Private Ancient city of Ayutthaya Shore Excursion

A full-day tour to the ancient city of Ayutthaya, The Thai capital for 417 years, is one of Thailand’s major tourist attractions. Many ancient ruins and art works can be seen in a city that was founded in 1350 by King U-Thong when the Thais were forced southwards by northern neighbors. During the period of Ayutthaya being the Thai capital, 33 kings of different dynasties ruled the kingdom until it was sacked by the Burmese in 1767. The area, well conserved as a historical park, has been included in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage since 13 December 1991.

1. 1

   Laem Chabang

   Pass by

   Laem Chabang is a port city in Chonburi Province, Thailand. It includes tambon Bang Lamung of Bang Lamung District, the tambons Bueng, Surasak, Thung Sukhla, and parts of Nong Kham of Si Racha District. As of 2006 it had a population of 61,801. The town has grown up around the port, but also serves as a major stop on the coastal highway linking Pattaya and Bangkok via Sukhumvit Road . The town is also known for hosting a Japanese retirement community with specialty stores geared towards them.

2. 2

   Ayutthaya

   4 hours

   The Ayutthaya Kingdom was a Siamese kingdom that existed from 1350 to 1767. Ayutthaya was friendly towards foreign traders, including the Chinese, Vietnamese, Portuguese, Indians, Japanese, Koreans, Persians, and later Spaniards, Dutch, English, and French, permitting them to set up villages outside the walls of the capital, also called Ayutthaya.

3. 3

   Wat Yai Chaya Mongkol

   30 min

   Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon or the Great Monastery of Auspicious Victory is located off the city island in the southeastern area of Ayutthaya in present Phai Ling Sub-district. In the past it bears other names as Wat Pa Kaeo, Wat Chao Phraya Thai and Wat Yai Chaiya Mongkhon.

4. 4

   Chao Sam Phraya National Museum

   30 min

   Admission on Wednesday to Sunday. The Chao Sam Phraya National Museum on the historical island of Ayutthaya exhibits artifacts discovered during excavation works and restorations of ancient temples in Ayutthaya. The museum is named after Chao Sam Phraya, King of Ayutthaya in the 15th century. Exhibited are several thousand items including Buddha images, votive tablets, gold artifacts and other treasures recovered from the crypts of several temples.

5. 5

   Ayutthaya Historical Study Centre

   30 min

   Admission from Monday to Tuesday Ayutthaya Historical Study Centre is funded by the Japanese Government and dedicated to research into Ayutthaya's history (focusing on its era as the nation's capital). The centre houses a museum and provides a range of information alongside a well-stocked library covering all aspects of the city's history. The displays are very impressive and cover the development of the city and the traditions of the area. This is a good visit, but bear in mind that although the content of the study centre is varied, it does revolve around a single theme - Ayutthaya. If you have limited time a visit to the Study Centre might not be as high a priority as other sites unless you a keen student of Thai history.

6. 6

   Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit

   30 min

   Phra Mongkhon Bophit or the Buddha of the Holy and Supremely Auspicious Reverence was sculpted in 1538 in the reign of King Chairacha (r. 1534-1547) at Wat Chi Chiang Sai. 1538 is generally accepted as the year that the image was built, based on the Luang Prasoet version of the Royal Chronicles of Ayutthaya (Most of the other versions put its construction at 880 of the Chulasakkarat era or somehow 20 years earlier)

7. 7

   Wat Phra Sri Sanphet

   30 min

   Wat Phra Si Sanphet, “the temple of the Buddha Si Sanphet” was the most important temple in the Ayutthaya Kingdom. Being part of the Royal Palace complex, the very large monastery with dozens of structures was used by Ayutthaya Kings only; it was a Royal temple without resident monks.

8. 8

   Wat Chaiwatthanaram

   1 hour

   One of Ayutthaya’s most impressive temples, the Khmer style Wat Chaiwatthanaram is a Royal temple that was used by the King and other members of the Royal family. The monastery is located opposite the South West corner of the historical island on the other side of the Chao Phraya river. A boat trip around the historical island provides for very nice views of this large, well preserved temple.

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.