bopit and Wat Mahathat.
- After excursion in Old capital Ayutthaya, embark on the luxurious Grand Pearl cruise ship by 01:00 PM for the return journey to Bangkok.
- Enjoy the superb lunch buffet and the fascinating scenery along the Chao Phraya River banks.
- Around 03:00 PM, the cruise passes through the Chao Phraya riverbanks, the Royal Barges Museum, Thammasart University, the Royal Grand Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Reclining Buddha Temple, the Temple Of Dawn and world-class 5 stars hotel as you are reaching the River City Pier.
- Wrap your tour up by 04:00 PM with scintillating memories.
Know Before You Go:
Pick up/Drop off: Hotel/Place of accommodation in Bangkok
Type of transfer: Shared
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Tour Timings: 09:00 AM to 04:00 PM
- 8H
- Bangkok
- 8H
Thailand's largest river and a lifeline for the city of Bangkok, most of the major attractions of this city are located on the banks of this river. This activity takes you on a cruise on the River of Kings to visit the capital of a powerful historical kingdom, Ayutthaya. The cruise passes through some of the most prominent places in Bangkok. After enjoying the lunch on the Grand Pearl Cruise, a guide will take you to a tour of the temple, Wat Phrasrisanphet, and the royal monastery, Wat Mahatad.
About the Activity:
-With this, you can traverse Ayutthaya and experince the historical wonders of Thailand's ancient capital.
- You can witness the ruins and elegant temples, surrounded by the Chao Phraya, Pa Sak, and Lop Buri Rivers, and filled with the aura of nature and glory, that truly reflects ancient Thailand.
-Later you can stop by the 17th-century summer palace, which is a fusion of Italian, Thai and Chinese architecture.
-Afterward, visit Wat Lokayasutharam, a huge reclining Buddha covered in saffron robes and Wat Mahathat famed for Buddha head mingled in roots.
-Proceed for lunch at Ayutthaya Floating Market.
-Then head to Wat Phra Si Sanphet, where the ashes of three Ayutthaya kings are enshrined within its pagodas.
-As the evening falls, take a leisurely boat ride and soak up the views of the magnificent temple ruins, wrapping up your journey into olden Thailand.
Additional Information:
Address: Century Mall, 15 Phayathai Rd, Khwaeng Thanon Phaya Thai, Phaya Thai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400.
Meet up time: 8:30 am
- 11H
- Bangkok
- 11H
Disembarking with our bikes in Bang Pa-in, we explore the back-streets of Bang Pa-in riding past one of the royal palaces. Crossing the Chao Phraya River by ferry, cycle through the back lanes and riverside settlements up to historic Ayutthaya. Approaching from the south, the tour will swing around the bottom of the island passing by several of the very early historical sites such as Wat Phutthai Sawan and St. Joesph’s Church. After visiting the breathtaking Wat Chai Watanaram, we'll stop for a riverside lunch. After lunch it's time to cross the river and explore the city's ancient monuments from a bicycle, riding past Wat Loke, Wat Phrasrisanphet, and Wat Mahathat before taking the van back to Bangkok from Ayutthay
Know Before You Go:
Pick up/Drop off: Hotel/Place of accommodation in Bangkok
Type of transfer: Shared
Tour Duration: 11 hours
Starting Time: 08:00 AM