Mekhala River cruise minitrip
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Mekhala Cruise is a collection
of three restored rice barges that provide the setting for daily journeys
between Bangkok and Ayuthaya, retracing the paths of former royal processions.
Their journey is a fascinating insight into how life on the river has changed
over this time.The magic of this voyage is its unhurried pace that captures
the subtle colours and moods of life on the river over a 24-hour period.
A couple hours into the journey, the bustle of the city is replaced by the
tranquility of the countryside. Along densely wooded river banks, tin and
timber homes nestle in the hyacinth-clogged shallows housing families whose
lives are still bound by the ancient waterway.
About the Mekhala cruise: twenty meters long and constructed from huge teak planks, these hundred year-old work horses have been transformed into elegant floating hotels. With capacities of 6, 6 and 9 immaculately appointed, air-conditioned double bed cabins with private Western-style bathrooms. In addition they feature modern safety equipment and life jackets, Thai style designs with Western comforts, a deck for sunbathing or lounging, audio entertainment, a library, a host of indoor games, a telephone and a fully-stocked bar.
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Program
Up (Boat - Bus) Start cruising up the Chao Phraya River with spectacular views of the Grand Palace and the Temple of Dawn. Just after sunset, the Mekhala docks at Wat Kai Tia, a Thai temple set in a tranquil rural village. An exquisite candlelit dinner of mouth-watering Thai cuisine is served on the deck. Overnight on board in your air-conditioned cabin.
Day 2. Mekhala - Ayuthaya - Bangkok (B, L) A delicious breakfast is served on board. About 10.00 hr arrival at Bang Pa In Pier. Visit Bang-Pa-In where your guide will take you to the Summer Palace. Continue to the ancient capital of Ayuthaya. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the idyllic ruins of the once glorious capital destroyed by the Burmese. In the late afternoon return back from Ayuthaya to Bangkok, and onward to your hotel. |
Program
Down (Bus - Boat) Depart from your hotel around 08:00hr and travel by minibus to Ayuthaya. Upon arrival, visit the archeological site of the once glorious capital destroyed by the Burmese. Lunch at a local restaurant and then travel to Bang Pa In by long-tail boat to explore the Summer Palace. After this visit, your guide will drop you off to board the Mekhala. Cruise down the Chao Phraya River to Wat Kai Tia for a candlelit dinner. Overnight on board in your air-conditioned cabin.
Day 2. Mekhala Bangkok (B) After a delicious breakfast on board, cruise down the river to Bangkok, passing spectacular views of the Grand Palace and the Temple of Dawn. Arrive late morning in Bangkok.
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