There is no better way to witness the traditional way of life of Thais than by cruising along the legendary Chao Phraya River (River of Kings). During the course of a two-day cruise on the Mekhala, you will travel back in time as you view the rich history of Thailand.

Beautifully crafted, Mekhala is a collection of three elegantly restored rice barges. The barges provide the setting for daily journeys between Bangkok and Ayuthaya – retracing the paths of former royal processions. The overnight journey on the Mekhala starts in Bangkok and ends in Ayutthaya / Bang Pa-in Summer Palace or vice versa. Optional tours such as a guided visit to the Summer Palace and to the Ancient City of Ayutthaya, as well as transfer options are available. Our prices include the 1-night / 2-days cruise onboard the Mekhala with a delicious Thai Set Dinner, breakfast and snacks, water, tea and coffee with meals, accommodation based on sharing a double cabin with air-conditioning and private bathroom and the service of multi-language, well experienced crew.

The Mekhala Rice Barges are also available for charter for both, day / dinner cruises on the Chao Phraya River and over night cruises.

UPSTREAM PROGRAMME (BANGKOK-AYUTHAYA)  

Day 1: BANGKOK – MEKHALA (D)
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 2: MEKHALA – AYUTHAYA (B)
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 19^th 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. Afterwards, 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.

DOWNSTREAM PROGRAMME (AYUTHAYA - BANGKOK) 

Day 1: AYUTHAYA - MEKHALA (D)
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 19^th 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 2: 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.

Remark

+ The above tour prices include service and government tax.
+ 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.

DEPARTURE SCHEDULE PROGRAM UPSTREAM

- Guarantee departure every Tuesday & Thursday with a minimum of 2 confirmed adults booked on join tour basis.
- Additional departures can be added with a minimum of 5 bookings (adults) per departure
- Private Charters available on request for all weekdays including Sunday.

DEPARTURE SCHEDULE PROGRAM DOWNSTREAM

- Guarantee departure every Wednesday & Friday with a minimum of 2 confirmed adults booked on join tour basis.
- Additional departures can be added with a minimum of 5 bookings (adults) per departure
- Private Charters available on request for all weekdays including Sunday.

 PRICES INCLUDE

• 2 days cruise with stops and visits as mentioned in the program.
• 1 night accommodation on board in double berth air-conditioned cabin.
• Meal plan as mentioned (1 dinner - 1 breakfast).
• Coffee, Tea & Water on board and during breakfast.
• Coffee, Tea, Water & Soft drink during dinner.
• Services of a qualified crew.
• Group Insurance.

 PRICES EXCLUDE:

• Guide, land services and transportation in Bangkok & Ayuthaya.
• An option for alms offering to monk.
• Other drinks and meals not mentioned in package.
• Other personal expenses.