Bangkok, Thailand after GAP Adventures Laos Tour - 1/17/10-1/20/10

After leaving GAP group I visited a few sites.

1/18/10 - Went with John and Chowarawat by private car to Muang Boran (Ancient City) which is one of the 'must-do' side trips in Bangkok. It is the largest outdoor museum in world with 116 scaled-down replicas of Thailand's most historically significant structures built on 320 acres of land. It is configured like the map of Thailand. The originators are the couple, Khun Lek and Khun Prapai Wiriyapan, both of whom long passed away. Their heirs have succeeded and been running this enterprise, focusing on improvement and preservation of what the couple started. We spent several hours there and it is a spectacular place to visit. It is privately held without any government funding. A wonderful excursion!!

1/19/10 - Took excursion to Ayutthaya by van up to visit to Pang Pa-in Temple, ruins of Ayutthaya and cruise back to Bangkok.

• 07:45 hrs. : Depart Bangkok by air-conditioned coach
  
• 09:00 hrs. : Arrive Bang Pa-In Summer Palace. Previously lived in by many Thai monarchs from 17 th century. Bang Pa-In has a captivating collection of marvelous pavilions in a variety of Thai, Chinese, Italian and Victorian architectural styles, encircled by lush beautiful gardens and lake.
  
• 10:30 hrs. : Arrive Ayutthaya the world heritage city. Ancient Capital City of Thailand. Visited Wat Phra Sri San Phet, the largest temple in Ayutthaya that was built in the 14 th century and used as the Royal Temple-cum-palace by several kings; Viharn Phra Monkol Bopit; Wat Chai Wattanaram built in 1630 by King Prasat Thong, a replica of Angkor Wat with a huge prang surrounded by smaller ones, symbolizing mount Meru, the abode of the heavenly gods.
  
• 13:00 hrs. : Welcome on Board to the Grand Pearl at Wat Chong-lom Pier (Nonthaburi). A buffet lunch was served which includes a variety of oriental and western cuisines. I relaxed and enjoyed the fascinating scenery on the River of Kings. The boat passed Nonthaburi province before reaching BANGKOK CITY
  
• 15:00 hrs. : There was a coffee break while enjoying the enchanting sights along the river banks such as the Royal Barges, Thammasart University, the Royal Grand Palace and the graceful Temple Of Dawn.
  
• 16:00 hrs. : Arrived at the River City Shopping Complex Pier. There was a guide with us throughout the day. Another great day!