River Sun Cruise Ayutthaya Review

River Sun Cruise Ayutthaya Tour Review

How would you like to travel back in time to the former capital of the Kingdom of Thailand, visit its majestic palace and temple ruins, and relive the glorious Ayutthaya period? River Sun Cruise Ayutthaya Tour makes all of that a reality - in one day! One of the most popular tours, this tour takes you to Ayutthaya to visit the famous Bang Pa-In Summer Palace and three of the province's most famous temples (Wat Mahathat, Wat Na Phra Mane and Wat Lokayasutharam). En route back to Bangkok, local life and riverside scenery can be delighted in along with a palatable international buffet lunch on the comfortable River Sun cruiser.

A Magnificent Showcase of Multi-Cultural Architecture

The tour starts with a cosy bus ride from River City in Bangkok. The knowledgeable tour guide fills us in with not only an overview of Bangkok and Ayutthya, but also intriguing facts and figures about Thailand in general. An hour later, we arrive at Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, one of Ayutthaya's proud landmarks. Visitors are greeted by the vast expanse of green space which, together with the surrounding ponds, makes for a picaresque backdrop to the palace's multi-cultural buildings. You can explore by foot or, for more convenience, hire a golf buggy (a driver is provided if you need one). Similar to typical Thai royal palaces, Bang Pa-In Summer Palace is a large compound consisting of two main areas, The Outer Palace (buildings for public and ceremonial uses) and The Inner Palace (reserved for the King and his immediate family).

The Ins and Outs of the Palace

The Outer Palace features two splendid throne halls, Phra Thinang Aisawan Thiphya-art and Phra Thinang Warophat Phiman. Set in a middle of an outer pond, Phra Thinang Aisawan Thiphya-art is a Thai-style pavilion with four porches and a spire roof. Built by King Chulalongkorn in 1876, this gleaming pavilion now houses a bronze statue of the King himself. Another throne hall, Phra Thinang Warophat Phiman, was used to serve as a mansion for King Chulalongkorn. Built in a Neo-Classical style, this residence is still used whenever a member of the Royal Family resides at Bang Pa-In Palace. The Inner Palace features residential buildings, including a Chinese-style mansion, the King's two-storey Swiss chalet and European-style gazebos and cenotaph - all laid out in a beautiful garden setting with cute topiary.

A few minutes' drive away is Wat Na Phra Mane. Built during the later Ayutthaya period, Wat Na Phra Mane was one of a few temples that survived the Burmese ransack. The temple's Chapel Hall houses the principal Buddha image seated in the 'subduing Mara' position. Our last stop is at Wat Lokayasutharam with its mysterious origin - none of the historical records or any chronicles have mentioned the period in which the temple was built. It is assumed, though, that it was built in the Ayutthaya period and probably abandoned after the fall of the city when it was invaded by the Burmese. The temple houses Ayuthaya's largest reclining Buddha image, measuring 37 metres in length and built of bricks and plaster. Ruins of the 'viharn' (meeting and prayer room), 'ubosot' (ordination hall) and 'prang' (spire) still remain in the temple grounds.

It's Lunchtime!

After the temple of the reclining Bhuddha, guests are brought back on the bus with a piece of good news - we're heading to Chong Lom Temple where our buffet lunch cruise awaits. Welcomed by refreshing face towels, famished river farers are in for a sumptuous buffet feast on board. The food is predominantly Thai, with Western-style salad, sushi, desserts and fresh fruits. The menu consists of popular Thai dishes, the likes of 'pad thai' (stir-fried noodle with dried shrimp, tofu and ground peanut), fried rice, 'tom kha gai' (chicken in galangal soup) and 'gaeng kiew wan gai' (chicken in green curry). A selection of soft drinks, cocktails, wines and beers are also available (cash bar).

After lunch guests can lounge around either on the sun deck, at the front of the cruiser or in air-conditioned cabin lounge. Wherever you choose to be, a series of magnificent landmarks like the Grand Palace, King Rama VIII Bridge and Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) will unravel before your eyes. Prior to arrival at the River City, a refreshing beverage, tea/coffee and cookies are also served.

An Experience Not to Be Missed

Combining two wonderful journeys in one, River Sun Cruise allows visitors to experience it all - be it roadside or riverside scenery of Bangkok and Ayutthaya. This well thought-out tour takes you to witness Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, where Thai elegance and European opulence converge seamlessly, then trace the history of Ayutthaya through three of its most famous temples. Couples or families, this tour is ideal for all.

Tips: Make sure to keep yourself hydrated, especially during the morning part of the tour as it involves a lot of outdoor walking. Sun glasses and hats are advisable. Stalls selling water, soft drinks, energy drinks, coconut juice, fresh fruits and ice cream can be found at the palace, temples and also on the coach (drinks only).

Reviewed by: Chanun Poomsawai