Social Congress Tour
(Wednesday 6 August 2008)

A social congress tour held for all registered delegates and accompanying persons is scheduled on Wednesday, 6 August 2008. The tour includes various tourist attractions in Phra Nakhon Sri Ayutthaya province. Phra Nakhon Sri Ayutthaya province or Ayutthaya for short is one of Thailand’s historical and majestic highlights. Serving as the Thai capital for 417 years (1350-1767), it was once glorified as one of the biggest cities in Southeast Asia during the 17th century. Please visit www.ayutthaya.co.th/english_version.htm

Wat Phra Si San Phet
           This royal temple was the inspiration for the Emerald Buddha Chapel in Bangkok, and is the focal point of a complex currently called the ‘Ancient Palace’. Much like the Grand Palace complex in Bangkok, the ‘Ancient Palace’ was the traditional residence of Ayutthayan monarchs.
          The entire complex is dominated by Wat Phra Si San Phet’s three towering Ayutthayan–style chedis, and contains several satellite ruins of meeting halls used for state ceremonies, to welcome foreign envoys, to view military parades and royal barge processions, and for leisure. Adjacent to the complex is the Phra Mongkhon Bophit Chapel which houses a massive bronze Buddha image.

Wat Ratchaburana
           Located opposite Wat Mahathat, this temple was built by King Borom Rachathirat II during the 1420s.

Wat Mahathat
           Dating from the late 1300s, this extensive temple was destroyed in 1761. Golden memorabilia from the temple is displayed in the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum.

Wat Chaiwattanaram
           Another riverside temple built by King Prasat Thong during the 1600s. The main prang and pagodas remain in good condition.

Wat Yai Chaiyamongkhon
           This monastery dates from the mid–1300s. The enormous pagoda was built by King Naresuan the Great to celebrate his victory in 1592 over the Burmese Crown Prince in a single–handed combat on elephant back.

Elephant Kraal
           This unique teak and brick structure, just beyond Ayutthaya’s riverine island, was formerly used to entrap wild elephants herded down from the north. Such occurrences were traditionally presided over by Ayutthayan monarchs, partly because the mighty beasts were vital to Ayutthaya’s military strength.

Bang Pa-in
           The ancient summer palace of King Rama V. Various mansions were designed in western and oriental styles.