Ayutthaya

Cruises & Boat Tours

Step back in time with a visit to Ayutthaya, the capital during the golden age of Siam. Tour the magnificent ruins of temples with an expert guide, marvel at enormous Buddhas, and take a scenic river cruise. Enjoy included entrance fees, lunch, and transportation. Depart Bangkok in the morning and head to Ayutthaya by air-conditioned minibus. Upon arrival, make your first stop at Wat Lokayasutha and see the temple's famous giant reclining Buddha image. Continue to Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, considered the most important temple in Ayutthaya. Hear about how this part of the royal palace complex served as the site for royal rituals. Next, visit Viharn Pra Mongkolborpit to admire the bronze Buddha statue in the style of "subduing Mara." At 12.45 meters (40.8 feet) tall, it's one of the largest images of Buddha in Thailand. From there, move on to one of the oldest and most significant temples in Ayutthaya's history, Wat Mahathat Ayutthaya. which once housed the Buddha's holy relic. Admire the famous Buddha head entwined within the roots of a Bodhi tree. Around noon, transfer to the Pasak River pier and cruise along to the Chaophraya River while enjoying an international buffet lunch. On the way, pass by a royal monastery, a church, and a mosque. Last but not least, finish your trip at the grand, riverside Wat Chaiwattanaram. Marvel at its compelling architectural style, influenced by the Angkor Wat complex in Cambodia, as you wander around the monumental grounds. The tour concludes with a transfer back to Bangkok.

The day begins at the meeting point for those on the small group tour, or with hotel pickup for guests who opt for the private option. Depart Bangkok between 6:15 AM and 6:45 AM and head out on the 1.5 hour journey to Maeklong Railway Market. Upon arrival, wander around with your Spanish-speaking guide, mingle with the locals going about their day, and wait for the iconic moment when the local train passes through. Board a longtail boat next and sail to the fascinating Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Spend an hour exploring this unique location and marvel at the locals selling their produce from paddleboats. Shop for snacks, souvenirs, and more, and don’t forget to sample some authentic regional food while you’re there. Continue the tour to Ayutthaya, a UNESCO listed location, and enjoy a stop for a delicious Thai lunch. After lunch, visit a selection of iconic temples including Wat Mahathat, enshrined with Buddha relics. Explore Wat Yai Chaimongkol next, followed by Wat Chai Wattanaram, one of Ayutthaya’s most impressive temples. At the end of an unforgettable day, begin the return journey to Bangkok at 5:00 PM, arriving at around 7:00 PM.

Explore the Ayutthaya Historical Park on a full-day tour from Bangkok with an official guide. Choose to take a shared group tour from one of two meeting points in central Bangkok, or upgrade your experience to a private tour with included hotel pickup and drop-off. After pickup, drive to Ayutthaya for about 1.5 hours to visit the famous temples in the old city, such as Wat Phra Si Sanphet temple, which was largely destroyed by the Burmese armies in 1767. Make a stop at the Bang Pa-In Royal Palace, also known as the Summer Palace, then visit Wat Niwet Thammaprawat, a western-style Thai temple, considered a strange beauty in Thailand. Move on to Wat Mahathat, the so-called temple of the Great Relic, the seat of the supreme patriarch and the center of Buddhism in the Ayutthaya Kingdom. This temple features enshrined Buddha relics. Next, explore Wat Yai Chaimongkol, the Monastery of Auspicious Victory, and Wat Chai Wattanaram, one of Ayutthaya’s most impressive temples. In between your trip, stop for lunch at a Thai restaurant for a taste of local flavors. Round of your tour with a visit to the Khmer style and royal temple of Wat Chaiwatthanaram.

Your tour will begin when you meet your guide at 12 PM at one of the pickup points. You’ll start by visiting Wat Mahathat in Ayutthaya, one of Thailand’s most visited temples. Along the way to Ayutthaya, you’ll first stop off to dress up in Thai period costumes, which you’ll wear throughout your Thai adventure. The first temple you’ll visit has one of Ayutthaya’s most mysterious backstories, which you’ll hear all about from your guide as you witness a Buddha head engulfed by the roots of a Bodhi tree. Next, you’ll explore Wat Ratchaburana, one of the country’s best-preserved temples built in the 15th century, where you’ll discover the main prang, royal viharn, and the temple crypt. After this, you’ll delve into the country’s history with a visit to Chao Sam Phraya Museum, where you’ll have the chance to explore a wide variety of golden artifacts, Buddha images, wooden door panels, and other treasures. Your day will end watching a spectacular sunset back at Wat Chaiwatthanaram temple before riding a long-tail boat to see the sights of the island city and to witness the locals’ lifestyles in action. If you’re lucky, you may even see an elephant or two along the way. Finally, your last stop on this eventful tour will be at a local night market, where you’ll have ample time to explore and soak up the atmosphere. You’ll finish by returning to Bangkok at around 8:30 PM.