Ayutthaya
Follow the King’s Philosophy
1 – Somdej Phra Suriyothai Monument
Makhamyong Monkey Cheeks Project under the Royal Initiative of King Rama IX
The trip begins at Somdej Phra Suriyothai Monument in the area of Makhamyong Monkey Cheek Project Under the Royal Initiative of King Rama IX.
In the reign of King Rama IX, Thung Makham Yong was used in the monkey cheeks project to prevent flood from the north in the flood season and to store water for farmers in the area to use during the dry season, improving the way of life and well-being. In 2011, worst flooding in decades swamps the area. The monkey cheeks has played an important role to alleviate the flood that occurred.
Thung Makham Yong – Historic leisure spot
It is a good fortune for Thai people to receive royal grace from King Rama IX. Apart from Thung Makham Yong being monkey cheeks area due to the royal initiative, this area is also comprised of the monarchy of Somdej Phra Suriyothai, one and a half times the size of the real one sitting on the back of the royal elephant.
In addition, there are simulations of enemy camps and four enemy armies, consistent with the original historic conditions that enemy armies in this area had to retreat in the flood season. There are multi-purpose buildings and a park beside the reservoir that visitors can relax and enjoy with the beauty of nature and a breath of fresh air.
2 – Wat Niwet Thammaprawat
The only temple in Thailand built in a European style
Get on cable car and ride across the Chao Phraya River and visit the Gothic architecture temple built during the reign of King Rama 5
Ride the cable car across the Chao Phraya River. See a European-style Thai temple on an island in the middle of the Chao Phraya River opposite to Bang Pa-In Palace.
The first thing that stands out is that the church is very different from the Buddhist church. Because in the reign of King Rama 5, King Rama X ordered to build an imitation of Christ Church in the Gothic Style. The church has pointed tower like a cathedral in western architecture. At the top of the church there is a clock tower and a bell set. In addition, there is the Buddha’s relics enshrined at the top.
Wat Niwet Thammaprawat, a royal temple of Ratchaworawihan type under Dhammyuttika Sect
Pay respect to the Buddha image “Phra Buddha Narumol Thammopas”
Buddha image in the church Western blended traditional art
Pay homage to the Narumol Thammopas Buddha Image that enshrined in the Ubosot.
The Narumol Thammopas Buddha Image is a pure, golden-plated appearance with a width of 22.5 inches and a height of 36.5 inches which has been created by a master craftsman named Phraworawongthae Phraongchao Praditaworakarn since the reign of King Rama IV by combining traditional style and western style together.
Chukchi base area is where the main Buddha image enshrined. The base resembles a cross holder in a church. The windows are cut into arched shapes. And when looking at the wall at the front of the Buddha image, you will see the portrait of King Rama V, adorned with stained glass imported from Italy.
Phra Nirantri and Phra Buddha Narumol Thanmo-Phad were enshrined by King Rama V for people to pay respect and commemorate to King Rama IV who set up a Dhammyuttika sect.
In the front, there is the Khan Than Rat Buddha image enshrined in front of the Ubosot. There is a stone inscription for the incantation and a prayer for rain begging ceremony at the base of the Buddha image.
Phra Sri Mahapho at the glass wall corner in front of the Ubosot on the west side is the tree in which King Rama V brought from Bodhgaya city in the reign of King Rama IV.
Royal Palace Krom Phraya Damrongrachanupab is the palace that King Rama V ordered to build for Somdej Krom Phraya Damrong Rajanupab when he entered the monkhood in this temple. And during the monkhood at Wat Niwet Thammaprawat, Somdej Krom Phraya Damrong Rajanupab worked on Thai language textbook called “Fast learning textbook” and made a new curriculum for the first time.
An unusual and beautiful rock garden is the Disakunanusorn Stone Garden Cemetery which is containing the Phra Auti of Somdej Krom Phraya Damrong Rajanupab and Achi Ratchasakuldisakun.
Travel to Wat Niwet Thammaprawat
How to travel to Wat Niwet Thammaprawat:
Ride cable car across the Chao Phraya River to Wat Niwet Thammaprawat.
Open from 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM every day.
• Address: Wat Niwet Thammaprawat, Bang Len Subdistrict, Bang Pa-in District Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province.
• Open for visits: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Monday – Friday) and 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Saturday – Sunday).
3 – Ko Gerd Community
Thai wisdom Learning Center – Simple community along the Chao Phraya River
End the trip to the old city of Ayutthaya at a simple community along the Chao Phraya River which is Ko Gerd Community. The community has a peaceful and simple way of life, most of the villagers are farmers who live according to the philosophy of Sufficiency Economy of King Rama IX.
Thai Wisdom – Ko Gerd Community Products Learning Center
Ko Gerd community is not only peaceful and simple, but also full of smiles and warm hospitality. There is a learning center that is ready to pass on wisdom and skills to visitors. Experience the way of life of the people in the community and join in activities. Feel the charm of the community especially the demonstration of making rare Thai desserts such as Khao Ya Koo, Thai dessert which is said to have existed since the Buddha’s lifetime era. Therefore, the identity of the community that has been highly mentioned.
Ya Koo snack and rice milk – Rare Thai Dessert Learning Center
Unique dessert of Ko Gerd community
Ya Koo Rice Milk made from soft grain rice which offers a light aroma, fullness and light for stomach. It completes with beneficial nutrients, increases the immune system, drives out gas, helps digestion, contains low fat and cholesterol-free.
Making Ya Koo snack – Unique dessert of the community
1. Use soft rice soaked in water (Hom Matoom rice). Pound the whole ear of rice mixed with pandan leaves cut into small pieces until the grain is broken. Then filter rice water mixed with white thin cloth.
2. Filter rice flour with white thin cloth.
3. When filtered, pour the mixture into the pan on low heat. Add coconut sugar (Or refined sugar) and stir until the sugar dissolves. Then use medium heat and stir the mixture (stir in the same way and be careful not to let the mixture sticked to the pan).
4. Stir for about 20 minutes or until sticky. Scoop the mixture into the banana leaf or the prepared container then topped with fresh coconut milk. If serving hot, it will be very delicious, sweet and mellow.
In addition, Aunt Lamphun’s home also offers Thai wisdom physical therapy services.
Pay respect to the monks and see the old temples from the Ayutthaya period.
Center of Buddhist Faith – Ko Gerd Community
Visitors can take a tram or ride a bicycle to pay homage to the Buddha image, “Luang Pho Dam”, Wat Phaya, the sacred Buddha image from the Ayutthaya period.
Wat Phayayat known as Wat Nok, was the first temple built in the community since the Ayutthaya period around 2100 BE, located on the bank of the Chao Phraya River. Inside the viharn, there is Luang Pho Dam (Pak Daeng), an ancient Buddha image from the Ayutthaya period.
Wat Choeng Tha, an ancient temple in the Ayutthaya period located next to the Chao Phraya River. Inside the temple, there is an over 100 years old old Buddha image found in the Chao Phraya River in front of the temple in 2014.
In front of the waterfront temple there are many large Bodhi and Takhian trees, Chao Mae Takian Shrine and the monument of King Taksin the Great.
Ko Gerd Homestay Ayutthaya – Clean accommodation, relaxing atmosphere
Warm and simple community lifestyle
Ecotourism, Experience the community way of life – Learn about traditions and cultures
Ko Gerd, Ayutthaya Province
Enjoy slow life lifestyle with various activities such as:
• Give alms to the monks in the morning.
• Day trip around the village.
• Joining activities in the community.
• Learn local wisdom such as Thai herbal medicine making, making local Thai desserts such as Khao Ya Koo, Khanom Kong, Samklaw, Kalamee and traditional crispy noodles.
• Cycling activities, pay homage to the Buddha statue, visit the temples from Ayutthaya period “Wat Phayayat” and “Wat Choeng Tha”.
• Nature study activities such as watching rice farming.
• Take a boat trip and see the lifestyle of the Chao Phraya River Community.
• Join traditional dance with the youth.
• Various knowledge that is transmitted to people in the community including people who come to study.
Water activities
• Take a boat ride to see the way of life of the community of the Chao Phraya River Basin.
• Take a boat ride to see local fishermen way of life (River prawn fishing).
• There are both small boats, large boats and also a tram service provided for tourists.
Other activities to do:
• Cruise on the Chao Phraya River to Wat Niwet Thammaprawat or take a tram to Ko Gerd Arts and Crafts Center.
OTOP Products
Local souvenirs and food – Ko Gerd community
• Khao Ya Koo
• Herbal bolus
• Miniatures products
• Khanom Kong
• Kalamae
