Heritage of Ancient Ayutthaya in Style
Spend a day in the ancient city of Ayutthaya visiting magnificent temple complexes and majestic palaces, accompanied by your own English-speaking guide. Travel by car, boat, cable car and even golf buggy as you explore this charming city and its sites.
Area
Kanchanaburi and Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was once the capital of Thailand, dating back to 1350. After holding its position for 417 years, the city eventually fell after a Burmese invasion in 1767. While much of the city's treasures were looted or damaged during the invasion, the remaining ruins, some of which have been partially restored, are still very impressive.
Visit Wat Yai Chai Mongkol, one of Ayutthaya's best-known temples, recognisable for its huge central chedi and rows of Buddha statues. You will also stop at Wat Phra Si Sanphet, which was once the royal temple on the old palace grounds. Both the temple and the grounds were used as models for Bangkok's Wat Phra Kaew and Grand Palace. Take a stroll around Wat Mahathat, which features possibly the most photographed site in Ayutthaya: a Buddha statue's head peeping through the roots of a tree.
We would also recommend taking some time to wander around Ayutthaya's market and Muslim Quarter. Despite only being 90 minutes from Bangkok, the city has a much more laid-back atmosphere, and there are plenty of local delicacies to try, including brightly coloured candy floss. You will have lunch at the stylish fine dining restaurant, The Wine Ayutthaya.
After lunch, enjoy a leisurely one-hour longtail boat trip along the Chao Phraya. Pass by riverside villages before arriving at an island where you will find Wat Niwet Thammaprawat. This unusual Buddhist temple actually looks like a European church, including a steeple and stained glass windows. From the island, take a cable car across the river before continuing by golf buggy to Bang Pa-In Summer Palace. The site was originally built in 1632 and contains a number of ornate buildings and pretty gardens.
This trip can either be done from Bangkok or while you are staying in Ayutthaya. If you are coming from Bangkok, you will set off at around 7.30am and get back to the capital at around 6.30pm. The car transfer is around 90 minutes each way. Lunch at The Wine Ayutthaya is included, as well as one premium cocktail or glass of wine.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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![Night View of Swimming Pool]()
View AccommodationCOMO Metropolitan Bangkok
The minimalist Metropolitan by COMO, Bangkok is a haven for those who love contemporary, slick city escapes. It combines an urban edge with Asian flair and the result is the coolest hotel in Bangkok, located along the vibrant Sathorn Road.
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![Dining Deck]()
View AccommodationSala Ayutthaya
Sala Ayutthaya is a simple, stylish and contemporary hotel that is located in the heart of historic Ayutthaya, on the banks of the mighty Chao Phraya River.
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![Siam Atrium]()
View AccommodationThe Siam
Set amidst 3 acres of verdant frontage beside the Chao Phraya River in the heart of Bangkok's historic Dusit district, The Siam is a wonderful boutique offering to Bangkok, crafted by renowned architect Bill Bensley.
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![The Pool - Peninsula Bangkok]()
View AccommodationPeninsula Bangkok
The Peninsula Bangkok is a luxury hotel of unmatched classical grandeur set on Bangkok's majestic riverside. With every room boasting magnificent river views, it offers an unrivalled panorama across this vibrant city.
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![Room with a View - Mandarin Oriental Bangkok]()
View AccommodationMandarin Oriental Bangkok
Centrally located and set on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, the River of Kings, the renowned Mandarin Oriental Bangkok has for 135 years been a symbol of luxury and staying here gives you the feeling of stepping back in time.
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![Aerial View - Floathouse Kanchanaburi]()
View AccommodationThe FloatHouse River Kwai Resort
The FloatHouse River Kwai is a wonderfully unique hotel. Set on the River Kwai, this hotel actually floats on the water. This amazing setting is an experience in itself, but the hotel also offers a good base to explore the surrounding countryside.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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![Kanchanaburi and Railway Experience]()
View ExperienceThailand-Burma Railway Museum, War Cemeteries & Pak Preak Community
A moving and fascinating tour, exploring the history of Kanchanaburi province. The Thailand-Burma Railway Museum and War Cemeteries are a poignant reminder of the thousands of POWs and forced labourers who lost their lives here in the Second World War.
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![Old Railway Line - Hellfire Pass]()
View ExperienceHellfire Pass
Visit the notorious Hellfire Pass, which is located outside the town of Kanchanaburi, along the cliffs above the River Kwai. Take a tour of the museum and venture down into the pass to walk along the old railway line.
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![Waterfall - Erawan Waterfall & Phra That Cave]()
View ExperienceErawan Waterfall & Phra That Cave
Head to Erawan, one of Thailand's most famous National Parks. Here you can visit the Erawan Waterfall, a picturesque seven-tier cascade, and the Phra That Cave, hidden within the park's limestone hills.
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![Kwai Noi Valley - Train Ride through the Kwai Noi Gorge]()
View ExperienceTrain Ride through the Kwai Noi Gorge
Take a short train ride along the infamous Thailand-Burma Railway, also known as the 'Death Railway' due to the thousands of POWs and labourers that died during its construction. The countryside's picturesque scenery contrasts with poignant history.
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