MEKHALA CRUISE

MEKHALA “The Legendary River Cruise” of 2 days/1night between Bangkok & Ayuthaya with daily departure.There is no better way to sample the leisurely life along the ‘River of Kings’. The journey can transport you back through hundreds of years of Siamese culture and history.
Two options are available, if you go for the overnight cruise you will also get to visit the Historical City of Ayuthaya, a UNESCO world Heritage site as well as the former Royal Summer Palace in Bang Pa In. The other alternative is going for the dinner cruise which is a perfect way to enjoy a romantic dinner on the Chao Phraya River, passing by some of Bangkok’s most famous landmarks such as the Royal Palace or the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun).

The boat is made of huge teak planks and is 17.2 meters by 4.8 meters. It runs 10 km per hour and there are altogether 6 perfectly appointed, air-conditioned double bed cabins with private western style bathrooms. In addition they feature a modern safety equipment and life-jackets, a deck for sunbathing or lounging, and audio entertainment, a library, a host of indoor games, a telephone and a fully-stocked bar. Mekhala Boats could load from 21-26 persons, and will be 4 staffs on board to provide excellent service and guarantee complete safety.

2 DAYS: UPSTREAM PROGRAMME (BANGKOK – AYUTHAYA)
Day 01: BANGKOK – MEKHALA (D)
Our driver pick up you at your hotel in Bangkok and transfer to pier. Your excursion starts as the boat casts off around 1 pm and heads up the Chao Phraya River, passing the magnificent Grand Palace and the Temple of Dawn and observing the way of rural life along the river. Arriving at Pathum Thani in the afternoon, you will visit a fresh market where local people shop for food, fresh produce and a variety of Thai sweets. At sunset, the MEKHALA will dock at Wat Kai Tia, a Buddhist temple located in a tranquil rural village. An exquisite candlelit dinner of mouth-watering Thai cuisine will be served on the deck.  You will spend the night on board the boat, in your air-conditioned cabin.
Day 02: MEKHALA – AYUTHAYA – BANGKOK (B,L)
We start the day by cruising to a small village of Baan Saladang, an aged-old Mon community who migrated from Burma to this area in the early 19th century. The villagers here have successfully maintained their traditional life style, customs and natural surroundings. You will also see a collection of well-preserved typical Thai houses in this charming village. Afterward, you can partake of a delicious breakfast. Later in the morning, you will disembark and travel to Bang-Pa-In Summer Palace. Built in the 17th century, this palace complex showcases a collection of different styles of buildings arranged amongst beautifully landscaped gardens with an inspiring water setting. The mansions reflect Chinese, Swiss, Khmer, Thai and European styles of architecture. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the idyllic ruins of the once glorious capital destroyed by the Burmese. In the late afternoon our privated air-conditioned car will take you back to your hotel in Bangkok. End our service
Remark
+ Minimum 2 persons traveling together.
+ Child Rate: Child under 12 years shares a double room with 2 adults charge at 50% from adult rate (double sharing). Infant (less than 2 years old) = free of charge.
+ Charter rate is available on request.
Included:
English speaking guide with (private) land services
Transportation from/to Bangkok by private vehicle
2 days cruise (Join-in) with stops and visits as mentioned in the program.
1 night accommodation on board in double berth air-conditioned cabin.
Meal plan as mentioned in the program.
Services of a qualified crews
Excluded:
Airfares & airport taxes
Pre/post trip arrangement
Visa and visa arrangement
Travel insurance
Other personal expenses

2 DAYS: DOWNSTREAM PROGRAMME (AYUTHAYA – BANGKOK)
Day 01: BANGKOK – AYUTHAYA – MEKHALA (L/D)
Depart from your hotel around 8 a.m. and travel by private car 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. The boat sets sail around 2 p.m. from the pier near Bang – Pa – In Palace. Now is the time to relax and enjoy watching rural life along the “River of Kings”. You will stop for a visit at a small village of Baan Saladang, an aged-old Mon community who migrated from Burma to this area in the early 19th century. The villagers here have successfully maintained their traditional life style, customs and natural surroundings. You will also see a collection of well-preserved typical Thai houses in this charming village. Soon after sunset, the MEKHALA will dock at Wat Kai Tia, a local Buddhist temple set in a tranquil village. An exquisite candlelit dinner of mouth-watering Thai cuisine awaits you on the deck. You will spend the night on board the boat in your air-conditioned cabin.
Day 02: MEKHALA – BANGKOK (B)
Today, we will leave the pier early for a visit at a morning market in Pathum Thani. You will observe a way of life as local people shop for food and fresh produce. Afterwards, you can partake of a delicious breakfast. The boat will continue cruising down the river to Bangkok. You will be able to take in the sights, marveling at the magnificent Grand Palace and the Temple of Dawn along the way. You will arrive in Bangkok in the late morning and transfer your hotel. End our service
Remark
+ Minimum 2 persons traveling together.
+ Child Rate: Child under 12 years shares a double room with 2 adults charge at 50% from adult rate (double sharing). Infant (less than 2 years old) = free of charge.
+ Charter rate is available on request.
Included:
English speaking guide with (private) land services
Transportation from/to Bangkok by private vehicle
2 days cruise (Join-in) with stops and visits as mentioned in the program.
1 night accommodation on board in double berth air-conditioned cabin.
Meal plan as mentioned in the program.
Services of a qualified crews
Excluded:
Airfares & airport taxes
Pre/post trip arrangement
Visa and visa arrangement
Travel insurance
Other personal expenses