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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 lifestyle, 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.

Our rating system explained...

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.

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Map centered on Mekhala Cruise, Chao Phraya. Zoom out to view other hotels (H) and experiences (E) in the area.

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  • Destinations
    • South Asia
      • Sri Lanka
      • The Maldives
      • India
      • Bhutan
    • South East Asia
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
      • Cambodia
      • Laos
      • Myanmar
      • Indonesia
      • Malaysia
      • Borneo
      • Indochina
    • Middle East
      • Oman
  • Holidays in Thailand
    • Hidden Thailand Holidays
    • Family Thailand Holidays
    • Ultimate Holidays
    • Multi-Country Holidays
  • Guide to Thailand
    • Why choose Thailand
    • Weather & When to go
    • Hotel inspiration
    • Experiences inspiration
    • Free Country Guide Download
  • Info on Thailand
    • Northern Thailand
      • Overview
      • Chiang Mai
      • Chiang Rai & The Golden Triangle
      • Mae Hong Son
      • Pai
    • Isan
      • Overview
      • Loei
      • Nakhon Phanom
      • Udon Thani
      • Phanom Rung
    • Central Thailand
      • Overview
      • Ayutthaya
      • Bangkok
      • Kanchanaburi
      • Erawan National Park
      • Khao Yai National Park
      • Lopburi
      • Phitsanulok
      • Sukhothai
    • Central Beaches & Islands
      • Overview
      • Hua Hin & Cha-Am
      • Koh Chang
      • Koh Kood
      • Koh Samet
    • Southern Thailand
      • Overview
      • Ao Phang Nga National Park
      • Khao Sok National Park
      • Trang
    • Western Beaches & Islands
      • Overview
      • Phuket
      • Koh Lanta
      • Koh Lipe
      • Koh Phi Phi
      • Koh Yao
      • Khao Lak
      • Koh Jum
      • Koh Ngai
      • Krabi
    • Eastern Beaches & Islands
      • Overview
      • Khanom
      • Koh Samui
      • Koh Pha-Ngan
      • Koh Tao
  • About us
    • Our Story
    • Our Team
    • Our Reviews
    • Our Press
    • Our brochure
    • Our Blog
  • How it works
    • Why choose us?
    • Booking with confidence
    • How much does it cost?
    • Trip planning process
    • Financial protection
    • What happens if something goes wrong on my holiday?
    • Working with in-country partners
    • My Booking
    • Contact Us
  • Holiday Types
    • The Revitalise Collection
    • Immersive Escapes
    • Honeymoons
    • Family Travel
  • Inspiration
    • Inspire me
    • Travel Soon
    • Plan Ahead
    • Month by month weather guide
    • Free Country Guides
  • Sustainability
    • Travel Better
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    • One bottle at a time
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  • Search
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