Chao Phraya Rice Barge Cruise. Thailand.

Chao Phraya Rice Barge Cruise

^{3
Days / 2 Nights}

Itinerary (Bangkok-Pakred-Samkok-Mae Nam Noi-Pamok-Ayuthaya)

A unique opportunity to explore Thailand’s rural heartland on 3-day / 2-night and 2-day / 1night cruise along the Chao Phraya River on board a traditional teak rice barge. Leave Bangkok behind as the river weaves through the Central Plains and discover a region of Thailand that is rarely visited by tourists.

Itinerary A : Timings approximate, see price sheet for day of departure.

Day 1 : Bangkok - Pakred - Samkok - Mae Nam Noi
08.30	Board the “Thanatharee” at Pinklao Pier and depart Bangkok.
10.00	Arrive Ko Kred, an island in the middle of the Chao Phraya River. Explore the island by bicycle and visit the Mon pottery - making village.
12.00	Depart to Samkok. With lunch served on the Way.
14.00	Arrive Samkok. Set off by bicycle to visit Wat Sakae and then through the local community that lives along the river-bank. Stop at the local market before continuing on to the 150-hear-old Wat Chedi Thong, famous for its sacred white-jade Buddha image.
15.00	Cross the river to Wat Pailom, well known as a winter nesting ground of the Asian Openbill Stork which migrates from Northern India and Siberia.
15.30	Depart Wat Pailom and head upriver to the unspoilt Mae Nam Noi, a small branch of the main Chao Phraya River.
18.00	Arrive at Wat Chang Noi, tie up for the night and enjoy dinner on board.
Day 2 : Mae Nam Noi - Pamok
08.00	Time for breakfast and a cycle ride to explore the village and perhaps visit the local school.
09.00	Depart for Wat Taku.
11.30	Arrive Wat Taku and after an early lunch set off by bicycle to explore the local villages along the Mae Nam Noi.
15.00	Rejoin the barge at Wat Kophai and continue to Bang Sadej. By bicycle visit its famous temple and a local orphanage where, mainly, hilltribe children receive an education and vocational training. Continue to the main village to meet the local people and see the cottage industries they engage in.
17.00	Depart to Pamok.
17.30	Arrive Pamok for the second overnight. Dinner on board.
Day 3 : Pa Mok - Ayuthaya
07.00	Time to explore the local village and its market and then have breakfast on board.
09.00	Depart for Ayuthaya, Thailand’s fomer capital (1350-1767) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
12.00	Arrive at Atythaya train station pier and disembark ready to set off to the next destination. End of service.
What to bring :	Soap, towel and other personal toilet items. Insect repellent.Trousers or shorts suitable for cycling. Swimming gear. A sense of adventure.

Internet online booking system
Chao Phraya Rice Barge Cruise (Minimum 2 persons)

	Price / person (Min 2 persons) Cruise only	Departure
01 Nov 2006 - 31 Oct 2007	Baht 8,500	Saturday
A supplement of Baht 400 per person/one way is required for those required transfers to/from hotel from/to the pier.

The above rate is inclusive of :	The above rate is not inclusive of :
- Admission fee to places indicated in the program.	- Drinks and personal expenses.
- Everything on the program.	- Personal travel insurance
- full board basis (2 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners)
- English speaking guide.
Note : The barge provides simple but comfortable air-conditioned multi-share accommodation for a maximum of 12 persons, the bedroom area being divided into twosections by a curtain. One common bathroom and one toilet are located on the main deck, a second toilet is on the upper deck. Please bring your own personnel toiletries (towel and soap are provided). The spacious upper deck has ample room to relax, enjoy a refreshing drink, read, play games or just watch the world drifting gently by. There is also a sun deck for anyone wanting to work on their tans. Meals will be served on board, and everyone is welcome to help in the cooking and learn something about the art of Thai cooking. One may also accompany the cook to the local market and shops for the day's ingredients.
Remark :
- During the months of September-November it may not be possible to use the Mae Nam Noi in which case the itineraries will follow the main Chao Phraya River.

1 US$ approx. 42 Baht. To check the rates in your local currency
Click and use the universal currency convertor