| Beautifully restored teak rice barge
Private cabins on the Rice Barge
The central plains of Thailand at the perfect pace
Sunrise on the river
You choose the places where you would like to stop
Temples, Palaces and many historic sites
Ayutthaya, Thailands ancient capital
At home with the locals
Experience authentic Thai living and Thai food
Thailand in Style has chosen to showcase this short itinerary separate as it is one that is truly special and there is no better way to visit Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Siam, than aboard a privately chartered and beautifully restored rice teak barge.
You are met by the barge’s crew and board in central Bangkok where the Chao Phraya River is the embodiment of freneticism; long-tail boats with their huge diesel truck engines precariously pivoting against a spindly little propeller hurtle up, down and across stream. Huge strings of menacing iron barges pulled by tiny little colourful barges, like butterflies towing elephants, battle against wind, current and collision. Hotel boats, waterborne vendors, tourist boats and commuter ferries all add to the river chaos.
Time to leave and it is remarkable how quickly the scene and chapter changes. Within moments you have left Bangkok’s frenetic river bedlam behind and have passed into another world. Skyscrapers become small riverside factories which in turn become wooden houses with riverfront terraces. After a while these too become sparse being replaced by banana trees and coconut palms and ultimately rice paddies.
Take afternoon tea served on-deck, totally relax and unwind to the slow pace up-river as temples slip past. As tea draws to a close opt to stop at a temple, see the architecture and meet the monks. This is down-to-earth cultural Thailand at its finest.
Rejoin your barge for evening cocktails on deck before enjoying a sit-down dinner onboard and a menu set by you. The food is very freshly cooked and authentic Thai and there is a wide selection to choose from. After dinner enjoy the nocturnal peace of the rural Chao Phraya before turning-in. An early start is recommended.
As morning breaks and the sun rises, prepare for one of natures photo opportunities at its best. If you are lucky a low mist will hang over the river and the rising sun will cast a magical golden hue over the countryside. It is a scene not to be missed with or without photographic gear and well worth the effort before embarking on breakfast.
In the morning you could opt to visit The Thai Arts and Crafts Centre, a project run by Her Majesty the Queen and an oasis of Thai crafts and mouth watering Thai food and snacks. Take lunch on-board or at a riverside restaurant before continuing up river towards Ayutthaya; its temples and many historical sites. |
