Floating Market & Ayutthaya Temples (FM6)

Description

• 07:00 Pickup from your hotel in Bangkok and travel to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market which is located about 100km southwest of Bangkok in the Thai province of Ratchaburi. There are several floating markets with Damnoen Saduak Floating Market being the most popular and provides visitors with a distinctive shopping and cultural experience that takes place on and around the waterways.
• You will take a ride in a paddle boat which is a great way to explore the floating market. Paddle boats are the ideal vehicle to navigate the busy waterways, allowing you to get a closer look at the colorful waterside market stalls and other passing boats and also engage with the traders. You will experience the dynamic atmosphere of the floating market with traders selling fruits, vegetables, foods, drinks, crafts and souvenirs from their boats and riverside stalls.
• After the floating market you will travel to the Mae Klong Train Umbrella Market which is also called the Talat Rom Hup. The famous Mae Klong Train Umbrella Market is unique and is well known for its market location which is directly on operating train tracks. The fact that a train travels directly along the tracks where the vendors have set up their stalls numerous times each day is what makes this market so extraordinary. In order to make room for the approaching train the sellers quickly pull back their awnings, fold their umbrellas and move their wares out of the way. They promptly continue their operations and put their stalls back in their original locations after the train has passed. Fresh produce, fish, meats, vegetables, fruits, spices, snacks and regional goods are all available at this market. Additionally, visitors can purchase local handicrafts, clothing and souvenirs. The Mae Klong Train Umbrella Market has a lively ambiance and is located in a busy and dynamic setting.
• Lunch at local restaurant.
• After lunch you will travel to the city of Autthaya. The first temple 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 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.
• After Wat Chaiwatthanaram you will travel to visit Wat Phra Si Sanphet in Ayutthaya Historical Park. Wat Phra Si Sanphet is a very old temple and is famous for its giant Buddha statue and 3 stupas.
• 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
• Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
• Paddle boat ride
• Mae Klong Train Umbrella Market
• Lunch
• Wat Mahathat
• Wat Chaiwatthanaram
• Wat Phra Si Sanphet
• Travel insurance