Bangkok Day Tour: Ayutthaya and River Cruise (full day)

Travel back in time on this immersive day tour as you explore the ancient city of Ayutthaya, where luscious grass contrasts with stone temple ruins for an iconic experience. From Bangkok, ride north through the countryside to the ancient city and venture through ornate temples and monasteries where massive Buddha statues stare down at you and peer out from tangled tree roots. After you've seen it all, enjoy a relaxing river cruise down the River of Kings and indulge in a delicious lunch buffet while admiring the Thai river life and scenery.

Day 1 Bangkok
Duration: 9 hours

Meeting Point: 7:00am at Grand Pearl Restaurant in River City Shopping Complex

Finish Point: River City Shopping Complex Pier

Itinerary:
Leave the Bangkok hustle and bustle behind while you spend the day exploring the ancient city of Ayutthaya. Rise early to meet your guide at the River City Shopping Complex where you'll board a Grand Pearl luxury air–conditioned coach for a comfortable and stunning drive north through the countryside.

During a pitstop halfway, visit Bang Pa-In and admire the colourful Summer Palace of King Rama V with its mixture of Thai, Chinese and Gothic architecture. Also on the peaceful complex, see the floating pavilion Aisawan Thiphya, Warophat Phiman Neo-classical mansion, and the ornamental palace and throne room of Wehart Chamrun.

On arrival at Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage site, begin your adventure to the temple ruins where luscious grass grows around the ancient red brick and stone. Be sure to find the stone Buddha head peaking out of tangled tree roots. Visit Wat Mahatad, the royal monastery that served as the residence of the supreme monk. Explore inside the largest and one of the most important temples, Wat Phrasrisanphet, and marvel at Wihan Phramongkhon Bophit, a massive, meditating bronze Buddha statue.

Spend the afternoon aboard the Grand Pearl Cruise Liner and embark from the Wat Chong-lom Pier down the Chao Phraya River back towards Bangkok. Coffee and tea will be served as you glide along the River of Kings passing through exciting Thai river life. Keep an eye out for Thammasart University, Siriraj hospital, the royal Grand Palace, and Wat Arun (the temple of dawn) with its magnificent 79 meter spire. Before disembarking, indulge in a sumptuous buffet lunch with a choice of Thai and Western cuisines.

On arrival at the River City Shopping Complex Pier in Bangkok, say goodbye to the cruise liner as this adventure comes to an end.

Note that this Day Tour is operated by one of G Adventures' preferred suppliers and will be a shared service with other non-G Adventures travellers.