Ayutthaya Highlights By Train (AY3)
Description
- 07:30 Pickup from your hotel in Bangkok and travel to Bangkok Central station where you will embark a local train and travel to Ayutthaya City. The first temple in Ayuthhaya to be visited is Wat Mahathat which is located next to Pa Than Bridge. This temple is believed to be one of Ayutthaya’s oldest temples, possibly built by King Boromaraja I (1370-88). Wat Mahathat is located in the area of the Ayutthaya Historical Park and here you will find the remains of important old buildings such as pagodas, octagonal pagodas, a royal hall, small temples, murals under a Bodhi tree and the famous sand-stone Ayutthaya-style head of the Buddha image in a tree’s root.
- After Wat Mahathat you will travel to Wat Ratchaburana in Ayutthaya Historical Park. Wat Ratchaburana was constructed in the mid-14th century during the reign of King Borommarachathirat II and is famous for its prang (Khmer-style tower) which stands tall and can be seen from afar. The prang is adorned with intricate stucco designs and bas-reliefs showcasing the artistic craftsmanship of that era.
- After Wat Ratchaburana you will travel to Wat Phra Ram which was built in the early 14th century during the reign of King Ramesuan to honor his father, King Ramathibodi I, who was the founder of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. The name ‘Wat Phra Ram’ means ‘Temple of the Lord Ram’ and is derived from the Sanskrit epic Ramayana. Wat Phra Ram features a large central prang (Khmer-style tower) that was once surrounded by four smaller prangs at the corners. The prangs are in a state of partial ruin today but they still give an impressive impression of the temple’s former grandeur. The central prang which is adorned with intricate stucco designs is the most prominent feature of the temple.
- Lunch at local restaurant.
- After lunch you will travel to Wat Chaiwatthanaram which is located on the bank of the Chao Phraya River to the west of Ayutthaya City. Wat Chaiwatthanaram was ordered to be built in 1630 by King Prasat Thong to honor his mother and features the architectural style influenced by the Angkor temples in Cambodia. A feature unique to Wat Chaiwatthanaram is a large, central prang (Khmer-style pagoda) surrounded by smaller prangs which symbolize Mount Sumeru which is the god’s mountain according to Hindu belief.
- From Wat Chaiwatthanaram you will then travel by local Tuk Tuk to the Ayothaya Floating Market which is designed to replicate the traditional floating markets that were once common in Thailand’s history. At the Ayothaya Floating Market you can experience the charm of a bygone era with vendors selling various items and local delicacies from their boats on the canal. In addition to the food stalls, Ayothaya Floating Market also offers handicrafts and souvenirs and provides a glimpse into the local way of life and the rich heritage of Ayutthaya.
- 18:30 Return to your hotel.
** Guide times are approximate depending upon local traffic and weather conditions and can also be adjusted to suit your own personal requirements **
Tour includes
- Comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
- English speaking local tour guide
- All applicable entrance fees
- Train ride to Ayutthaya City
- Wat Mahathat
- Wat Ratchaburana
- Wat Phra Ram
- Lunch
- Wat Chaiwatthanaram
- Tuk Tuk ride to Ayothaya Floating Market
- Ayothaya Floating Market
- Travel insurance