Ayutthaya day trip and boat cruise:

For first-time visitors to Thailand and for attendants who would enjoy a scenic conclusion to the two day conference, ICIRD 2011 offers an optional daytrip to the old Siamese capital of Ayutthaya. This trip will take place on 21 May 2011 and can be booked during the registration process for an additional US$ 60 or THB 1800.


A prosperous political and trade capital of Siam and Southeast Asia between the 14th and 18th centuries, Ayutthaya harbours a wealth of history through its fascinating temple ruins and palaces – many believed to have been gilded with gold. At the height of prosperity, Ayutthaya maintained warm diplomatic ties with the French court as well as Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, Persians and East Asian countries; their influences are reflected in the architectural styles at the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace as well as temples located inside the city moat.

Today, despite their ruined state, Ayutthaya temples maintain a revered feel. Strolling the grounds of these ruins makes you feel humbled, particularly as you try to imagine what might have been the original sights before the Burmese ransacked and burned the city to the ground.

Time:
21 May 2011, 07:30 –15:30 hrs.

Includes:
- Air conditioned vehicle with English-speaking guide.
- Pickup at Viengtai Hotel.
- Admission to all sites visited on the trip.
- Boat cruise back from Ayutthaya to Bangkok.
- Buffet lunch on board.
- Insurance

Schedule

07.30	Check-in at Viengtai Hotel
08.00	Depart by coach from Viengtai Hotel
09.30	Arrive at the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, built during the Ayutthaya era. The palace showcases an eclectic collection of buildings that blend European, Khmer, Thai and Chinese architectural styles.
10.30	Arrive in Ayutthaya, the former Thai capital for over 400 years. Witness the glory of the ancient capital through its temple and palace ruins, which still command respect and reverence amongst those who have set a foot on their grounds. River Sun brings you a combination of the ruins and the remaining historical attractions. Wat Maha That - Over 600 years old, Wat Maha That was the heart and soul of Ayutthaya people. It was almost completely destroyed by the Burmese during the Thai-Burmese War. Wat Na Phra Mane - Remains in perfect condition, as it was used as the Burmese military headquarters during the war. The splendid Golden Buddha, dressed in regal attire, was placed in the temple along with the three thousand-year-old Buddha carved from green stone, both are considered extremely valuable national relics. Wat Lokayasutharam - has a mysterious past, whereby its origins are unknown. The temple enshrines a large reclining Buddha image, constructed in the style of Early Ayutthaya Period.
12.30	Depart Wat Lokayasutharam for the River Sun Cruise, at Wat Chong Lom Pier, Nonthaburi. Buffet Lunch: Delicious meals served in the luxurious surrounds of a cruise boat. Afternoon - Coffee Break - Witness the beauty of the Chao Phraya River and rural life along the two riverbanks from the cruise deck or from the cool, air-conditioned passenger cabin. Arriving in Bangkok, you will pass by the majestic Grand Palace and Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn).
15.30 (approx.)	Arrive at the River City Complex Pier, Si Phraya pier in Bangkok. Throughout the trip, expert guides will explain the history and legends of the respective sights, which have all been carefully chosen to facilitate a comparative study of the past and present as well as highlighting natural beauty of Thailand’s countryside.