OVERVIEW

Ayutthaya was once upon time a majestic, rich and mighty city. During its ‘Golden Age’ (Seventeen Century), some big European or Asian nations like Japan, China, Portugal or France had close relationship with Siam. King of France, ‘Louis XIV’ sent permanent envoys, who settled a French counter down in Ayutthaya whereas Siamese ambassadors were sent to Versailles.

Founded in the fourteen Century by king U-Thong, Ayutthaya became one of the mightiest and biggest cities in Asia. Under the reign of King Naresuan, by end of Sixteen Century, Ayutthaya controled a huge territory including Lanna, part of actual Burma and Cambodia.
An attack of Burmese army by end of the Eighteen century sounds the doomsday of Ayutthaya. After the city was completely sacked, the court migrated southwards and settled down definitely in Bangkok, where they founded their new capital.

Ayutthaya was listed as World Heritage by UNESCO en 1991. The ruins reflect well the glorious past of the city and a full day is necessary to visit the main temples. A complete visit of the ruins including a stop in Bang Pa In takes certainly 2 days.

This exceptional cruise, sailing slowly on the rhythm of a traditional rice barge, will bring you back to time between Bangkok and Ayutthaya. You will stop here and there to discover some of the daily life of riverside inhabitants, or will admire some of the highlights punctuating the journey. It's simply an experience you can't get from just driving around the area, even if you managed to find a local car hire service at par with car rental ireland establishments. This trip is an experience absolutely exclusive, by the originality of the habitat, the quality of the service or the interest of the visited sites (Classified by UNESCO in 1991 as world heritage).

DAY 1:
MEALS: Dinner
- 13h30: (Approximately) Pick-up at your hotel (downtown Bangkok) or Bangkok airport (end morning arrival) - Transfer to the pier (departure point of the cruise) – Check in.
- 14h30: Departure of the cruise. Whilst sailing the river up to Ayutthaya, you will enjoy superb Bangkok historical highlights on both sides of the river – Smooth sailing upriver the whole afternoon.
- 18h00: Mooring At the pier of a little village on the very banks of the river – Whilst enjoying the sunset, comfortably installed on the deck, cooks will prepare a delicious dinner – Overnight on board