Destination Guide
PHRANAKHON SI AYUTTHAYA
Boat trips to enjoy the beautiful scenery and Thai lifestyle along the Chao Phraya River, the Pa Sak River and around the town island of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya are available. A long-tailed boat can be chartered at the pier in front of Chanthara Kasem National Museum, Pom Phet Pier, and Wat Phananchoeng Pier. The fare depends on the route and duration. There are also boat tours provided by:
1. Ruean Raprong Restaurant Providing a river tour around Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. Starting from the restaurant, there are 3 routes available: 1. Around the town of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya; 2. To Bang Pa-In Palace, and 3. To Bang Sai Arts and Crafts Centre. The boats are in service during 9.00 a.m. – 10.00 p.m. daily. Service charge inclusive of food and beverage for a tour around the town of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya is 320 Baht/person for a group of 10 – 30 persons and 300 Baht/person for a group of more than 30 persons. A boat of 8 seats may also be chartered at 1,200 Baht exclusive of food and beverage. For more details, please call Tel. 0 3521 1036, 08 1994 1565.
2. Nawa Nakhon Providing old style boats decorated to be harmonious with the ambience of the ancient capital for a one-hour tour around the town of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya via several places of interest such as Phra Tamnak Siriyalai, Wat Chai Watthanaram, and many other temples. The boats have two sizes: the small ones for 8 persons and the large ones for 10 persons. They are available at 800 Baht, during 8.00 a.m. – 8.00 p.m. Contact Khun Chinnathon at Tel. 08 1928 2887 or Khun Wilai at Tel. 08 1658 9148.
3. Ayutthaya Boat & Travel Providing boat and bicycle tours around the province. There are 4 routes available: 1. Ayutthaya day tour by cycling, traditional Thai massage, cruising tour, and dinner; 2. Ayutthaya and Bang Pa-in tour by cycling, palace tour, long-tailed boat cruise; 3. cycling tour to visit Ayutthaya's highlights and Ban Lat Chado the country small peaceful village, cruising trip, overnight stay at homestay; 4. dinner cruise to discover some magnificent spots of the ancient city on the river banks, observing the timeless day-to-day activities of the people living along the river banks. For more details, please call Tel. 0 2746 1414, 08 1456 9862, 08 9456 3700, 08 1733 5687.
4. Pradit Boat Travel Providing a motor boat tour around the island town of Ayutthaya, starting from Wat Phananchoeng Pier. Tel. 08 6123 1669. There is also dinner on the boat provided by several other restaurants.
Starting from TAT Tourist Information Centre at the old city hall, the suggested 11.82 km cycling route is flat and paved, passing over a concrete bridge. It is ideal for families and amateurs, and can be enjoyed year-round. Bicycles are for rent at several locations (see below).
Suggested Cycle Tour Itinerary:
1. Start at TAT Tourist Information Centre where bathrooms are available.
2. In the morning, visit ‘Khum Khun Phaen’, a splendid Thai traditional house which is more than 100 years old. Visitors will be fascinated by the uplifting charm of this wooden house as it showcases ancient Thai wisdom and craftsmanship in adapting their accommodations and way of life to suit their natural environment.
3. Pay homage to ‘Phra Mongkhon Bophit’, a gigantic bronze Buddha image sitting in a posture which indicates that the Lord is subduing demons (mara). The statue is 12.45 m tall and the lap size is 9.55 m (Buddha images are measured in terms of the size of the lap). ‘Phra Mongkhon Bophit’ is one of the largest Bhuddha images in Thailand.
4. Visit Wat Phra Si Sanphet. This is the most important and outstanding royal temple of Ayutthaya Kingdom, and is located in the Grand Palace compound. As at Wat Phra Kaeo of Bangkok, royal ceremonies were held at the Temple.
5. Travel back in time in the ruins of the once heaven-like Ancient Royal Palace of the thriving Ayutthaya Kingdom. The Palace was once the greatest and magnificent Grand Palace of Ayutthaya, one of the wealthiest and thriving cities in all of 18th century Asia. The Palace was served as the Kingdom’s royal residence for 417 years. It was razed by the Burmese in 1767 and has been left as a historical ruin. Start from the Outer Palace in which formerly Sanam Luang and Chakkrawat Phaichayon Hall were situated.
6. Continue to the Middle Palace in which Wihan Somdet and Sanphet Prasat Halls are situated. Wihan Somdet Hall was used for coronation and royal tonsure ceremonies, while Sanphet Prasat Hall was for welcoming foreign envoys and visitors. In addition, Suriyat Amarin Hall, a four-gable roof with the faces of the Hindu god Brahman, was sacred chapel which once enshrined the royal corpse of King Narai the Great. In addition, Trimuk Hall, once an intricate wooden pavilion, is located nearby.
7. Continue to the Inner Palace where Banyong Rattanat Hall is located. Formerly known by the name of ‘Phra Thinang Thaisa’, the Hall was built on an island in a pond. Also situated in the same section is Song Puen Hall, used as a Meeting Hall for Councils of State. Next to Song Puen Hall is Chakkrawat Phaichayon Hall which was used to view processions, military practices and performances.
8. The next historical spot is Bueng Phraram, a big lagoon, which marks the site where King U Thong, the first king of Ayutthaya, established his royal Kingdom and built a palace called ‘Wang Wiang Lek’. Visitors will enjoy cycling in the park, passing ‘Phra Thinang Yen’, a royal pavilion which was used to view water plays and performances.
9. Visit Wat Mahathat, which was built according to the traditional belief that a temple housing the holy relics of Lord Buddha should be located in the royal capital city. The Temple was once exhibited Ayutthaya’s superb craftsmanship. Despite severe damage, the Prang, a Khmer-style tower, is still impressive. A very popular photograph site of the Temple is a Buddha head around which the roots of the Bodhi tree have grown.
10. Visit Wat Ratchaburana, which was built in the reign of Chao Sam Phraya for the royal cremation ceremony of Chao Ai and Chao Yi. These two princes were engaged in a war, fighting from elephant’s back, and both were killed. The Temple once housed priceless golden ornaments belonging to the royal family, in the crypts of its principal Prang tower. Unfortunately, a robbery took place, and the Kingdom’s treasures were stolen. Nevertheless, more than 100 kilograms of gold still remain to be exhibited at Chao Sam Phraya National Museum.
11. Predict the future at Wat Thammikarat. The Temple houses a Reclining Buddha built by Somdet Phra Boromtrilokkanat’s queen. She followed a wish she made for her daughter’s recovery from an ailment. Consequently, people visiting the Temple also ask a boon of Luang Po Khao, the Temple’s sacred Buddha image. Then they forecast whether their wish will come true or not by attempting to lift a 10 kg bronze elephant. If you can lift the elephant with just one finger, then it is likely that your wish will come true.
12. Stop at Wat Na Phramen Temple for refreshment from shops at the Temple. Visitors should not miss the Temple’s Ubosot, or central sanctuary, because it is the only piece of Ayutthaya architecture which was not destroyed by the Burmese in 1767. During the invasion, the Temple was chosen as the site from which to fire cannon at the attackers. The Ubosot design is of typical Ayutthaya style, featuring fortress-like walls with no windows, but only thin slits to allow for sunlight and ventilation. Visitors will undoubtedly be impressed by the principle Buddha image, exquisitely decorated in regal attire, which dates from of Ayutthaya Era.
13. Visit the clay pottery community at Klong Sa Bua Village. The route to reach it leads along a tiny road paralleling serene Sa Bua Canal which was once the royal barge route when the kings traveled to the elephant camp. The community has manufactured earthen jars since ancient times.
14. Take impressive photos at Wat Choeng Tha (also called Wat Kosawat), an ancient temple dating back to 1357. Situated on the left bank of Lopburi River opposite Thai Sanom Fort, King Taksin the Great was once studied at this temple during his childhood. Visitors will enjoy taking photos of themselves and their friends crossing a wooden bridge in front of the Temple carrying their bicycles on their shoulders. These will be some of the most attractive photos of this memorable trip.
15. Have lunch at Wat Lokkayasutha. Pay homage to a large reclining Buddha image, which is 42 m long and dates from the middle of Ayutthaya period. The picture of this Buddha image is popularly published by guidebooks around the world. Furthermore, the beautiful floor was covered with tiles from Ban Ko Noi kiln in Sukhothai, which was the most significant pottery manufacture of Thai history, dating back more than 700 years.
Bike rental shops:
Lung Piak, tel. 08 9037 0143
Good Luck, tel. 0 3532 3379
Ban Chantha Guesthouse, tel. 08 9785 4216
BJ Guesthouse, tel. 0 3525 1526
River King Cruise (Bangkok Ayutthaya River Cruise) The Cruise will take you to the World Heritage in Thailand "Ayutthaya Province" with International Buffet Lunch & Coffee Break, Witness the sensational view of the Chaopraya River Where're the great Temple of dawn (Wat Arun), Grand Palace ( Wat Prakaew) and Rama 8 Bridge are nested. Visit the highlights of Ayutthaya ; Summer Palace , Wat Yai Chaiyamonkol, Wat phrasisanphet, and Vihara Phramongkolbopitr. " River King Cruise " Thai & Modern Gold Teakwood Cruise " Daily Departure from Bangkok to Ayutthaya.
Itinerary:
Duration 06.30 am-16.00 pm.
-06.30-07.30 Hr: Pick up from Major Hotels in Bangkok
-08.00 Hrs. : Take The Excursion to Ayutthaya Province (The Old Capital of Thailand) by Air-Conditioned Coach
-09.00 Hrs. : Arrive at Bang-pa-in ( The Summer Palace) which was built on 17th Century with a Beautiful mixture of Oriental and Western Architecture Style surrounded by a beautiful Botanical Garden. Then proceed to Ayutthaya (The Old Capital of Thailand from 1350 to 1767 A.D.)to visit the most interesting Historical Sites, such as, The Wat Yai Chai Ya Mongkol,and the last place is Wat Prasrisanphet & Viharnmongkolbopit ( Ancient City )
-12.45 Hrs. : Welcome on board The Luxurious River King at Wat Chong-Lom Pier
-13.00 Hrs. : Depart from Wat Pai Lom Pier to Bangkok and the sumptuous delicious International Buffet lucnch with Thai Cuisine will be served on board .In the meantime, to relax and enjoy The Beautiful Scenery on both sides of The River of King (Chao Praya River ) Seeing the typical Thai Life. Passing Pa-Thum-Thani and Non-Thai-Buri provinces to The Metropolitan Bangkok
-15.00 Hrs. : Coffee/Tea will be served .One can enjoy the fascinating sight of The Royal Grand Palace and The Graceful Temple of Dawn.
-15.30 Hrs. : Arrive at The River City Pier and be transferred to your hotel.
Adult 1,700 Baht
Child 900 Baht
Included:Transfer from Bangkok hotel.( vice/versa), English Guide, Fee Admission, international buffet lunch & coffee break or tea.
For more information and reservation please call to Mr. Skon 08 1868 4381, Mr.Thanarat 08 1199 2784 , www.riverkingcruise.net
At the ancient Siamese capital of Sukhothai, there are dedicated cycle paths to take you round the majestic ruins, temples and palaces. Further south, a bike is the ideal way to see the sprawling remains of the kingdom’s once great capital
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