Tour

Ayuthaya and Chao Phraya River Cruise
Sunday, 10th January 2010

Tour Program
08:00
Meet at Lower Lobby of Plaza Athenee Hotel to board coaches.
08:30
Depart from the hotel by air-conditioned coach to visit Ayutthaya, one of Thailand’s ancient capitals located 76 km north of Bangkok.
Ayuthaya was once one of Indo-China’s most prosperous cities and is now one of Thailand’s major historical attractions. The grandeur of Ayutthaya is reflected by numerous magnificent structures and ruins concentrated in and around the city island surrounded by the Chao Phraya, Pa Sak and Lop Buri Rivers.
The area, well conserved as a historical park, has been included in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage since 13 December 1991. Ayutthaya covers an area of 2,556 square kilometres.

10:15

Bang Pa-In Palace - A popular Summer retreat for Thai king’s, this palace includes one of the most photographed buildings in the Kingdom - a charming Thai pavilion built over a pond.

11:30

 

Wat Chai Watanaram - Another striking monastery located to the west of the Island City. King Prasat Thong commanded it to be built. Although now abandoned, the existing Main Prang and surrounding pagodas show the grandeur and past glory of this monument.

12:00

 

Wat Phra Sri Sanphet - The royal palace was located here from the establishment of Ayutthaya in the reign of King Ramathibodi 1 (1350 A.D.) to the reign of King Sam Phraya (1448 A.D.). Later King Borommatrailokanat ordered a wat to be built on this site in 1448 A.D. to be used as a monastic area. After the reign of King Borommatrailokanat, his son King Ramathibodi II, ordered the construction for two chedis, one of which was kept the ashes of his father and the other those of his brother, King Borom-marachathirat III. Another chedi was built by order of King Borom-rachanophuttangkun. It was similarly used to house royal remains those of King Ramathibodi II. Additional sites will be visited should time permit.

 

13:00

Board the luxurious cruiser “Grand Pearl”. A superb buffet lunch which includes a delightful variety of oriental and western cuisines will be served on board allowing you to dine while relaxing and enjoying the fascinating scenery on the River of Kings at the same time. The boat will pass Pathumthani and Nonthaburi provinces before reaching Bangkok City.  This is a rare opportunity for you to see the slower pace of life in provinces surrounding Bangkok.




16:00
Arrive at River City Pier, board coaches back to Plaza Athenee Hotel

17:00
Arrive Plaza Athenee Hotel

 

USD 125 per person

 

Attire / Tour Tips

  1. Shirts and blouses;  Shirts must have sleeves.  No sleeveless, tight, or see-through shirts allowed.
  2. Trousers and skirts;  No shorts, mini-skirts, or skirts of any kind are permitted.  No Bermuda shorts, culottes, tight trousers or leggings.
  3. Footwear;  Shoes must have covered heels or sling-back.  Sandals and slippers are not allowed.
  4. Study available information about the places to be visited in advance.  It will make the actual place much more interesting when you visit it in person.
  5. Take off your shoes before entering a religious building or area as a sign of respect to local customs.
  6. Avoid touching artifacts or ancient monuments, especially reliefs or paintings.  This will help them to remain in their original condition so that they can be enjoyed by others for many years to come.
  7. Avoid trespassing into a prohibited area or an ancient monument and please always avoid taking any artifacts or pieces of the architecture.
  8. Seek permission before taking photos.
  9. Avoid using a flash when taking photos because it may cause damage to artifacts or building structures.

For more information or to make a reservation please contact conference@wcafamily.com.