Go by bus / return by boat.

Depart early morning heading to Ayutthaya, one hour’s drive away from Bangkok. First the group will visit Bang Pa-In Palace and then they can choose to visit any of the following ruins; Wat Yai Chai Mongkon, Wat Phanan Choeng, Wat Phra Mahathat, or Ratburana, Wat Phra Si Sanphet and Wat Napramen. Cruise back to Bangkok by Oriental Queen on regular trip or from your choice of charter boat either the ‘Horizon’, or ‘Chao Phraya Princess’.

Recommendation: A group with a limited budget can travel to and from Ayutthaya by bus. Ayutthaya is a nice place to visit in the late afternoon, as during the day this city is very hot. Evening visitors will be able to enjoy the sunset on the back of an elephant while admiring the historical sites. Then take a ride around the town at night on a trishaw and observing the beautiful ruins illuminated by lights on to the “prang”. Final dinner cruise along Pa Sak river.

• Lunch on the boat for the group goes to Ayutthaya by bus and return by boat or v.v
• Krungsri River Hotel is the best hotel that can provide meals in a private function room or in the restaurant.

Ayutthaya boast numerous magnificent ruins. Such ruins indicated that Ayutthaya was one of Indo-China’s most prosperous cities. The Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park, avast stretch of historical site in the heart of Ayutthaya city, has been included in UNESCO list of World Heritage since December 13, 1991.

Bang Pa-In (Summer Palace): Bang Pa-In is a curious collection of palace buildings in a wide variety of architectural styles and was used as a country residence by every Ayutthaya monarch after King Prasat Thong. But when the new capital was established in Bangkok, Bang Pa-In ceased to be used and was left unoccupied.

Wat Chaiwattanaram: This monastery is located on the bank of the Chao Phraya river to the west of the city. It was built by the royal command of King Prasat Thong. The existing main Prang and pagodas around the corners are still in good condition.

Wat Phra Mahathat: This wat was built during the reign of King Ramesuan. Despite extensive damage not much was left standing after the war with the Burmese nevertheless the prang (khmer-style tower) is still impressive.

Wat Phra Si Sanphet: was the largest temple in Ayutthaya in its time, and it was used as the Royal Temple/Palace for several Ayutthaya kings.

Wat Ratburana: the Ratburana ruins are the counterpart to Wat Phra Mahathat across the road; the chedis, however, contains murals of the early Ayutthaya period and they are not quite as dilapidated.

Duration: full day (approx. 7 hours)