Experience Lifestyles at River Kwai & Auytthaya (Tour code: 13778)
Highlights
Immerse yourself in the Ayutthaya Historical Park, exploring the remnants of significant structures like pagodas, octagonal pagodas, and the royal hall at Wat Mahathat.
Visit Wat Phra Si Sanphet, once part of the Grand Palace, and appreciate its transformation from a royal palace to a temple, highlighting Ayutthaya's historical transitions.
Experience the cultural practices at Wat Yai Chai Mongkol, including the ritual for the Rice Goddess, providing insight into the importance of rice in Thai culture
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Embark on a cultural exploration starting with a visit to Wat Yai Chai Mongkol, previously known as "Wat Pa Kaew" or "Wat Chao Tai," located southeast of Phra Nakhon Island in Khlong Suan Phlu Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon Sri Ayutthaya Province. Marvel at the meticulously restored large pagoda and the sacred Phra Phuttha Chai Mongkhon housed within, as well as the cultural practices, including the ritual for the Rice Goddess. The journey continues to the historic Wat Mahathat, a royal temple of the Ayutthaya Kingdom that once housed Buddha's holy relic. Within the Ayutthaya Historical Park, explore remnants of pagodas, royal halls, and the famous sandstone Ayutthaya-style Buddha head embedded in a tree's roots. The final stop at Wat Pra Srisanphet unveils a once-grand royal chapel, now devoid of monks, and restored main chedis containing the ashes of three Ayutthaya kings.
After a cultural-filled morning, indulge in a local restaurant lunch before transferring back to Bangkok. The day's highlights encompass historical treasures, cultural practices, and architectural wonders, offering a captivating glimpse into the rich heritage of Ayutthaya.
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Inclusions
Itinerary
Day 1 Bangkok Kanchanaburi
In the morning, we will pick you up from your hotel in central Bangkok and transfer to Samut Songkram province. Explore the renowned Maeklong railway market (Talad Rom Hub), where you can witness the train passing over the market on the tracks. Your tour guide will guide you through the local market, allowing you to taste various Thai desserts and fruits. Afterward, head to the pier and board your private boat for a 30-minute canal tour.
The boat will lead you to Damnoensaduak Floating Market, Thailand's first floating market, where villagers sell their fruits and foods on paddle boats. Drive approximately 2 hours to Kanchanaburi province, where you'll visit the historic Bridge over the River Kwai. Learn about its World War II history at the JEATH War Museum and take a train ride along the Death Railway. Marvel at lush forest scenery, Kwai River views, and the perilous curving wooden bridge built by Allied prisoners. Reach Nam–Tok Station, visit Sai Yok Noi Waterfall, and relax with a swim. Conclude the day with lunch at a local restaurant, followed by transfer to your hotel and dinner.
Overnight stay in Felix River Kwai Resort in a Superior Room.
Day 2 Kanchanaburi Ayutthaya
Breakfast will be served at the hotel. Today, don't miss the opportunity to discover the rural way of life in Nong Khao, located 12 km from Kanchanaburi. At first glance, it may seem similar to other Thai villages, but a closer look reveals the impressive preservation of its traditional lifestyle. Witness the modest living of the villagers engaged in agriculture, from rice cultivation to cattle raising and cloth weaving.
Embark on an E-Taen Farmer truck journey through the village, where welcoming signs from the locals and a panoramic view of rice paddy fields with fan palm trees await. Gain insights into the cultural significance of rice through rituals for the Rice Goddess and observe seasonal activities related to rice cultivation. Appreciate the simplicity of their way of life. Support the local producers by shopping for their products. Afterward, return to your hotel, check out, and head north of Bangkok to Ayutthaya. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant en route. Upon arrival at your Ayutthaya hotel, check in, and enjoy free leisure time.
Overnight stay in Kantary Hotel in a Studio Suite.
Day 3 Ayutthaya Bangkok
After breakfast, meet your guide and embark on a journey to explore Wat Yai Chai Mongkol, previously known as "Wat Pa Kaew" or "Wat Chao Tai," situated in the southeast of Phra Nakhon Island, now part of Khlong Suan Phlu Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon Sri Ayutthaya Province. The temple's highlight is a large pagoda, meticulously restored during the reign of King Naresuan. Inside, discover the Chai Mongkhon spell enshrined in the temple, housing the sacred Phra Phuttha Chai Mongkhon. The principal Buddha image holds great reverence. Continue to Wat Mahathat, a historic royal temple of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, known for housing Buddha's holy relic. Hosting significant royal ceremonies during the Ayutthaya era, the temple suffered fire damage and abandonment after the kingdom's fall in 1767. Now part of the Ayutthaya Historical Park, it features remnants of pagodas, royal halls, small temples, murals under a Bodhi Tree, and the famous sandstone Ayutthaya-style Buddha head embedded in a tree's roots. Next, visit Wat Pra Srisanphet, initially part of the Grand Palace and later transformed into a monastery. Once Ayutthaya's largest temple, it housed the ashes of three kings in its restored main chedis. The royal chapel, now devoid of monks, stands as a historical testament.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before transferring back to Bangkok, concluding a day filled with exploration of Ayutthaya's rich historical and cultural treasures.
Accommodation
Felix River Kwai Resort
Felix River Kwai Resort, a riverside gem in Kanchanaburi, was expertly designed by Nont-Truengjai Associates in 1991. The retro-contemporary Thai architecture, utilizing local redwoods, rocks, and terracotta tiles, creates a timeless and comfortable ambiance. Nestled in a sprawling 53-acre lush tropical garden, the resort spans nearly 1 km along the Kwai River's south bank, offering a serene retreat with its private and pristine surroundings.
Kantary Hotel
Experience the epitome of Thailand's ancient capital city at Kantary Hotel and Serviced Apartments. Situated in Ayutthaya, a city that seamlessly blends tourism, industry, history, and culture, our hotel stands as a testament to excellence. Located in close proximity to Bangkok, thriving industrial estates, and serving as an effective crossroads in South-East Asia, Ayutthaya attracts businesses and a constant flow of global tourists. While numerous hotels cater to these markets, Kantary Hotel and Serviced Apartments uniquely assure a supreme level of service and facilities, all within a convenient central location, meeting the diverse needs of every guest.
Additional information
Excluded
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- Meals other than as specified in our holiday package i.e. mandatory festive dinners
- Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.),
- Tips or gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, hotel, restaurant or boat staff, etc.
- Or any other travel expense that has not been included in our holiday package
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