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- A minimum of 2 persons traveling together for join tour.
- The above tour prices do not apply for French Market, except E-Commerce |
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Trip Description : There is no finer way to view the captivating way of life that exists on Thailand’s ’River of Kings’. In a simple one-day river trip on the Mekhala, you can absorb centuries of Thailand’s history and culture.
| Destination |
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Thailand (Bangkok-Ayutthaya-Bangkok) |
| Start City | : | Bangkok |
| End City | : | Bangkok |
| Tour Type |
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Join-In  |
| Duration |
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2 Days & 1 Night |
| Depart |
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| Tour Rating |
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| Tour Hit |
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| Tour Grade |
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 Easy  Moderate Strenuous |
| Operated by |
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Asian Oasis on Day I / Oriental Escape on Day II |
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ITINERARY
For centuries, The River of Kings has been the lifeblood of Thailand, carrying with it the history and culture of this proud nation. Flowing down from the fertile central plains for almost 400 kilometres, this birthplace of Thai civilization connects the ancient Siamese capital Ayuthaya with the modern capital Bangkok, where it remains an essential artery in the region’s economic life.
Beautifully crafted, Mekhala is a collection of three restored rice barges that provide the setting for daily journeys between Bangkok and Ayuthaya, retracing the paths of former royal processions. Their journey is a fascinating insight into how life on the river has changed over this time.
The magic of this voyage is its unhurried pace that captures the subtle colours and moods of life on the river over a 24-hour period. A couple of hours into the journey, the bustle of the city is replaced by the tranquillity of the countryside.
Along densely wooded river banks, tin and timber homes nestle in the hyacinth-clogged shallows housing families whose lives are still bound by the ancient waterway.
DAY1 : BANGKOK - AYUTTHAYA
13:00 Hrs, meets & greets by local driver at your hotel lobby (in Bangkok)
Depart to ÇÑ´ÂÒ¹¹ÒÇÒ (Wat Yannawa, Soi Charoenkrung 52)
14:30 Hrs, Start cruising up the Chao Phraya River with spectacular views of the Grand Palace and the Temple of Dawn. Just after the sunset, the MEKHALA docks at Wat Kai Tia, a Thai temple set in a tranquil rural village. An exquisite candlelit dinner of mouth-watering Thai cuisine is served on the deck.
Overnight : Mekhala Cruise
Meal : Dinner (Mekhala Cruise)
DAY2 : AYUTTHAYA - BANGKOK
A delicious breakfast served on board. Then depart for Bang-Pa-In Summer Palace. End of Mekhala Cruise Service.
10:00 hrs Greetings by Oriental Escape Guide & Driver upon disembarkation at the pier near the Bang--Pa-In Summer Palace. Visit Bang Pa In Summer Palace. The original Bang Pa In Palace was built by King Prasat Thong on the island and was used as a country residence for the later kings of the Ayutthaya period. However, after the capital moved to Bangkok, Bang Pa In was abandoned for 80 years, to be revived by King Rama V. He commanded the construction of additional buildings - theatres, temples and monuments in a mixture of European, Chinese and Thai styles.
Lunch will be provide at riverside restaurant.
Transfer you to within Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The ancient capital was founded in 1350 by King U-Thong and it was from here that the Siamese ruled their Kingdom for 417 years. Continue to Ayutthaya Ancient Palace, was original built King U-Thong in the 14 th century, and was expanded over the years. These pavilions were completely destroyed in 1767, leaving only brick foundation, porticos and walls.
Visit Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit. Phra Mongkhon Bophit, a large bronze cast Buddha image was originally enshrined in the open area outside the Grand Palace and later covered by a building in the reign of king Songtham. During the fall of Ayutthaya, the building was badly destroyed by fire. The one currently seen was reconstructed, but does not have as beautiful craftmanship as the previous one. The open area east of the sanctuary was where the royal cremation ceremonies took place.
Visit Wat Phra Si Sanphet. This is the most important temple within the Royal Palace compound and the original from which the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok has been copied. Three outstanding Ceylonese style pagodas were built during the 15th century to enshrine the ashes of three Ayutthayan kings.
Then visit Wat Chaiwatthanaram, one of the most imposing ancient Buddhist monasteries, was established by the command of King Prasatthong in 1630 A.D. It is believed that the wat is located on the site of his former home. The reason for building this monastery was to make merit for his mother. Prince Damrong Rachanuphap noted that its architecture was similar to that of Angkor Wat and inferred that the wat might have been built to commemorate the king’s victory over Cambodia.
Leave form Ayutthaya pass green paddy fields, villages, and temples then return to bangkok.
Overnight : -
Meal : Breakfast (Mekhala Cruise) / Lunch (local restaurant)
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RATES
| Service Type | Prices per person in Thai Baht |
| 1 pax |
2 pax |
3-4 pax |
5-8 pax |
[SIN SUP] |
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Mekhala Cruise
Cabin Up Stream
[01-MAY-2009 - 30-OCT-2009] |
15,050 |
10,300 |
10,000 |
9,200 |
0 |
| Mekhala Cruise
Cabin Up Stream
[01-NOV-2009 - 30-NOV-2009] |
15,550 |
11,650 |
11,600 |
11,150 |
0 |
| Mekhala Cruise
Cabin Up Stream
[01-DEC-2009 - 17-DEC-2009] |
13,050 |
9,300 |
9,250 |
8,800 |
0 |
| Mekhala Cruise
Cabin Up Stream
[18-DEC-2009 - 31-MAR-2010] |
15,250 |
11,650 |
11,600 |
11,150 |
0 |
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Term & Condition
- The maximum occupancy is 2 individuals per cabin.
- Alcohol beverages are excluded and will be billed on consumption basis.
Mekhala Boats
Twenty meters long and constructed from huge teak planks, the hundred year-old work horses have been transformed into elegant floating hotels. With capacities of 6, 6 and 9 immaculately appointed, air-conditioned double bed cabins with private western style bathrooms. In addition they feature:
- Modern safety equipment and lifejackets
- Thai style designs with western comforts
- A deck for sunbathing or lounging
- Audio entertainment, a library, a host of indoor games and a telephone
- A fully-stocked bar
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Inclusions:
>> Private transfer from Bangkok Hotel to the Mekhla Pier (arrange by Oriental Escape)
>> 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
>> Coffee, Tea & Water on board Mekhala
>> Cruise Services of a qualified crews
>> Group Insurance
>> Private Ayutthaya Tour included all admission fee provided by Oriental Escape
>> Transfer from Ayutthaya to Bangkok downtown/airport on the last day
Exclusions:
>> Any air ticket
>> Entrance fees to sites not mentioned
>> Soft drinks or other refreshments during local tours
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