A Mind-Free Trip to Thailand

Ayutthaya – Bangkok – Kanchanaburi – Bangkok

 

Description:

 

The itinerary will let you experience the peaceful mind at different temples and historical places in various destinations.

 

During the tour, you will get to visit different temples and historical places in Ayutthaya, Bangkok and Kanchanaburi at the sites such as Wat Chaiwatthanaram, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, Bang Pa-in Summer Palace,  Grand Palance, Sai Yok National Park, The Bridge on the River Khwae (the Death Railway Bridge) and many more.

 

To keep your mind free, the excitement is hidden in Kanchanaburi, at the Sai Yok Yai Waterfall with the activity of Trekking at the destination.

 

Reaching Bangkok will be the time for shopping at MBK and Chatuchak Market.

 

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Day1

 

Destination       Ayutthaya - Bangkok

 

Morning

 

Arriving Ayutthaya        

 

Wat Chaiwatthanaram

 

The temple is located on the bank of the Maenam Chao Phraya (River), to the west of the city island. It is built in 1630 by King Prasat Thong to honor his mother. Wat Chai Wattanaram was conceived as a replica of the Angkor temple.

 

A Royal monastery, the temples unique feature is a huge prang which is surrounded by smaller prangs. This symbolizes Mount Meru , the abode of the heavenly gods. The temple is also accessible by a long-tailed boat trip from Chankasem Palace Pier. This 1-hour round trip to the temple costs about THB300 - 400. Entry fee to the temple is only THB20.

 

Wat Phra Si Sanphet

Wat Pra Si Sanphet was built by King U-Thong upon the founding of the city in 1491 inside the compound of the Grand Palace . Its foundations are still visible-and served as the royal chapel, as Wat Phra Kaeo does in Bangkok . It used to be the royal palace as a residential palace. It became a monastery in the reign of King Ramathibodi I.

When King Borom Trai Lokanat commanded the construction of new living quarters, this residential palace was transformed into a temple, and the establishment of Wat Phra Si Sanphet. In Ayutthaya 's heyday, this was the largest temple in the city.

The three main chedis which have been restored contain the ashes of three Ayutthaya kings. The temple is situated at the northern end of Si Sanphet Road . The royal chapel does not have any monks and novice inhabitants.

The entrance fee is THB20.

Afternoon        

 

Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon

Located to the Southeast of the island, this temples lofty chedi is visible from most of the town. The monastery was built in 1900 by King U-thong who granted the temple with the name Wat Pra Kaeo. The intention was to create a center of Buddhist studies (Ceylonese Sect). As the temple used to be headed by a patriarch, local people also called it Wat Chao Phraya Thai.

The present name was given granted to the temple by King Naresuan to commemorate a battle fought against the Crown Prince of Burma in 1592. His momentous victory a single-handed combat on the elephant back brought independence to Ayutthaya after 15 years as a Burmese dependent. Within the complex is a huge image of a reclining Buddha in brick and stucco. The chedi is bell-shaped, about 60 meters high, constructed on a mound of raised ground (15 X 32.4 X 32.4 m.) with steps going up to the Buddhist image placed midway to the top. The chedi itself now has a distinct tilt, but still can be entered via the stairs.

The Ubosot or ordination hall is windowless but ventilated by pierced holes stretching down the roof on both walls. Also situated in the compound is King Naresuans statue, which is highly revered by Thais.

The entrance fee is THB20.

Bang Pa-in Summer Palace

Bang Pa-in Summer Palace is situated a few miles down the Chao Phraya River from Ayutthaya . The site was first used by the royal court as a summer retreat in the 17th century. However, the Palace was destroyed with the fall of Kingdom of Ayutthaya and was restored by King Rama IV in the mid-19th century.

Most of the buildings that exist today date from the reign of King Rama V, who regularly spent his summers there. The structures represent a variety of architectural styles, set in a large park around ponds and waterways. The only royal residence open to the public is the Chiness-style Wehat Chamroon Palace , constructed entirely of materials imported from China . In addition, there is an Italian-style palace, a circular pavilion with steps leading down to a pool, the graceful Thai-style Aisawan Tippaya Asna Pavilion in the middle of a lake, and, across one of the waterways, a Buddhist chapel in the neo-Gothic style with stained-glass windows. Scattered around the extensive gardens are European statues as well as monuments ordered to be built by King Rama V in memory of members of his family, one of them a much-loved Queen who drowned in a boating accident.

It is opened from 8:30a.m. - 5 p.m. everyday while the ticket office opens during 8:30a.m. -3:30 p.m. For more information, you can contact at Tel: +66 2 224 9477 or visit the website at http://www.palaces.thai.net/

The address is Bangkok , CM 13160 Thailand

 

Useful contacts

Tourist Police 1155

TAT call center 1672

Tourism Authority of Thailand Head Office

Address: 1600 New Phetchaburi Road , Makkasan, Ratchathewi , Bangkok 10400,
Telephone : + 662 250 5500
Fax : + 662 250 5511
E-mail : center@tat.or.th
Open: Monday - Friday 8:00 AM.to 5:00 PM. (Close in Holiday )

 

Travel agents

www.sawasdee.com

www.hotelthailand.com

www.bangkok.com

 

           

Day2

 

Destination       Bangkok

 

Morning          

 

Grand Palace  

 

The outstanding Grand Palace is an architectural marvel and the gem of Bangkok 's impressive collection of temples and palaces. However, the four main buildings are incorporated in the grounds of the glittering Wat Phra Keo. This is the must to visit the experience of its diverse styles that no one should miss.

 

The entrance fee is THB 250 which includes the allowance entrance to Vimanmek Palace and Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall. The opening hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. from Monday to Sunday.

 

It is situated at Na Phralan Road , Bangkok 10200 Thailand . For more details, you can contact at Tel: +66 2 222 0094 / +66 2 222 6889 / +66 2 222 2208 or visit the website at www.palaces.thai.net or email at webmaster@palaces.thai.net

 

Note: Appropriate dress code required (cover shoulders and legs).

 

Wat Pho

           

Wat Pho also known as Wat Phra Chetuphon situated just behind the extravagance of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Most western tourists never miss to visit the temple's huge reclining Buddha and other attractions of the temple.

 

The most attractive point other than the Buddha's face are the soles of the Buddha's feet, 45 meters (150 feet) away from the head, which have been inlaid with mother-of-pearl to display the 108 auspicious signs which distinguish a true Buddha.

           

Moreover, Wat Pho is also Thailand 's oldest learning center and a respected Thai massage school that operates teaching techniques to the eager and providing massages to the weary.

           

The entrance fee is worth only THB20. However, the contact details are: 2 Sanamchai Road , Bangkok 10200 Thailand . Tel: +66 2 222 5910, +66 2 226 2942, +66 2 226 1743, +66 2 225 9595

 

Wat Arun

Wat Arun gets its name from Aruna, the Indian god of the dawn, hence its common name The Temple of Dawn.

The location of the temple is in the area that used to be occupied by the palace of King Taksin who re-established the Siamese Kingdom after the fall of Ayuttaya more than two hundred years ago. The main Buddha image is believed to have been designed by King Rama II.

Wat Arun, often called The Temple of Dawn, is one of the most remarkable visual identities of Bangkok . The imposing Khmer-style prang or tower is 104 metres tall and decorated with bits of porcelain that was used as ballast by boats coming from China . It is surrounded by four smaller prangs. Construction of the prangs were started by King Rama II and completed by King Rama II.

 

 

           

Afternoon        

 

Jim Thompson's House and Museum 

 

This small but fine museum is the former home of the man who saved the Thai silk industry from collapse.

           

Constructed from six different traditional teak houses, the walls were reassembled from the outside in.

           

Inside you will find Jim Thompson's beautiful collection of art and artifacts from Thailand and Southeast Asia .

           

Address: Rama I Road, 6 Soi Kasemsan 2, Bangkok 10330 Thailand

Tel: +66 2 216 7368

Open Hours: 9AM-5PM Mon-Sun, last tour 4:30 PM

Websites: http://www.jimthompsonhouse.com

 

 

MBK    

 

MBK is the perfect place for those who love shopping in a market style atmosphere but prefer to do so in air-conditioned comfort. Bargaining is a common issue at MBK. However, you should be careful of the products against imitation such as clothes, watches and others.

           

The opening hours of the MBK center are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Monday to Sunday. It is situated at Phayathai Road , Bangkok 10330 Thailand . For more details, you can visit http://www.mbk-center.com/ or email at marketing@mbk-center.com or contact at: +66 2 620 9000.

 

Evening          

 

 

Erawan Shrine

 

Erawan Shrine is built incongruously in one of Bangkok 's hubs of consumerism. This very popular shrine is devoted to Brahma and Erawan, his elephant. It is located next to the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel. The shrine was beset by a series of accidents during its construction in the 1950s. You can often get to see traditional Thai dancing over here. It is a public place and is free to visit 24 hours a day from Monday to Sunday.

 

It is situated at 494 Ratchawithi Road (corner of Ploenchit and Ratchiwithi), Bangkok 10330.

           

           

 

Day 3

 

Morning          

 

Arriving Kanchanaburi

 

 

Afternoon        

 

The Bridge on the River Khwae (the Death Railway Bridge )

The Bridge on the River Khwae has become notoriously famous and attracted both Thais and foreigners to the site, through different films and books. If an ordinary black iron bridge can tell a story, you can be sure it's a dramatic one.

The bridge spans across Maenam Khwae Yai which is a branch of Maenam Mae Klong. During the Japanese occupation of Thailand in World War II, the Japanese Imperial Army brought the iron bridge from Java. It was then resembled by Allied Prisoners of War (POW) under Japanese supervision. The bridge was part of a strategic railway route to Myanmar in which the Japanese aimed to secure supplies with which to conquer other western Asian countries. It was 415 kilometers long (about 303 kilometers in Thailand and about 112 kilometers in Burma ) and passed through the Three Pagoda Pass in Sangkhlaburi District, the northern most part of Kanchanaburi province.

 

The railway currently ends at Ban Tha Sao or Namtok Station, a distance of around 77 km. from Kanchanaburi Station. A special train running from Bangkok to Namtok Station is available on weekends and national holidays.

 

For further details, please contact the State Railway of Thailand at Tel. 0 2220 4334 or visit the website at www.railway.co.th.

 

Kanchanaburi War Cemetery

 

This is the place where the remains of 6,982 POWs died during the construction of the Death Railway are buried. The cemetery, which is located on Saengchuto Road , opposite the Railway Station is just 1.5 kilometers from the TAT office.

 

It is open daily from 8.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.

 

 

Wat Pa Luangta Bua Yanasampanno

A tiger conservation area where various kinds of wild as well as domestic animals live together freely in the nature such as barking deer, hog, gibbon, peafowl, red jungle fowl, horse, water buffalo, goat, etc. Wildlife of different species will be seen living together in peace and being friendly to the monks and visitors.

 

The temple is open during 8.30 a.m. to 3.45 p.m. (from 3.30 p.m. onward for tiger), with the entrance fee of THB 300.

 

For further information, please contact the Wat Pa Luangta Bua Yanasampanno Foundation at Tel. 0 3453 1557 Fax 0 3453 1558 or visit the website at www.boonheng.com or www.tigertemple.org

           

 

Day 4

 

Destination       Kanchanaburi

 

Trekking

 

Home to a large ethnic population, including the Mon, Karen and Burmese, who have long settled in the border towns of Sangkhlaburi and Thong Pha Phum. Most tour operators in Kanchanaburi offer trips to these areas that combine culture and adventure in one easily accessible package. Some of the best hiking trails are in three national parks: Saiyok in Saiyok District and Erawan and Chalerm Rattanakosin in Srisawat District.

 

Sai Yok National Park

The park covers approximately 300-square-kilometers and contains several interesting caves and the nation’s famous Sai Yok Yai waterfall. The park has dense forests, including majestic teak trees and an abundance of small mammals such as squirrels, bats and deer, as well as numerous bird species.

 

In addition, the park is home to what is probably the smallest mammal in the world, the two-grammed Kittis Hog-nosed Bat, which was first discovered in 1973 by a Thai naturalist. The park is 104 kilometers from Kanchanaburi via Highway No. 323 and can also be reached by chartered boat from the Pak Saeng Pier. The park is very popular during the weekends. Bungalow accommodations, river rafts, camping facilities, and a daytime food market are available.

 

           

Afternoon        

 

Sai Yok Yai Waterfall (Namtok Sai Yok Yai)

 

The waterfall is located 104 kilometers from the town, flows directly into Khwae Noi River . Its idyllic beauty has been repeatedly celebrated in Thai poetry and songs. A rope bridge enables people to cross the river to view the waterfall. Rafts are available for a river trip along the riverbank.

 

Day 5

 

Destination Bangkok

 

Morning

 

Chatuchak Market        

 

Chatuchak Market is the Worlds Biggest Weekend Market selling practically everything under the sun, from the smallest nails, to foods, trendy fashions, antiques intricate wooden carvings, masks from far-off lands, adorable fluffy dogs, colorful fish of every hue and singing birds.

           

The market is as huge including 9,000 individual booths filled with every type of wares catching the trends. You can get anything from incense to insects and food stalls in case you get hungry.

           

It opens only on evening of weekends (Saturdays and Sundays).

 

Afternoon

 

Jim Thompson's House and Museum 

 

This small but fine museum is the former home of the man who saved the Thai silk industry from collapse.

           

Constructed from six different traditional teak houses, the walls were reassembled from the outside in.

           

Inside you will find Jim Thompson's beautiful collection of art and artifacts from Thailand and Southeast Asia .

           

Address: Rama I Road, 6 Soi Kasemsan 2, Bangkok 10330 Thailand

Tel: +66 2 216 7368

Open Hours: 9AM-5PM Mon-Sun, last tour 4:30 PM

Websites: http://www.jimthompsonhouse.com

 

 

MBK    

 

MBK is the perfect place for those who love shopping in a market style atmosphere but prefer to do so in air-conditioned comfort. Bargaining is a common issue at MBK. However, you should be careful of the products against imitation such as clothes, watches and others.

           

The opening hours of the MBK center are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Monday to Sunday. It is situated at Phayathai Road , Bangkok 10330 Thailand . For more details, you can visit http://www.mbk-center.com/ or email at marketing@mbk-center.com or contact at: +66 2 620 9000.

 

 

Useful contacts

Tourist Police 1155

TAT call center 1672

Tourism Authority of Thailand Head Office

Address: 1600 New Phetchaburi Road , Makkasan, Ratchathewi , Bangkok 10400,
Telephone : + 662 250 5500
Fax : + 662 250 5511
E-mail : center@tat.or.th
Open: Monday - Friday 8:00 AM.to 5:00 PM. (Close in Holiday )