Once one of the world’s leading capitals, Ayutthaya’s myriad temples and palaces glittered from miles away. Today, the dozens of ruins offer a tantalising glimpse into what was once a glorious city. In 1991 Ayutthaya’s ruins were designated a Unesco World Heritage Site. The Unesco listing says Ayutthaya’s sites ‘represent a masterclass of genius’, the likes of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
Spend three days and two nights with a limited number of discerning guests on an exclusive cruise in an exotic Ayutthayan setting. Surround yourself in richly polished mahogany and teak in staterooms that feature tiled en suite bathrooms decorated in subtle marine colours and outfitted with every modern amenity. Ornately designed and decorated with an elegance evoking old Siam, the staterooms offer 20-25 square metres of fully air-conditioned space. Antiques and woven Thai silks adorn the rooms, while freshly cut flowers create a naturally soothing ambience.
MV Anantara Dream sets for sail in the center of Bangkok for a three-day cruise to Ayutthaya, the majestic former capital of Siam. Like a Queen itself stands the regal MV Anantara Dream. Overheaded by colorful painted and noisy long-tail boats, overheading strings of heavily-laden commercial barges lumbered and water taxis zipped between them, the vessels are brimful with fresh fruits and vegetables, live chicken and suckling pig, and are the delight of camera-toting visitors from near and far.
Standing on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River in Thonburi, Wat Arun has existed since the days when Ayutthaya was still the capital of Thailand. Today, it is one of Bangkok’s best-known landmarks, famous for its uniquely decorated chedis covered with thousands of pieces of multicoloured Chinese porcelain.
The journey continues with a stop at the exquisite Wat Niwet Thammaprawat. Constructed at the command of King Rama V in 1878, Wat Niwet Thammaprawat was built in the style of an English Gothic church. The temple’s stained glass windows and unusual architecture make it one of the most distinctive Buddhist temples in Thailand. Then, experience unique Thai craftsmanship while visiting the Ekaraj the Drum Making Village. Post-harvest, villagers carve the soft wood from the silk or rain tree to fit it with cow or buffalo skin for the drum head. This entire process can be viewed, from wood lathing to the final tuning of the skin, for an unforgettable inside look at village life.
Finally, be enraptured by the luxurious setting of the Chao Phraya cruise as you sail along the Bang Pa In Royal Palace. Located slightly south of Ayutthaya and dating back to the 17th century, Bang Pa In Palace was used as a country residence by the Ayutthayan Royal Families. When the capital was moved to Bangkok, King Rama V restored the palace compound as it now appears today, with various distinctive buildings, such as the Chinese style pavilion and the famous Thai pavilion in the middle of the lake.
Thailand’s mystic Ayutthaya along the “River of Kings” is a place that is rich with history and wonder. Observe and interact with its timeless beauty first-hand aboard the glorious MV Anantara Dream and be left with a rich, unforgettable experience.
For rates please contact us: anantara@asiariver.cruises
SOURCE Fine Boutique River Cruises