Ayutthaya tells a lot about Thailand's past. The Ayutthaya and Lunch Cruise (Join-in Tour) is therefore interesting, but most of all heart-warmingly fun to do.

Your journey through Thailand's history begins at your hotel in Bangkok, where you will be picked up and taken to River City. From here you will travel by coach to Ayutthaya, which is about a two-hour drive from the Thai capital.

AYUTTHAYA

Ayutthaya was a prosperous kingdom of its own for hundreds of years, until the Burmese largely destroyed it in the mid-18th century. Fortunately, the ruins of temples and palaces still show the grandeur of Ayutthaya.

Wat Mahathat Temple

From the wide range of temples in Ayutthaya, to begin with on this tour we choose the famous Wat Mahathat Temple, where the head of a Buddha is entwined between the roots of a tree

Wat Phra Sri Sanphet

After this, the Ayutthaya and Lunch Cruise (Join-in Tour) heads to the heart of the former kingdom. Three sturdy stupas are the main reminders of what was once Ayutthaya's proudest centre. Here stood a palace and temple, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, reserved for members of the royal entourage. Following the example of this temple, the Grand Palace was later built in Bangkok.

Vihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit

We also visit the nearly 13-metre-high bronze Buddha of the Vihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit. It is believed that this Buddha was built as early as the 15th century. It has survived wars and lightning strikes.

Wat Lokaya Sutha Temple

Last but not least is Wat Lokaya Sutha Temple, where a nearly 40-meter-long and 8-meter-high reclining Buddha attracts the most attention. It is believed to be built in the middle phase of Ayutthaya Era. It is also believed that there had been a pantheon built to shelter the Buddha image but the pantheon was destroyed. The Buddha statue was renovated many times, especially in 1954 and 1989, until it looked beautiful again.

LUNCH CRUISE

Then it's time to embark the boat. We will cruise along the Chao Phraya River back to Bangkok. A Thai buffet lunch will be served on board. Once back in Bangkok the boat will pass the Grand Palace and famous Wat Arun.