JOURNEY FROM PAST TO THE PRESENT
THAILAND
TRAVEL DOSSIER

A 5-day / 4-night journey from Ayutthaya to Bangkok, spanning the centuries from ancient Siamese glory to the modern metropolis.

CAMBODIA - VIETNAM
/ Summary
Asia Concierge

Journey from Past to the Present 5 day / 4 night travel program PRIVATE TOURING

Historical Ayutthaya provides a snapshot into the kingdom of Siam, where temples and ruins lay in testament to the glory of the ancient capital.

In stark contracts to heritage of Ayutthaya, we will then visit the modern metropolis of Bangkok, home to the Royal Grand Palace, and delve into Bangkok's melting pot of markets, temples and vibrant food scene which ranges from simple to sophisticated eateries.

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Luxury vintage boat
Damaged Buddha statues
BANGKOK - AYUTTHAYA
Thailand
day
1

Ayutthaya is one of Thailand’s majestic highlights. It was once one of the most glorified cities in Southeast Asia holding regional power for over 400 years. Visitors to Ayutthaya will marvel at its grandeur reflected in numerous temples and ruins concentrated in and around the city, which is located upon an island surrounded by the three rivers. 

From Suvarnabhumi Airport, we travel to Ayutthaya (approx. 75 minutes). Upon arrival, proceed with check-in and the time is yours to settle and relax.

In the afternoon, we start our journey with a visit to Wat Chaiwatthanaram, a magnificent temple on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River - the building of which was ordered by King Prasat Thong in 1630 to honor his mother, and featuring the architectural style influenced by the Angkor temple in Cambodia.

The eye-catching layout includes a raised platform and eight towering chedis, all linked to secret passageways containing colorful paintings that illustrate the life of Buddha.

Next, a 15-min drive will take us to the outskirts of Ayutthaya, to travel back in time on a private luxurious vintage wooden boat along the Noi River. As the boat floats down the river, enjoy exquisite snacks and drinks (soft drinks and sparkling wine) while observing the local way of life.   Upon disembarking, indulge in a luxurious traditional Thai dinner experience before returning to your hotel.

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Buddist nun outside the Royal Palace
AYUTTHAYA - BANGKOK
Thailand
day
2

After breakfast, we drive to Bang Pa-In Palace, also known as ‘the Summer Palace’, which was first used by the royal court as a summer retreat in the 17th century. However, the palace was destroyed with the fall of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya and was restored by King Rama IV in the middle of the 19th century. Most of the buildings that exist today date from the reign of King Rama V, who regularly spent his summers there. The structures represent architecture in various styles blended brilliantly to create a colorful symmetrical exterior and set in a large park around ponds and waterways, creating a fabulous scene. 

We head north to the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park. Located in the heart of the city, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a wonder to behold. Firstly, we will visit Wat Phra Mahathat which is famed for a large stone buddha head trapped in the exposed roots of a colossal banyan tree. Exactly how it got there remains mysterious until today. 

We will stop for a delightful traditional Thai lunch at a local restaurant in town. 

After lunch, we visit a local dessert shop where you can sample some traditional Thai sweets. 

Then, continue our journey by local Tuk Tuk to Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, which was revered as the grandest, most beautiful temple when it served the Siamese capital more than 700 years ago. Comprising three ruined chedis, this temple remains until today as a remarkable testament to an old culture, and its architecture is simply captivating. 

The last significant temple is Wat Lokaya Sutharam which houses the huge reclining Buddha, often wrapped in bright orange cloth. Even though it is very old, it is still in perfect condition with a lifelike face that beaming with happiness, the head supported by a lotus base platform. 

Upon finishing, we drive to Bangkok for check-in. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

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Traditional wooden house in Thonburi
Yaowarat Road
BANGKOK
Thailand
day
3

Your morning begins with a warm greeting from your travel expert at your hotel before heading to Thonburi, the former Siamese capital across the Chao Phraya River. There, a local guide will introduce us to their neighbourhood, offering a glimpse into a quieter, more authentic side of Bangkok rarely seen by visitors.

A highlight is our visit to the home of a local aristocratic family whose lineage in Thonburi spans five generations. Through their stories, we gain a personal perspective on the changes that have shaped this riverside community and its enduring traditions.

As we walk, we’ll witness daily life unfolding beside grand royal landmarks – a beautiful contrast between the ordinary and the majestic. We’ll travel by public transport, giving us the chance to experience the rhythms of the city as locals do.

Our morning ends at Aunty Noom’s boutique hotel, where tea and local snacks accompany an open conversation on modern Thai social issues. Enriched with new perspectives, we’ll return to your hotel in time for lunch, with the rest of the afternoon free to explore or unwind.

This evening, your travel expert will guide you through Bangkok’s vibrant Chinatown. Often called the ‘city that never sleeps,’ it bursts to life after dark with food stalls, night markets, and buzzing bars. Yaowarat Road transforms into a glowing strip of culinary energy, offering everything from classic street eats to surprising delicacies.

We’ll head into Chinatown’s maze of alleys to explore hidden food shops and sample some of the district’s most iconic dishes. Our evening culminates just around the corner from Hua Lamphong Station, where a quiet daytime alley is now a rising star in Bangkok’s bar scene. Over the past few years, restored shophouses here have been transformed into a collection of intimate, creative bars and galleries. The atmosphere is stylish but unpretentious, with each spot crafting its own signature cocktails.

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Hacker-Craft on the Chao Phraya River
BANGKOK
Thailand
day
4

We begin with a visit to the Grand Palace—Bangkok’s most iconic landmark. Though no longer a royal residence, it remains a place of national pride, home to golden halls, regal architecture, and the sacred Emerald Buddha. Nearby is Wat Pho, where the immense reclining Buddha—measuring 46 metres and covered in gold leaf—offers one of the city’s most awe-inspiring sights.

From there, we take a short walk along ‘Buddha Street,’ where religious amulets, talismans, and traditional medicines are displayed on the pavement for browsing. Rich in spiritual symbolism, this stretch offers a fascinating insight into everyday expressions of Thai belief.

Lunch is then enjoyed at a local restaurant, offering a relaxed break before we continue into the afternoon.

After lunch, we visit Wat Suthat—one of Bangkok’s oldest and most impressive temples. Known for its graceful prayer hall, sweeping roofs, and hand-carved teakwood doors, the temple is a place of peace and architectural beauty. Outside stands the iconic Giant Swing, a towering red structure once used in ancient Brahmin ceremonies.

In the mid-afternoon, we make our way to The Peninsula’s rooftop helipad for a private helicopter flight. This exclusive 20-minute ride offers panoramic views of Bangkok, soaring above the Chao Phraya River, the Grand Palace, and the city’s vast skyline—a thrilling perspective that few ever experience.

As the afternoon light softens, we descend to the hotel’s private pier to board a handcrafted mahogany Hacker-Craft boat. This elegant vessel takes us on a scenic sunset cruise along the Chao Phraya River. As we drift past riverside temples and glittering landmarks, Wat Arun appears in the twilight—its porcelain-spired silhouette glowing softly in the evening haze. A beautiful finale to a day rich in heritage, serenity, and unforgettable views.

Return to your hotel upon disembarkation.

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Bangkok cityscape
BANGKOK
Thailand
day
5

After check out, we drive to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport for your onward flight to your next destination.

PROGRAM CONCLUDES

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JOURNEY FROM PAST TO THE PRESENT
THAILAND
TRAVEL DOSSIER

Travel Designer Insights

Everyone wants to take in the highlights - we take a different approach:


Instead of arriving immediately into Bangkok why not head to the World Heritage site of Ayutthaya and begin the program there?  Compared to a day visit, as part of a longer Bangkok stay, we can efficiently cover a lot more ground this way and provide a more insightful experience. 


In Bangkok we visit Wat Pho and the Grand Palace in the afternoon, shortly before closure to avoid the bulk of the crowds. With a short 1 hour visit at each place we have still time to finish calmly for sunset drinks.

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