2 DAYS CHAO PHRAYA RICE BARGE CRUISE
Departure every Thursday from Bangkok with English-, German-, or French speaking guide (other language guides available on request at surcharge).

A unique opportunity to meet with local people in a world removed from the usual tourist haunts and to witness their typical handicraft occupations. The program explores the villages and natural beauty along the Menam Noi River. Cruise onboard a rice barge named Thanatharee or Treasure on the Water 21 meters in length and 5.9 meters in width. The barge provides simple, but comfortable air-conditioned dormitory-style accommodation for maximum 12 persons with a shared shower-room and 2 toilets. The spacious upper deck has ample room to relax, enjoy a refreshing drink, read, play games or just watch the world drift gently by.

ITINERARY:

BANGKOK - AYUTTHAYA - MEANAM NOI (-/L/D)
DAY 1 THU Your guide will meet you at your hotel in Bangkok. Depart by air-conditioned van to Ayutthaya, the former capital of Thailand situated 76 kilometers north of Bangkok. The Thai capital for 417 years, Ayutthaya is one of Thailand's major tourist attractions. Many ancient ruins and art works can be seen in the city, which was founded in 1350 by King U-Thong. 33 kings of 5 dynasties ruled the kingdom until it was destroyed by the Burmese in 1767. Visit the principal sights: Wat Sri Sanphet, an important and outstanding monastery used as a residential palace in the reign of King Ramathibodi I. Wat Phananchoeng - this monastery existed before Ayuttaya was founded as the capital. The principal 19 metres high Buddha image is made of stucco and is the most revered by the inhabitants of Ayutthaya. Wat Yai Chaimongkhol: The chedi at this monastery is among the largest in Ayuttaya and was built by King Naresuan (1590-1605). There are many Buddha images and a beautiful garden behind this chedi. After lunch, board the Thanatharee rice barge at Ayudhaya railway station pier at 13.30 hrs and cruise to Wat Phutthai Sawan. During a bicycle tour through the neighbouring villages, see how coconut palm juice is produced as well as other agricultural activities. Visit the Portuguese Village (dating back to the Ayutthaya period), its cemetery, archaeological structures and objects. Rejoin the barge and head on to Maenam Noi. If time permits, visit Wat Niwet Thammaprawat, a Buddhist monastery built by King Rama V in gothic architectural style. Proceed to cruise to a village of Maenam Noi for overnight stay with dinner on board.

MENAM NOI - SAMKOK - KOH KRED - BANGKOK (B/L/-)
DAY 2 FRI Time for breakfast and the opportunity to offer food to the monks on their morning alms round. Cruise along Maenam Noi River back to Chao Phraya River and make a short stop at Wat Pailom, well known as a winter nesting ground of the Asian Open Bill Stork, which migrates from Northern India and Siberia.
Afterwards, depart for Pathum Thani with lunch on board. Arrive at the lively Pathum Thani market where varieties of fresh meats, vegetables and various local goods are sold. Continue the cruise to Ko Kred, an island in the middle of the Chao Phraya River. Explore the Mon pottery-making village on the island. Rejoin the barge and cruise to Bangkok. Disembark at Pinklao Pier at approximately 17.00 hrs and transfer to your hotel in Bangkok.