Ayutthaya, short for Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, is a small city in Thailand containing archaeological sites like temples, monasteries, palaces, etc. It lies just 80 kilometres north of Bangkok and is an ideal destination for a day trip from Bangkok. Often referred to as Krung Kao or ‘ancient capital’, Ayutthaya was a significant centre of trade, economy, art and culture during its time and successfully flourished for over 400 years. It is a beautiful city oozing history and culture and a UNESCO world heritage site. It derives its name from the Sanskrit word for the place Ayodhya of Ramayana, the birthplace of Lord Ram.

Architecturally rich, it is a magical land for photographers. Ayutthaya offers a lot of Wats and monasteries like Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, Wat Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana and many more, where tourists usually go for sightseeing. It is a popular day trip choice for travellers in Thailand who want to see something different that has visually more heritage. Today, compared to ancient times, a lot of modern Thai culture is evolving in this place. A lot of guesthouses and cafes have been built for tourist recreation.

A dinner cruise is the perfect romantic getaway for you and your special someone. Dine on luxurious tasting menus or unlimited buffets while floating on the Chao Phraya river, slowly sailing through the heart of Bangkok. Your food will be accompanied by the beautiful sights of the Grand Palace, the Temple of Dawn, and so much more. Many of the cruises also have live music playing to set the mood for your perfect night.

The Dream World theme park is located in Thanyaburi, which is an easy 50-minute drive from Bangkok. The amusement park offers a cheerful, bustling ambience, complete with rollercoasters, colourful parades, candy floss, waterworks, flowering gardens, a snow park and entertainment shows. Children and adults can indulge themselves in the vivacity of Dream World.

Formerly known as Dennermit, the Dream World is a fantastic family experience with over seven vast zones and 40 rides. Each of the seven zones holds various facilities and services to ensure a memorable trip. A tourist ticket of just USD 30 opens up to 27 rides, animal events and even a 4D adventure show! This ticket would also hold an opportunity to visit the weekend Parade Show. Crediting to the amusement park’s refreshing landscapes and well-maintained park amenities, Dream World offers great photoshoot opportunities. Most of the rides and themes at the Dream World hold great significance to Disneyland.

Popularly known as Thailand’s Sex capital and party hub, Pattaya is a coastal city in the Gulf of Thailand which over the years has steadily grown out of its infamous tag. The beaches and islands in Pattaya offer a wide variety of watersports, snorkelling options, restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops, making it ideal for families, friends and couples. The nightlife in Pattaya is quite famous for being loud, flashy and handsy. Walking Street in Pattaya is characteristic of bright streets lights and signs hovering over open bars, go-go bars and women standing along the streets. Cabaret shows such as the Alcazar Show and Tiffany’s Cabaret Show also are popular tourist attractions during the night. Located within a two hours drive distance from Bangkok, most tourists to Pattaya come via trains, buses or cars from the capital.

Established around a wide crescent-shaped bay, Ao Pattaya, this exotic island is an ideal destination for adventure lovers and party buffs. With its beautiful and serene beaches, swaying palm groves and clear blue sky, Pattaya can make anyone fall in love with its diversity. The city caters to the varied interests of its visitors offering a plethora of tourist attraction ranging from zoos, themes parks, botanical garden, temples, markets, illuminating streets at night, water sport activities and relaxing tropical setting.

Pattaya is divided into three zones North, Central and South each one offering something different from the other. The place attracts a large number of tourists every year to explore and enjoy the raw beauty of nature sprinkled all across Pattaya. With an exciting nightlife, a memorable shopping experience, thrilling water sports and a variety of other leisure activities this place an ideal destination for friends, families and couples.

Formed by four major tributaries of Thailand, the Chao Phraya River, also known as The River of Kings, is one of the legendary rivers of Thailand. While on one hand the river serves as one of the widely used modes of commuting for the citizens as well as tourists, you may as well hop on a boat or a cruise to sightsee some of the iconic tourist spots of Bangkok and Ayutthaya, passing by them one after the other while you relax on the ferry.

While sailing across the Ayutthaya city in the Chao Phraya River, you may easily spot some of the ancient sites and structures present across the city borders, most of which are in ruins. These historic sites allow you to take a glimpse into the ancient times when the city of Ayutthaya lived its golden era.

Safari World is one of the most favourite destinations in Bangkok, with both tourists and locals descending on the park to spend quality time amongst the wildlife. Not only a place for gathering knowledge about the ways and lives of wild animals, but it also offers a host of entertaining shows along with activities.

Safari World began operating as a zoo in 1988, with provisions for the addition of a bird park. However, it expanded into an entertainment park the very next year by offering several exciting activities within the open zoo. A marine park was added soon after featuring many underwater animals. Safari World in Bangkok is one of the most coveted destinations in Thailand where the visitors can get up close and personal with wild animals from all across the world. It is a zoo with a difference offering many entertainment options, including feeding and petting the animals.

An ancient structure dating back to the battles between the former Siam and Burma, Wat Arun is a place of worship with rich past. Also known as the Temple of Dawn, the site was built by remaining survivors and General Taksin. Later, the temple was renamed as Aruna after the Indian God of dawn to commemorate the founding of a new Ayutthaya, the former capital of the kingdom.

The temple is a massive structure with a key highlight being the 82m-high rahng (Khmer-style tower). This structure was constructed by Rama II and later completed by Rama III during the first half of the 19th century. As one reach up close, the intricate design of ornate floral mosaics made from broken, multihued Chinese porcelain becomes prominent. The main idol of Buddha installed is said to be designed by King Rama II while the striking murals adorning the temple date back to from the reign of Rama V.

An eye-catching feature of Wat Arun is the depiction of Prince Siddhartha encountering examples of birth, old age, sickness and death outside his palace walls. These stages finally lead him to abandon worldly life. Presiding at the base of the Buddha idol is the ashes of Rama II. However, the scariest aspect of this divine temple is its steep flight of stairs. As one reaches the top, it is a different story. The view of Chao Phraya River with the sun setting just above is a stunning sight making for an unforgettable memory.

Wat Mahathat, also known as the temple of the great relics, is the place where Buddha relics were enshrined. The Supreme Patriarch, or the Holy Father sat here and commanded his disciples. The temple is said to have nearly identical structures to those in the Ankgor temple complex in Cambodia.

The residence of the Supreme Patriarch of the Thai Buddhist monks, this fascinating temple was built in the 14th century A.D. Wat Mahathat is famous for its Buddha head embedded into the roots of a tree. It is a great place for Buddhism study and meditation.