Ayutthaya by VIP Bus with Chao Phraya Cruise Back (Hotel Pickup Included)
A day that pairs the comfort of a VIP bus with a cruise down the Chao Phraya. You walk the ruins of Ayutthaya, capital of the Kingdom of Siam, then sail back toward the Bangkok skyline over a buffet lunch served on board.
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Officially TAT-licensed tour operator
Temples in the morning, the water in the afternoon: the Ayutthaya tour with river cruise from Bangkok
Travel back to the golden age of Siam without giving up any comfort. The day starts on board a VIP bus that leaves the edge of Bangkok behind and crosses open countryside all the way to Ayutthaya Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among centuries-old trees that wrap around Buddha faces and spires that cut into the sky, you get a real sense of a lost empire.
The way home is the other half of the trip. You board the Grand Pearl on the Chao Phraya and glide back to the city over a buffet lunch, watching the Royal Barge Museum, the outline of the Grand Palace and the spires of Wat Arun slide past from the water. It is a group departure with a licensed English-speaking guide, so the price stays low and everything is organized for you.
Destinations visited
General Information
| Tour Code | TFGP01 |
|---|---|
| Starting from | Bangkok |
| Duration | Full Day |
| Tour Type | Excursions |
| Tour Format | Group |
| Guide Language | English |
| Interests | Culture & Temples, Food & Cuisine |
| Available Period | All year round |
| Availability | Daily |
Sample Itinerary
Pickup at your hotel reception and transfer to the meeting point at the River City Shopping Complex.
We leave Bangkok on board a luxury air-conditioned bus. On the way north the guide introduces the history of the old capital, so you arrive knowing what you are looking at.
Arrival and guided walk through the most spectacular sites: Wat Mahathat with its famous Buddha head in the tree roots, the royal complex of Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the great bronze image of Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit and the monumental reclining Buddha of Wat Lokaya Sutharam.
Transfer to the pier and boarding of the Grand Pearl Cruise. The scenic sail back to Bangkok begins, with a generous buffet lunch served on board as you pass through Nonthaburi province.
Time to sit back with coffee service while the icons of Thailand go by from the water: the Royal Barge Museum, the outline of the Grand Palace and the spires of Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn.
Arrival at the River City pier. At the end of the day you are taken back to your hotel.
The itinerary may change due to weather conditions or other unforeseeable circumstances.
Inclusions
What the Tour Includes
- English-speaking assistance
- Licensed English-speaking guide
- Round-trip transfers from your hotel
- Air-conditioned VIP bus
- Chao Phraya river cruise on board the Grand Pearl
- Buffet lunch and still water during the cruise
- Entrance fees to the sites visited
Not Included
- Tips
- Extra drinks at lunch
- Personal expenses
Useful Tips
- Dress code: sacred sites ask you to cover shoulders and knees. Leave tank tops and short shorts at the hotel.
- Sun and heat: bring a light umbrella or a hat and plenty of sunscreen, above all for the temples in the morning.
- Respect: at Wat Mahathat you are asked to crouch down to photograph the Buddha head in the roots, so that your head is never higher than the sacred image.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell whether an excursion is right for me?
Every tour and activity is described in detail in your personalized itinerary. For each excursion you will find precise information on:
- Difficulty level: easy, moderate or demanding.
- Duration: from half a day to a full day.
- Requirements: minimum level of fitness, recommended age and accessibility.
Please also bear in mind that sea excursions by speedboat are usually not suitable for pregnant women or for people with heart or back problems. Travelers with disabilities should be accompanied by someone who can assist them when needed. If you have any doubts or specific requirements, your Travel Consultant is always at your disposal for personalized advice.
What happens in case of bad weather?
Safety is our priority. If weather conditions make an activity dangerous or inadvisable, the excursion will be:
- Rescheduled: we will try to move the activity to another day of your trip.
- Replaced: if rescheduling is not possible, we will offer an alternative activity of equal value.
- Refunded: if neither rescheduling nor replacement is possible, you will receive a full refund for the excursion you were unable to take.
Please remember that rain during the wet season rarely spoils an entire day. You will always be informed in advance of any changes.
What are the pick-up times?
All meeting and pick-up details are clearly stated in your final travel documents (which you receive about 3 weeks before departure).
- Time: we will let you know the exact pick-up time. Please be ready at the agreed place at least 15 minutes beforehand.
- Pick-up point: in most cases the pick-up takes place directly in the lobby of your accommodation (if it lies within the areas covered by the service). If it does not, we will tell you the nearest meeting point.
What should I bring with me on the excursions?
For every excursion we provide a list of recommended items. In general, we always suggest:
- Suitable clothing: for example, long pants and no low-cut tops when visiting the Grand Palace in Bangkok, light and breathable clothes for hot areas, a swimsuit, or comfortable shoes for light trekking.
- Protection: hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Hydration: water, especially on hot days.
- Vouchers and documents: where required, a copy (digital or printed) of your booking voucher.
Are meals or drinks included during the tours?
It depends on the excursion. The description of each tour in your itinerary clearly states whether the following are included:
- Lunch, dinner or snacks.
- Water or other drinks.
If you have any food allergies or intolerances, please let us know when you book, so that we can inform our local partners in advance.
Can I cancel or change a single excursion?
Yes, but specific terms apply. Cancellation and amendment conditions vary from one activity to another.
You will find the exact details for each excursion in the Terms and Conditions attached to your quotation. If you need to make a change or a cancellation, please write to us at info@thailandfantastic.com as soon as possible.
Are young children and infants allowed?
It depends on the activity. Some excursions, especially those by boat or those requiring physical effort, may have age or height restrictions for safety reasons. Any such restriction is stated in the tour description.
Please always tell us the exact age of every participant, children in particular, when you request a quotation.
