Highlights / General details
Bang Pa-in Summer Palace:
A few miles down the Maenam Chao Phraya from Ayutthaya is the 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.
Ayutthaya Historical Park:
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ayutthaya's historic temples are scattered throughout this once magnificent city and along the encircling rivers. Several of the more central ruins Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Mongkhon Bophit, Wat Na Phra Meru, Wat Thammikarat, Wat Ratburana and Wat Phra Mahathat can be visited on foot.
It is possible to add more temples and ruins to travel itineraries by touring the city on a rented bicycle. An ideal combination of modes of transportation for visitors interested in seeing everything would be to hire a bicycle for the central temples and charter a long-tail boat to take a tour of the outlying ruins along the river.
Ayutthaya Historical Park is situated opposite the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum. The main attraction in the historical park is Viharn Phramongkol Bophit which houses one of the largest bronze Buddha images in Thailand.
Inclusion
Pick-up from most hotels; Local Licensed Guide in Italian only; Fee Entrance; Join Cruise back to Bangkok with on board lunch.
Exclusion
Distance Supplement for some hotels; Personal Expense; Gratuity.
Hours of operation
Available daily at 7:30am.
Duration
Approximately 9.5 hours.
Itinerary
7:30am Depart Bangkok by private air-conditioned vehicle to visit Ayutthaya Ancient Capital.
8:45am Arrive Bang Pa-In Summer Place, previously lived by many Thai monarchs from 17th century. Bang Pa-In has a captivating collection of marvelous pavilions in a variety of Thai, Chinese, Italian and Victorian architectural styles, encircled by lush beautiful gardens and lake.
11:00am Arrive Ayutthaya one of the world heritage cities. Visit Wat Phrasrisanphet, the largest temple in Ayutthaya that was built in 14th century and use as the Royal Temple-cum-palace by several kings, Viharn Phra Monkol Bopit, Wat Chai Wattanaram constructed by King Prasathong in 1630.
1:00pm Lunch in Local Restaurant.
3:30pm Back to Hotel in Bangkok.
4:30-5:00pm Arrive Safe and Safety in Bangkok Hotel.
Policies
Requires minimum of 2 passengers to operate. Maximum 6 passengers.
Guest must call to reconfirm tour within 48 hours.
Cancellation: 7 days prior 30% penalty, 4 days prior 100% penalty. No show always 100% penalty.
Complete information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, will be included on your Confirmation Voucher.
**All information requested must be supplied or booking is subject to automatic cancellation**