Senior Citizen-Friendly Thailand Trip in 12 Days – Day 2
Founded in 1350, Ayutthaya used to be the second capital of the Siamese kingdom. It flourished from 14th to 18th centuries, but sadly burnt down by the Burmese on 18th century. Now it stands as an archaeological ruin and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The remains of huge Buddhist monasteries and tall prangs (treasury towers) give a clear idea of the vast size of the city and its architectural luster. Today, we decided to explore Ayutthaya.
Highlights of the Day
- Bang-Pa In Summer Palace
- Ayutthaya Historical Park
- Wat Na Phra Men
- Wat Lokaya Sutharam
- Wonderful Pearl Cruise
- Drop to Hotel
Breakfast and Pick-Up from Hotel
We are staying at Krungkasem Srikrung Hotel. You will be given a breakfast coupon at the reception using which you can enjoy your breakfast at the Valentine Coffee Shop – the onsite restaurant of the hotel.
I have booked a group tour that included visit to the temples and historical park of Ayutthaya by air-conditioned coach. It also includes return to Bangkok by a luxurious cruise.
It was a day-trip that brought us to Bangkok on the same day in the evening, by 5 PM.
The trip also included extravagant lunch at the cruise. It also included pick-up and drop from and to your hotel in Bangkok.
We were picked up by an air-conditioned minivan at around 7 AM. Later, we were transferred to the office of River Sun Cruise. There, we boarded the luxurious air-conditioned coach, which also had a English speaking guide.
Bang-Pa In Summer Palace
The entrance fee of the palace is 100 ฿. The palace is open from 8.30 AM to 4.30 PM. Wear clothes closing your shoulders and knees.
Our first destination was the summer palace of the kings of Thailand. It is located in Bang Pa-In in Phra Nahkon Si Ayutthaya province, around 70 km away from Bangkok. We reached there by around 9 AM.
Ayutthaya Historical Park
There is no entrance fee for the park but few important temple ruins inside the park that may charge 50 ฿. The palace is open from 8.30 AM to 4.30 PM. Wear clothes closing your shoulders and knees.
We arrived at Ayutthaya Historical Park at around 10.30 AM. It was just half-an-hour away from Bang Pa-In.
The park is listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site as it comprises ruins of temples and palaces of the capital of the ancient Ayutthaya Kingdom. It was one of the most largest kingdoms in IndoChina history.
The major temples of the park are scattered in the 715-acre area of the park located in an island surrounded by three significant rivers – Chao Phraya, Lopburi, and Pasak. The major temples of the park are as follows:
- Mahathat – it is the temple of the Great Relic
- Chaiwatthanaram – it is one of Ayutthaya’s most impressive temples
- Phra Si Sanphet – it is the most important temple of Ayutthaya (In the south of Wat Phra Si Sanphet, there is Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit where Thailand’s largest bronze buddha image is enshrined.)
- Ratchaburana – it is the temple of Royal Restoration
- Phanan Choeng – it is the temple of the 19 meter tall gilded Buddha image
- Lokaya Sutharam – it means the temple of Earth and it has a 42-m reclining Buddha image
- Yai Chai Mongkhon – it is a 14th century temple with towering chedi
You can either walk or take a cycle or rent a tuk-tuk to get around the park. Our bus dropped us at Wat Mahathat and we chose to explore only Wat Mahathat. You can explore more according to your wish.
Next our air-conditioned coach stopped at another small yet beautiful monastery called Wat Na Phra Men, also known as Wat Na Phra Meru, meaning “the Monastery in Front of the Funeral Pyre.”
Next stop was Wat Lokaya Sutharam, whose main highlight is its 42-m long Reclining Buddha image, usually draped in orange cloth.
Wonderful Pearl Cruise
It was around 1.30 PM when we boarded the cruise – “Wonderful Pearl Cruise.”
At around 3 PM, coffee was served while we enjoyed the enchanting sights of the colorful Royal Barges House, Thammasart University, Siriraj hospital, the Royal Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Wat Kallayanamitr, along the river bank.
At 4 PM, the cruise desembarked at the River City Shopping Complex Pier where the air-conditioned van to transfer us back at the hotel.
Chinatown
We planned to roam around Chinatown and have some dinner before we head to the hotel – so we got dropped at Chinatown, which was only 5 min away from our hotel.
We enjoyed some street food as dinner before you took a taxi to our hotel, which was very close as mentioned earlier. Adieu!
NET EXPENSE FOR 1 PERSON (IN THB)
Let us have a look at the expenses of Day 2 in Thailand – Ayutthaya.
- Ayutthaya day-trip with river cruise: 2050
- Entrance fee to palace and temple: 150
- Food: 120
Total expense (roughly): 2320 THB
For an overall idea of itinerary and expense of the trip, whether for solo or couple or group of any number of people, feel free to contact me on Contact Us page. You can also have a look at Senior Citizen-Friendly Thailand Trip in 12 Days – Itinerary and Expenses.
If you are planning for a much-organized, tastefully-curated, stress-free yet exciting vacation, consider booking your holidays at Travel Love Repeat. It is going to be a treat for sure!
Ayutthaya is one of the many reason why I will revisit Thailand. Last time we visited, we fail to go to the place. Your photos makes me want to visit asap.
Yes, the ruins of the historical park is very interesting.
Another great article, I really enjoy reading these, because you write out all the important info, the pictures you take are amazing, keep it up, I especially liked the palace, it looks magnificent.
Thanks for your appreciation and hence motivation, Matija
I can’t believe I haven’t visited Thailand yet even though it is just a few hours away from where I am from. I’ve seen so many beautiful photos of Thailand especially the temples. I’ve seen so many travelers who visited ayutthaya really enjoyed their trip. I really need to visit Thailand soon.
Visit us, soon!
This sounds like a fantastic day trip. I’ve never been to Thailand but I hope to get there one day. And I especially love cruises so I want to take a river cruise one day in the future!
River cruise on Chao Phraya river is a must when in Bangkok. You must do that when you come.
The floating pavilion of the summer palace looks amazing, what a lovely shot! Also, Ayutthaya Historical park looks like a great place to visit – i love visiting old temples and archaeological sites, and the Thai architecture is really intriguing! What a lovely day trip, I appreciate you break down the trips into expenses!
Yes, Ayutthaya is actually a very beautiful historical park with ruins from decades back. You must visit this place Medha.
I loved Ayutthaya when I went there in 2015 and would like to go back there someday. The ruins are beautiful and the Buddha in the banyan tree just makes the entire place so outer-worldly. I did not see the Floating Pavilion last time. So this time for sure.
Wow, it’s great to know that you have been there before.
It has quite a lot of nice, unusual for an European eye architecture. A place, where I would love to walk around with my cameras. I always look for something new.
Imagine the photos that you would click here!
Asia is in our bucket list and those post make us just to grow the common thinking to escape for a three month on the road.
Wow, that’s a great idea.
I’ve never really been drawn to travelling to Thailand, I have to admit. But so many travellers I know have loved it – though less so Bangkok. It definitely looks like a photographers’ paradise x
Yes, the Ayutthaya historical park is so photogenic.
I love how majestic the reclining buddha is. I just can’t get over it. As a historian, it pains me when I learn about cities getting destroyed after being conquered and whatnot. I’m glad that the ruins are now a UNESCO site so that what’s left can be preserved. And cute picture with the peeking buddha at the tree. I can’t wait to make it to SEA next year!
Come soon, Rachelle.
What an amazing experience! I loved Bangkok so much, I wish I had more time so that I can enjoy day trips outside of the city too. This looks like an amazing place to explore, your photos make me want to plan another trip to Thailand now! I would love to see the reclining Buddha in person.
Yes, you must.
I didn’t get a chance to visit Ayutthaya last time I was in Bangkok and I’m sad about it now! I would love to take that river cruise and that buffet looks delicious. Those banyan trees are something else, too.
There is always a next time, Diana.
I’ve heard much about Ayutthaya and its high up in my wishlist. I really need to plan a series of trips to all the Eastern countries, with Bangkok and Combodia high up in the top.
Though Ayutthaya is very touristy, its still so gorgeous and a must-visit for me. The reclinging Buddha of Wat Lokaya Sutharam is fascinating.
You must visit these places.
This looks like such a lovely place to visit! And I love that they have a Chinatown area. The buddha in the tree was such a fab photo op – it’s interesting how all of the roots have grown around it. Asian architecture is always so inspiring and colorful!
Yes, it is.
Your Ayutthaya Day river cruise looks worth and it is good that it is senior citizen friendly too. I loved that one-storey Royal mansion named Phra Thinang Warophat Phiman which has an European look. Also it would be great to see Wat Mahathat which was one of Ayutthaya’s most important temples and good to know that it is restored & preserved by Fine Arts Department.
Yes, that will be a great experience, indeed.
I love Bangkok, its one of my favorite cities in South East Asia, and unfortunately I have not experienced so much of the treasures around the city. This cruise to Ayutthaya does looks tempting though, will keep it in mind when I’m back in Thailand in december! Thanks for sharing!
Yes, this cruise is a nice-do.
Love your post. Very helpful for families who’s traveling with some older family members. It is very inspiring to know that there are still many senior citizen attractions in Thailand. Can’t wait to start planning a trip for my parent’s wedding anniversary.
Lovely!