Deluxe Thailand with Cycle Adventure
A holiday of two sides; relaxation and luxury combined with off-the-beaten-track adventures by bicycle.
Mekhala Cruise, Chao Phraya, Bangkok Thailand, Bangkok
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There are a number of companies offering the perfect Chao Phraya river cruise from Bangkok to Ayutthaya. This is not surprising, as it is a beautiful and accessible route offering visitors a glimpse at a Thailand that’s a little different from Bangkok and the southern beaches.
The “Mekhala”, a traditional rice barge cruise, is our favourites as their emphasis is on responsible travel – unobtrusive tourism, great Thai food and off the beaten track excursions, giving you a wonderful insight into ancient Thai culture.
The Mekhala is not just a Chao Phraya river cruise, it is effectively a floating hotel. There are 15 comfortable cabins, immaculately appointed, with bunks, cushioned sofa (which can serve as a third bunk for child), dressing table and a private shower room. All have varnished wooden floors & walls. Up on deck, there is room for sunbathing with chairs and cushions, a cozy corner and a dining area.
The Mekhala departs Bangkok in the early afternoon and immediately offers spectacular views of the Temple of Dawn and The Grand Palace on the river banks of Bangkok, before moving into the rural delta outside of Bangkok. The boat stops at Pathum Thani, for a visit to a fresh local market and docks for the night at Wat Kai Ria, a Thai temple set in a tranquil rural village. A Thai feast is served on deck.
On the second day of your Chao Phraya river cruise, the boat stops at the small village of Baan Saladang, an old Mon community who migrated from Burma to this area in the early 19th century. The villagers have successfully maintained their traditional life style, customs and natural surroundings. In the afternoon, we include a visit to the spectacular ruins of the ancient capital of Ayutthaya. In the 17th and 18th century Ayutthaya was one of the largest cities in the words due to its ideal trading location. The ruins of its once majestic golden temples and palaces are now UNESCO protected.
We thoroughly recommend this as a unique and relaxing way to experience some of the historical, cultural and architectural highlights of Thailand.
Deluxe - This is our first really 'upmarket' category. It might be a beautiful tiny hotel with very limited facilities or a 5* resort hotel with all the trimmings; but any hotel in this category will be a well-run establishment with very comfortable rooms, a strong service ethos and excellent food.
Include this hotel as part of your Experience Travel Holiday of a lifetime.
Here are some popular holidays including this hotel or we can create a tailor made holiday, crafted for you.
Hidden Gems of Thailand
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Customer Feedback
We arrived back in the UK at 7.00 this morning and I couldn’t wait to thank you for organising such a fabulous holiday for us! Everything went so smoothly and we were really impressed with the quality and style of the hotels you chose for us, the convenient locations, and the local services - absolutely First Class! We had some wonderful food, did some great activities and we particularly enjoyed the Elephant Day which was something we shall remember for the rest of our lives. Also we really enjoyed the trip to the River Kwai and the amazing River Kwai Resotel. I shall certainly recommend your company to anyone who is considering a holiday in South East Asia – thank you again!
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