Aladdin's adventure with the Ayutthaya Cruise Tour on the Chao Phraya River

Ayutthaya Cruise Tour

Booked with Sun Leisure World in Bangkok

Description :
Luxury and relaxing to Ayutthaya by Grand Pearl Cruise. Visit Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, Wat Phrasrisanphet and Wat Sun Leisure WorldChai Wattanaram, the most beautiful temple in Ayutthaya. In afternoon, sailing along the Chao Phraya River back to Bangkok. Enjoy the fascinating sights along the river banks as the wonderful Grand Palace and the Wat Phra Keo (The Emerald Buddha Temple), the graceful Wat Arun.

Itinerary :
Duration : 06:30 hrs - 16:30 hrs
06:30 - Pick up from various hotels in Bangkok.

08:00 - Take the excursion to visit Ayutthaya by air-conditioned coach.

09:00 - Arrive Bang-Pa-In (Summer Palace) built 17th century with its beautiful combination of the oriental and western architecture style, surrounding by a beautiful botanical royal garden. Proceed to Ayutthaya, the Ancient capital in the period of 1350-1767 A.D. The most interesting historical sites in the country, to visit a few famous Buddhist Temples, Wat Prasri-Sanphet in the Ancient Palace, transfer to Wat Mahatad and Wihan Phramongkhon Bophit

12:45 - Welcome on board Grand Pearl Cruise at Wat Chong-Rom Pier.

13:00 - Depart from The Wat Chong-Rom to Bangkok. The delicious buffet lunch with Thai & International cuisine will be served on board, in the meantime, to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery on Grand Pearl Cruise. To see The Thai Typical Life by passing Pathumthani, Nonthaburi provinces and the metropolitan scenes in Bangkok.

15:30 - Coffee break will be served. To enjoy the fascinating sights along the river, the beautiful Grand Palace and The Graceful Temple of Dawn.

16:30 - Arrive Bangkok at The River City Pier and be transferred to your hotel


Sunday 1st of February 2015 and I was about to shoot myself when my alarm went off at 5 o'clock. I didn't manage to fall asleep until past 2 o'clock in the morning. But as I was looking forward to Aladdin's adventure with the Ayutthaya Cruise Tour on the Chao Phraya Rivermy Ayutthaya Cruise I swung myself out of bed and in to the shower. Near boiling hot and I was soon awake. A quick cuppa and I was soon on my way to the Citadines Apart Hotel.

If this cruise is as good as the Rice Barge Cruise yesterday I will have a good day. And it was dark when I left my apartment, but the sun was coming up slowly over the houses

I was almost alone on the street Birds in Bangkokand it was quiet, well, not quite, there were a lot of birds singing, nothing you can hear when the noise starts in Aladdin's adventure with the Ayutthaya Cruise Tour on the Chao Phraya Riveran hour or so.

And the birds managed to make an early morning in to a quite noisy morning. But I enjoyed it, only God knows when I will be up early enough to enjoy the birds singing again.

I was at Citadines Apart Hotel 5 minutes early and there was a van outside. I went in to the reception to ask for some tape for my electronic cigarette. The driver came in to the reception and we were soon off. We stopped at the Jasmine House in the corner of Sukhumvit and Soi 23 to pick up 3 old guys from Japan.

We were soon on Sukhumvit Soi 18 to pick up a couple from Korea. And that was it, and we took off to the River City again. We will take the bus from there and we will visit 3 places before the Aladdin's adventure with the Ayutthaya Cruise Tour on the Chao Phraya Rivercruise start.

River City in Bangkok seems to be the new “tourist” head quarter in town. All the tourist buses and boats seems to be departing from here. A good idea, at least as long as it weekend and there is not much of the traffic, then it would be a killer coming here.

It was early so I didn't bother to go check Tom n' Toms Coffee, but I went to buy lip balm at the Family Mart. A lip balm that turned out to be pink, yeah, you can imagine. But pink lips are better than chapped lips

I boarded the bus and they were soon coming to pick up my money for the tour, Aladdin's adventure with the Ayutthaya Cruise Tour on the Chao Phraya River1850 Baht and I was pretty sure it said 1800 Baht on the internet when I booked the tour. (Checked when I was back home and it said 1850 Baht) So I was lucky I didn't get in to an “argument”

Well, anyway, we were soon on our way and it was amazing to see Bangkok from the highway while going North towards Ayutthaya. Foock, back in the days we drove through rice paddies going from Don Mueang to Sukhumvit. Now it looks like Shanghai or Tokyo outside of Bangkok with huge apartment complex.

Aladdin's adventure with the Ayutthaya Cruise Tour on the Chao Phraya River
Building new dwellings outside Bangkok

Aladdin's adventure with the Ayutthaya Cruise Tour on the Chao Phraya River
Building new dwellings outside Bangkok
And it is very obvious where the workers and the middle management (Heavily in depth for the rest of their lives) will live

Aladdin's adventure with the Ayutthaya Cruise Tour on the Chao Phraya River
Building new dwellings outside Bangkok
And it is very obvious where the workers and the middle management (Heavily in depth for the rest of their lives) will live

It was quite interesting to pass the scenery, but as I had not had any sleep during the night a was Yet another Smiley on www.aladdin.stsoon dozing off in my seat. I woke up in Bang-Pa-In just when we passed the hotel “Ayutthaya Garden River Home” where we stayed during the monk ordination at the Wat Aladdin's adventure at the Bang Pa-In Royal PalaceKamphaeng, วัดกำแพง in Bang-Pa-In.

I was soon dozing off again and we were soon approaching the Bang Pa-In Royal Palace. We parked at a parking place and there were about 15 buses.

And many of them were the same buses that had left River City in Bangkok earlier this morning. I guess they are on the same tour as us. Our Guide told us to be back at the bus after 1 and a half hour something and we left for the gate. Our Guide will buy Aladdin's adventure at the Bang Pa-In Royal Palacethe tickets and then we can walk alone or in the group if we want. And there were also golf carts for hire.

Entrance fee, 100 Baht for foreigners and 40 Baht for Thai people. So this is not a place I would normally have entered. Not about the money, but the principle. But now it was included.

The group left and I went in to the souvenir shop to see if I could find a bottle of water. There were a counter with fresh fruit and they made smoothies with the fresh fruit. I asked for a papaya and mango. I was soon to discover that they were going to make Aladdin's adventure at the Bang Pa-In Royal Palacethe smoothies using ice cubes.

Pure luck that I observed the progress with my smoothies and I managed to stop them in the nick of time. There was an ice cream counter and I asked them to add ice cream instead.

They told me that the staff was not here. I told them that I could “steal” some ice cream. But the freezer was locked. But the “girl” in charge was soon arriving and I got three cups of ice cream for my fresh fruit.

Two cups of fresh fruit turned in to 3 cups of the best smoothies, well, I think it is more correct to call my “temptations” for milk shakes. I hanged around in the Aladdin's adventure at the Bang Pa-In Royal Palace“milk shake” area joking with the girls while I enjoyed my smoothies.

There were several counters in the souvenir shop. Coffee and some other counters in addition to the ice cream and fresh fruit counters. I finished my smoothies and I was really full. Walk around the Bang Pa-In Royal Palace or hire an electric golf cart. I really fancied the idea with the electric golf cart, but it would be embarrassing to drive around with the electric golf cart. It is a 4 seater but it would look like a 2 seater with my 2, 8 meters between the back pockets. For sure an embarrassment I can live without. So walking it was, and it was quite nice. Still early in the morning and it was not hot.

Bang Pa-In Royal Palace, well, there were some buildings and I guess if you like building. You can as well walk around in the city, or in a park. I actually like the Benjasiri Park in Bangkok much more than walking around here.

I guess that most of the tourists coming to Thailand comes because of the beaches and the party, because if this is what they have on offer they will soon lose the tourists. Going north to see the night market and watch people painting an umbrella. And the orchid garden.

Well, as I mentioned, I met many tourists in Laos skipping Thailand all together. Here is nothing to do for the tourists, no wild life tours. And please don't get me started about the Khao Yai National park. People going to a National Park and throw garbage around like there is no tomorrow.

The tourists keep their garbage until they find a garbage bin and now they say they will increase the fees tenfold for foreigners in the national parks in Thailand. WAY TOO GO! SO I will for sure not set foot in any Thai National park again.

Aladdin's adventure at the Bang Pa-In Royal Palace
Bang Pa-In Royal Palace

(Thai: พระราชวังบางปะอิน), also known as the Summer Palace, is a palace complex formerly used by the Thai kings. The palace is located on the Chao Phraya River bank in Bang Pa-In district, Ayutthaya Province.

King Prasat Thong originally constructed the complex in 1632, and though it lay empty and overgrown throughout the late 18th and early 19th centuries, King Mongkut began to restore the site in the mid-19th century. Most of the present buildings were constructed between 1872 and 1889 by King Chulalongkorn.

The facilities include vast gardens and landscaping, Wehart Chamrunt (Heavenly Light), a Chinese-style royal palace and throne room; the Warophat Phiman (Excellent and Shining Heavenly Abode), a royal residence; Ho Withun Thasana (Sages' Lookout), a brightly painted lookout tower; and the Aisawan Thiphya-Art (Divine Seat of Personal Freedom), a pavilion constructed in the middle of a pond.

The palace remains largely open to visitors, as King Bhumibol Adulyadej and his family use it only rarely for banquets and special occasions.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Aladdin's adventure at the Bang Pa-In Royal Palace

Aladdin's adventure at the Bang Pa-In Royal Palace

Aladdin's adventure at the Bang Pa-In Royal Palace

Aladdin's adventure at the Bang Pa-In Royal Palace

Aladdin's adventure at the Bang Pa-In Royal Palace

Aladdin's adventure at the Bang Pa-In Royal Palace

Aladdin's adventure at the Bang Pa-In Royal Palace

Aladdin's adventure at the Bang Pa-In Royal Palace

Aladdin's adventure at the Bang Pa-In Royal Palace

Aladdin's adventure at the Bang Pa-In Royal Palace
Feeding the fishes Yet another Smiley on www.aladdin.st

Aladdin's adventure at the Bang Pa-In Royal Palace
Feeding the fishes Yet another Smiley on www.aladdin.st

Well, the “balloned” entrance fee was not enough. They want our last money to buy bread to feed THEIR fishes. This is a business plan that can make any one green of envy

Aladdin's adventure at the Bang Pa-In Royal Palace
A group of Blue shirts arriving

Aladdin's adventure at the Bang Pa-In Royal Palace
A group of Blue shirts arriving

Aladdin's adventure at the Bang Pa-In Royal Palace
A group of Blue shirts arriving
Picture by Aladdin

I was soon back at the gate and I had a chat with our Guide before going to buy a bottle of Royal water. It was time to leave for the bus on the parking place. Now there was a table next to all the Aladdin's adventure at the Bang Pa-In Royal Palacebuses and they had pictures of us for sale on the tables.

Picture with a plastic frame, yeah, classy, exactly what I have been looking for to have at home.

Well, not many people from our bus wanted the pictures. The 3 older Japanese Gentlemen that we picked up this morning. They are sitting in front of me in the bus and they bought the pictures and plastic frames.

We left Bang Pa-In Royal Palace bound for the Ayutthaya Historical Park/ Sukhothai Historical Park where we will make two stops before joining the cruise boat that will take us back to Bangkok. Aladdin's adventure at the Bang Pa-In Royal PalaceWe had not been on our way for long before I dozed off again.

All the excitements and lack of sleep and I was very tired.

When I woke up again we were in Ayutthaya and our first stop was at the Wat Maha That to see the “Buddha in the tree” And yes, I was excited, our Guide had been talking a lot about the “Buddha in the tree”. Actually I think it was the first he said this very morning, and within 5 minutes he had mentioned the “Buddha in the tree” several times.

So yes, I was excited and we were soon parking the bus, and there were plenty buses around us. Our Guide told us to be back at 11:15. Good for me to know as I walk around alone. If you're in Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Parkthe group it is not necessary to keep track of these times.

There were many people at Wat Maha That and as soon as our Guide had bought the tickets I was off to look for the “Buddha in the tree”. And I had to ask several times before I found it.

I think this was the main attraction at Wat Maha That, I had a few pictures before I went back to the entrance.

I bought a bottle of water and I saw our Guide sitting on a bench waiting. I went to have a chat with him and we were talking about safaris in Africa. He told me that they had elephants on our next stop.
- Wild? (Stupid question)
- No

I asked how this went together with the Buddhism, isn't Buddhism about respecting life. So how come they have elephants at the temple, as I guess the elephants don't experience the “time of their life” over there with all the tourists.

Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park


The Ayutthaya Historical Park/
Sukhothai Historical Park

(Thai: อุทยานประวัติศาสตร์พระนครศรีอยุธยา) covers the ruins of the old city of Ayutthaya, Thailand. The city of Ayutthaya was founded by King Ramathibodi I in 1350 and was the capital of the country until its destruction by the Burmese army in 1767.

In 1969 the Fine Arts Department began with renovations of the ruins, which became more serious after it was declared a historical park in 1976. A part of the park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. Thirty-five kings ruled the Ayutthaya kingdom during its existence. King Narai (1656 CE to 1688 CE) not only held court in Ayutthaya but also from his palace in the nearby city of Lopburi, from where he ruled 8–9 months in the year.

Park sites: • Wat Chaiwatthanaram
• Wat Kasatrathiraj
• Wat Kudi Dao
• Wat Lokayasutharam
• Wat Maha That (Buddha in the tree)
• Wat Phanan Choeng
• Wiharn Phra Mongkhon Bopit (Bronze Buddha)
• Wat Phra Ram
• Wat Phra Sri Sanphet
• Wat Ratchaburana, Ayutthaya
• Wat Chai Mongkhon
• Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon
• Phra Chedi Suriyothai
• Ayutthaya historical Study Centre
• Japanese Settlement
• Wat Phu Khao Thong
• Elephant Camp

See map HERE

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park


Wat Mahathat

or Mahathat Temple(Thai: วัดมหาธาตุ) is the most important and impressive temple in Sukhothai Historical Park. The temple’s name translates to “temple of the great relic”. The temple was founded by Sri Indraditya, between 1292 and 1347 as the main temple of the city as well as the Sukhothai Kingdom.

The design based on Mandala, representing the universe with main principal stupa, built in 1345 to enshrine relics of the Buddha, surrounded by smaller stupas in eight directions.

The main stupa has the graceful shape of a lotus bud, which characterizes the Sukhothai architectural arts. Its base is adorned with 168 stuccoed sculptings of Buddhist disciples walking with their hands clasped together in salutation.

The eight smaller stupas, of which the four at the corners are in Mon Haripunchai - Lanna style and the four in between show Khmer influence. At both sides of the main stupa has two 9 metre tall standing Buddha images called Phra Attharot (Thai: พระอัฏฐารส). The temple also comprises assembly hall (vihara), mandapa, ordination hall and 200 subodinate stupas.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Wat Maha That (Buddha in the tree)
Arriving to the Wat Maha That (Buddha in the tree)

Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Wat Maha That (Buddha in the tree)
Many people coming to have a look at the Buddha in the tree

Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Wat Maha That (Buddha in the tree)
Our Guide

Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Wat Maha That (Buddha in the tree)
Wat Maha That (Buddha in the tree)

Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Wat Maha That (Buddha in the tree)
Wat Maha That (Buddha in the tree)

Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Wat Maha That (Buddha in the tree)
Wat Maha That (Buddha in the tree)

Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Wat Maha That (Buddha in the tree)
Wat Maha That (Buddha in the tree)

Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Wat Maha That (Buddha in the tree)
Wat Maha That (Buddha in the tree)

Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Wat Maha That (Buddha in the tree)
Wat Maha That (Buddha in the tree)

Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Wat Maha That (Buddha in the tree)
Wat Maha That (Buddha in the tree)

Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Wat Maha That (Buddha in the tree)
Wat Maha That (Buddha in the tree)

Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Wat Maha That (Buddha in the tree)
There is no end to the excitement

Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Wat Maha That (Buddha in the tree)
Some girls passing by

Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Wat Maha That (Buddha in the tree)
Wat Maha That (Buddha in the tree)

Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Wat Maha That (Buddha in the tree)
Wat Maha That (Buddha in the tree)

Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Wat Maha That (Buddha in the tree)
Excitements for as long as I can see

Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Wat Maha That (Buddha in the tree)

Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Wat Maha That (Buddha in the tree)
Most Buddha’s missing the heads because the Burmese took them hundreds of years ago

Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Wat Maha That (Buddha in the tree)

Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Wat Maha That (Buddha in the tree)
Most Buddha’s missing the heads because the Burmese took them hundreds of years ago

Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Wat Maha That (Buddha in the tree)

Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Wat Maha That (Buddha in the tree)
What is this? Seems to be some action, finally!

Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Wat Maha That (Buddha in the tree)
Yes, the main attraction

Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Wat Maha That (Buddha in the tree)

Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Wat Maha That (Buddha in the tree)

Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Wat Maha That (Buddha in the tree)

Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Wat Maha That (Buddha in the tree)

Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Wat Maha That (Buddha in the tree)

Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Wat Maha That (Buddha in the tree)
Picture by Aladdin

Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit

Seated Buddha Damaged and then repaired when the original viharn collapsed in the 18th century, this giant Buddha stood in the open for the next 200 years. One of the largest in Thailand, it was sculpted, according to the site guidebook, in 1538 at Wat Chichiang.

The original viharn (image hall) of Phra Mongkol Bophit was built in 1610, and damaged when its roof collapsed in 1767. This is a modern replacement, built in 1951 to shelter the Buddha image inside.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit
We stop at Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit and we depart again @ 12:20

Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit
Our Guide explains something

Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit

Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit
Toilet of the year in Ayutthaya - For 6 years

Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit
Toilet of the year in Ayutthaya - For 6 years

Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit

Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit

Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit

Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit

Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit

Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit
Entrance to the Bronze Buddha

Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit
We have to take off our shoes

Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit

Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit

Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit

Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit

Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit

Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit

Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit

Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit

Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit
Wang Luang - Royal Palace

Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit

Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit

Aladdin's adventure at The Ayutthaya Historical Park - Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit
Wang Luang - Royal Palace
Picture by Aladdin

Map over The Ayutthaya Historical Park
Click HERE for a bigger map

We walked around the bronze statue and I was soon back at the prize winning toilets where I met our Guide. We talked about pain and he showed me some Chinese Sushi moves I will try. He also introduced me to some Chinese mushrooms that made wonders. Among them curing baldness. I ordered 4 jars of these capsules and he would deliver them to me when we were back in Bangkok.

I was happy when we left the Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit behind, and that is even though I had meet a few girls from Bangkok that I chatted with. Let's get on the boat and finally start to Aladdin's adventure with the Ayutthaya Cruise Tour on the Chao Phraya Rivercruise down the Chao Phraya River to Bangkok, the reason why I had joined this Ayutthaya Cruise Tour.

And I was hungry so I was really looking forward to the “delicious buffet lunch with Thai & International cuisine” on board Grand Pearl's cruiser. This sounded like a feast and we were soon on our way.

We were soon on the highway going back towards Bangkok and I thought the boat was just outside Ayutthaya but when we reached Rangsit, the suburbs of Bangkok I woke up our Guide. I asked where we were going. He told me that we were going to the boat
- We're foocking back in Bangkok!

All the other passengers, where just like me under the impression that we would cruise back from Aladdin's adventure with the Ayutthaya Cruise Tour on the Chao Phraya RiverAyutthaya. Thus the name Ayutthaya Cruise Tour. This was, if not a scam, to mislead the customers and I was kind of upset.

I had thought that we would cruise through the country side and now we will cruise through city views yet again. And when we reached the boat I discovered that the area looked like a land fill. For sure not the “Enjoyable fascinating sights along the river” I had expected. And as soon as I had boarded the cruise boat I ran in to an onslaught of disappointments.

It was crowded and the “delicious buffet lunch with Thai & International cuisine” Yet another Smiley on www.aladdin.st Hmm, what to say? But if I had entered a restaurant for a 99 Baht buffet I would have turned around after Aladdin's adventure with the Ayutthaya Cruise Tour on the Chao Phraya Riverhaving seen this. The “International cuisine” turned out to be spaghetti and meat sauce. And I had expected more from this buffet. Not Marriott standard, but more than this.

I went to eat at the table reserved for the Guides as there were no way I was going to sit in someone’s lap in the crowd. Well, I didn't ate much and I was soon on top deck to see the views.

It was nice to be alone on the top of the boat. Well, there was a Japanese guy sitting there, but it was only the two of us. But for how long, free food is always keeping people busy, but I expect the top deck to be full quite soon. It was quite nice to cruise down the river and it had been OK if they had sold it as a Bangkok Cruise instead of an Ayutthaya Cruise.

Aladdin's adventure with the Ayutthaya Cruise Tour on the Chao Phraya River

Aladdin's adventure with the Ayutthaya Cruise Tour on the Chao Phraya River

Aladdin's adventure with the Ayutthaya Cruise Tour on the Chao Phraya River
Looks like a landfill where we board the cruise boat

Aladdin's adventure with the Ayutthaya Cruise Tour on the Chao Phraya River
The place where we board the boat

Aladdin's adventure with the Ayutthaya Cruise Tour on the Chao Phraya River
Our boat

Aladdin's adventure with the Ayutthaya Cruise Tour on the Chao Phraya River
Boarding the boat

Aladdin's adventure with the Ayutthaya Cruise Tour on the Chao Phraya River
Boarding the boat

Yet another stupid slide show with good music

Aladdin's adventure with the Ayutthaya Cruise Tour on the Chao Phraya River
We can see our end station, the River City

Aladdin's adventure with the Ayutthaya Cruise Tour on the Chao Phraya River
We can see our end station, the River City

Aladdin's adventure with the Ayutthaya Cruise Tour on the Chao Phraya River
We can see our end station, the River City

Aladdin's adventure with the Ayutthaya Cruise Tour on the Chao Phraya River
We can see our end station, the River City

Aladdin's adventure with the Ayutthaya Cruise Tour on the Chao Phraya River
We can see our end station, the River City

Aladdin's adventure with the Ayutthaya Cruise Tour on the Chao Phraya River
River City

Aladdin's adventure with the Ayutthaya Cruise Tour on the Chao Phraya River
River City

Aladdin's adventure with the Ayutthaya Cruise Tour on the Chao Phraya River
River City

Aladdin's adventure with the Ayutthaya Cruise Tour on the Chao Phraya River
Almost there and time to go home
Picture by Aladdin


Bangkok Tourist attraction review - Reviewed by Review Man
How to kill a day in Bangkok #5
Review: Ayutthaya by Cruise Tour

Booked through Sun Leisure World and operated by Grand Pearl Cruise

Fee: 1850 Baht
Web page: www.sunleisureworld.com
Address: 293/116 Sukhnivat-2, Pracha Uthit 69, Pracha Uthit Road, Bangkok 10140
Tel: +66 (0)81 440 9926 and +66 (0)2 817 2294 - February 2015
Opening Hours: No hours of operation mentioned on their web page

Web page: www.grandpearlcruise.com
Address: 123-125 Soi Charoennakhorn 13, Charoennakhorn Road, Bangkok 10600
Tel: +66 (0)2 861 0255 EXT. 5 - February 2015
Opening Hours: No hours of operation mentioned on their web page

A good sign to start the tour with, I didn't had to wait for many minutes before they came to pick me up at Citadines Apart Hotel on Sukhumvit Soi 23. No need to wait for hours just to hear the stupid excuse: Traffic jam!

We took off to pick up a few more passengers at 2 more hotels before we drove off to the River City. Obviously, tours in Bangkok are something you should do on the weekends, or you risk ending up spending hours in the traffic. Early Sunday morning and we were soon at the River City.

There were several coaches at the River City and we were showed to our bus. We were joined by several other small groups so there are obviously several “tour companies” selling tickets and Grand Pearl is operating the tour. The guide asked us to put a red sticker on the shirt, but I told him that I will not wear a sticker on my shirt.

We were soon on our way towards Ayutthaya and we would make a stop at Bang-Pa-In to have a look at the Bang Pa-In Royal Palace/ Summer Palace. We stopped for an hour or so before we continued to Ayutthaya.

Bang Pa-In Royal Palace/ Summer Palace: First a scam warning! Foreigners pay more than double price to enter. Well, I joined the tour for the cruise. But the Bang Pa-In Royal Palace/ Summer Palace consisted of a few houses and if you like this it was a good place. For me, I walked around and it was quite boring. And I spoke with some of the other visitors at Bang Pa-In Royal Palace/ Summer Palace
- It is a house. Yesterday we were at Grand palace, and that was a BIG house
- Yes, I agreed, a yawn warning! Yet another Smiley on www.aladdin.st

Ayutthaya Historical Park - Wat Maha That (Buddha in the tree) and the Wihan Phramongkhon Bophit (Bronze Buddha): Same as the Bang Pa-In Royal Palace/ Summer Palace, it was nice to walk around meeting people after the bus trip. But it is ruins and exactly how exciting can it get? I was glad when we left for the cruise boat.

We were soon in the bus again and I was surprised to find us on the highway back to Bangkok. Well, when we passed Rangsit I woke up our Guide. I asked where we were going.
- I was under the impression that we were going to cruise down the river from Ayutthaya
- No, we're going to join the cruise boat at blah blah blah (I don't know the place)
- We're back in Bangkok, I said
- No no, we're not in Bangkok
- We're in the **** suburbs!
- No, we're outside Bangkok

I have lived in Bangkok for 20 years, but the tourists didn't had a clue where they were and they started to look around alarmed by the commotion. And yes, they were all under the same impression that we would cruise from Ayutthaya. And if you read the itinerary it is easy to get that impression. I quote:

09:00 hrs
Arrive Bang-Pa-In (Summer Palace) built 17th century with its beautiful combination of the oriental and western architecture style, surrounding by a beautiful botanical royal garden. Proceed to Ayutthaya, the Ancient capital in the period of 1350-1767 A.D. The most interesting historical sites in the country, to visit a few famous Buddhist Temples, Wat Prasri-Sanphet in the Ancient Palace, transfer to Wat Mahatad and Wihan Phramongkhon Bophit

12:45 hrs
Welcome on board Grand Pearl Cruise at Wat Chong-Rom Pier.


We boarded the cruise boat at a place looking like a land fill. And let me quote again:

The delicious buffet lunch with Thai & International cuisine will be served on board, in the meantime, to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery on Grand Pearl Cruise.

International cuisine turned out to be SPAGHETTI AND MEAT SAUCE. And the fried rice with shrimp, the only sign of shrimp was a piece of shrimp shell I discovered too late and I lost my appetite. Seriously, I would have turned around if I ran in to this even as a 99 Baht buffet.

The boat was crowded with people and this was not how I had imagined the “relax and enjoy” aboard the Grand Pearl Cruise Liner

Bangkok Tourist attraction review - Reviewed by Review Man
Rated:Bangkok Tourist attraction review - Reviewed by Review Man
Rated:Bangkok Tourist attraction review - Reviewed by Review Man SCAM ALERT!

Well, the cruise was kind of OK even though it was not what I had expected. We boarded in something that looked like a land fill and no sign of any country side. But if you like ruins and as long as you're not under the impression that you will cruise back to Bangkok from Ayutthaya it was OK.

And why is foreigner paying entrance fees when the Thai come in for free? Or we have to pay more than twice the Thai price. Because we're richer? Are we going to charge entrance fee according to how much money the visitor have? Imagine to do something like this in Europe!

But if you don't have any problem with the double pricing system, the, yeah I call it a scam as we were under the impression that the cruise would go from Ayutthaya and the bad food I can recommend the cruise.

And yes, it says Nonthaburi in the itinerary, but for us, that means **** all. Especially that it isn't mentioned anything about going back for an hour with the bus to Nonthaburi. Si it is a clear try (successfully) to mislead us Welcome aboard the Grand Pearl Cruise Liner at Wat Chong-lom Pier (Nonthaburi)

Of course, the experience would have been million times better if it wasn't for all the garbage in the Chao Phraya River and the Canals.

Review Man

We we're back at the River City around 4 o'clock and I stopped at Tom n' Tom Coffee to see if the girls were working. She wasn't working and I was soon in the van going back home. Our Japanese Gentlemen stayed behind and the first stop was at my condo. Well, now we will see where my next “What to do for fun when you're too old for party - How to kill a day in Bangkok” adventure will take me. But this will not be until the end of the week.

I will have a rest tomorrow, and I will make a VISA extension on Tuesday so there will be no problem to kill a day. We will have the funeral for my friend on Wednesday and Thursday so it is not a nice week ahead of me. And we will go for the funeral at Wat Hua Lamphong (วัดหัวลำโพง) on Wednesday evening.

Unemploymet is EU's biggest export to the UK



       
                  

OK, it has come to my knowledge that we have senior citizen visiting my web page. How hard can it be? So it's not very easy for them to see the blue coloured links to the next page.
Jiffy (also jiff)

noun [in SING.] informal a moment: we'll be back in a jiffy.

ORIGIN late 18th cent.: of unknown origin.

So as you understand, in a jiff pretty much depends on your internet.
So I put a “Next” button here and I hope that there isn't any problem to understand how to use that one. So just CLICK the “Next” button on your left hand side and you will be on the next page in a jiff!

Marunong ka mag-tagalog? Walang problema! Magpunta sa kabilang pahina pindutin ang “NEXT” button sa itaas

Faites vous parlez le français? Pas de problème! Pour arriver à la page suivante faites s'il vous plaît un déclic le bouton “Next” ci-dessus!

Haga usted dice el español? No hay problema! Ver la siguiente página sólo hacer clic el botón “Next” encima!

Farla parla l'italiano? Non problemi! Per vedere la prossima pagina lo scatto per favore giusto Il bottone “Next” sopra

Sprechen sie Deutsch! Kein problem! Wenn Sie die folgende Seite sehen wollen gerade klicken der Knopf “Next” oben!

คุณพูดภาษาไทยได้ไหม ไม่มีปัญหา ถ้าคุณต้องการไปหน้าถัดไป ให้กดปุ่ม “Next” ข้างบนนี้

Вы говорите по-русски? NJET PROBLEMA! Просто нажмите синюю кнопку "Next" с левой стороны и Вы моментально переместитесь на следующую страницу!

E ni Svenskar och inte förstår Engelska så ska ni skämmas. J och Björn, med det menar jag inte att alla mina stavfel ska ältas varje gång vi träffas.

Flag of Skåne / Skånska flaggan Well, the flag of Skåne, just a BONUS flag.


                                       

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