"Great holiday! Nice people! Exciting experiences! I would love to do it all again."
Elliot Henry (Thailand Uncovered, August 08) |
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AYUTTHAYA, THAILAND
The Kingdom of Ayutthaya existed from 1351 until 1767 when the Burmese invaded it. The city was extremely friendly towards foreign traders and permitted the Chinese, Vietnamese, Indians, Japanese, Persians, Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch and French to set up villages outside of the city walls.
During the sixteenth century, foreign traders described the city as 'one of the biggest and wealthiest cities in the East'. King Narai ruled Ayutthaya from 1656 to 1688 and had strong links with King Louis XIV of France. Ayutthaya's ruling stretched from Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand to Myanmar, Laos, parts of China and the Malay Peninsula until the city fell to the Burmese invasion in 1767.
 Today, only ruins of the formal capital remain and it is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, and has been so since 1991. Ayutthaya was once home to three palaces - The Grand Palace, Chantharakasem Palace and Wang Lang Palace. There any many temples scattered through-out the once magnificent city and along the river banks, some of the more central temples can be visited on foot.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet
At it's time, this was the largest temple in Ayutthaya and was used as a palace and temple by several Ayutthayan Kings. The temple was built in the 14th Century and the compound once contained a 16m high standing Buddha that was covered in 250kg of gold. The temple is now known mostly for its line of three Chedis (stupas) that were erected in the distinctive Ayutthayan style.
 Wat Mongkhon Bophit
This monastery, located near to Si Sanphet contains one of Thailand's largest Buddha images, a bronze casting dating back to the 15th Century.
Wat Phra Mahathat
The Wat dates back to the 14th Century and was built during the reign of King Ramesuan. The Wat received extensive damage during the Burmese invasion, but it still remains one of Ayutthaya's most impressive sights. The site is also home to one of Ayutthaya's most photographed sights - a Buddha head around which tree roots have grown.
Wat Thammikarat
Wat Thammikarat is located east of the Old Palace grounds. The Wat features lion sculptures and overgrown Chedi ruins.
Tours including Ayutthaya
| Tour |
Country |
Duration |
Price |
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| Classic Thailand |
Thailand |
13 days |
From UK£1,800 |
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Bangkok, River Kwai, Erawan National Park, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai. This tour of Thailand takes in many of the major cultural sights the country has to offer. From the hustle and bustle of Bangkok to the peaceful beauty of Erawan National Park, and from the ancient temples of Ayutthaya to the scenic cities of the north – Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, this is classic Thailand. Extensions to Ankhor Wat or one of Thailand's beautiful beaches are available. |
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| Discover Thailand |
Thailand |
10 days |
From UK£970 |
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Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, River Kwai. This family tour has been carefully designed for parents and kids to get the most out of a family holiday to Thailand. Missing out the more physical activities on some of our other family holidays, you enjoy a more leisurely pace as you take in the sights and sounds of Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Stay in specially selected family-friendly hotels and even join a local family for a fun home stay. |
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| North Thailand Explorer |
Thailand |
15 days |
From UK£570 |
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Bangkok, River Kwai, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai. Ideal for backpackers and independent travellers, our Northern Thailand Explorer takes you on an adventure to the jungles of the north. After enjoying the sites of Bangkok, Kanchanaburi and Ayutthaya, you head north to Chang Mai and Chiang Rai for jungle trekking, bamboo rafting, a hill-tribe village stay, river boat ride, and a jungle elephant ride. |
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| Taste of Thailand |
Thailand |
7 days |
From UK£980 |
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Bangkok, River Kwai, Erawan National Park, Ayutthaya. This short holiday offers a mouth-watering taste of Thailand and will leave you wanting more. Enjoy Bangkok’s many temples and palaces along with a tour to the bridge on the River Kwai and local Mon village. Experience the natural wonders of Erawan National Park and Thailand’s historic capital, Ayutthaya, and of course let’s not forget the real taste of Thailand with a Thai cookery tour! |
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| Temples & Palaces |
Thailand |
7 days |
From UK£720 |
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Bangkok, River Kwai, Erawan National Park, Ayutthaya. This short tour of Thailand provides a taste of some of the fascinating sights the area around Bangkok has to offer. We visit the temples of ancient Ayutthaya, the bridge on the River Kwai, the many splendid temples, palaces and markets of Bangkok and the natural beauty of Erawan National Park, all in just 7 days. |
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| Thailand Explorer |
Thailand |
24 days |
From UK£950 |
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Bangkok, River Kwai, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Jungle trek, Chiang Rai, Khao Sok, Ko Samui, Ko Tao. This comprehensive tour of Thailand allows you to experience all the beauty and friendliness this unique country has to offer. From the jungles and hill-tribes of the north to the beaches and coral reefs of the south this tour has it all, and a price you just can't resist. |
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| Treasures of Thailand |
Thailand |
10 days |
From UK£1,350 |
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Bangkok, River Kwai, Erawan National Park, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai. Visit Thailand in style with this carefully tailored tour, designed especially to give you just the right mix of luxury and adventure. After visiting the popular sights of Bangkok and its surroundings we head north to Chiang Mai for a taste of the more traditional Thailand. Beach extensions and other options are available and easily added to this tour. |
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