It provides simple, but comfortable air-conditioned dormitory
style accommodation with on-board shower and toilets. Maximum
capacity is 12 passengers.
The spacious upper deck has ample room to relax, enjoy a refreshing
drink, read, play games or just watch the world drift gently
by. There is also a sundeck for anyone wanting to work on their
tans. Meals will be taken on board and everyone is welcome to
help in their preparation and so learn something of the art
of Thai cuisine. One can also accompany the cook to the local
market to buy the day’s ingredients.
Wednesday = Ayutthaya - Ban Bang Sadej - Pamok ( D
)
At 13:30 PM board the "Thanatharee" rice barge at
Ayutthaya train station pier and cruise along Chao Phraya River,
passing the splendid Wat Chaiwattanaram. Stop at Bang Sadej
village. By bicycle visit its famous temple and a local orphanage
where, mainly, hill tribe 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.
Then depart to Pamok for overnight. Dinner on board.
Thursday = Pa Mok - Maenam Noi ( B/L/D )
An opportunity to give food to the monks on their morning alms
round with time to visit the local Pamok School. Also visit
the local market and a local family that makes drums. After
breakfast head to the unspoilt Maenam Noi, a small branch of
the main Chao Phraya River with lunch on board. Stop at the
village of Wat Kophai and set off by bicycle to explore the
local villages along the Maenam Noi and witness day-to-day activities
of the villagers. Rejoin the barge at Wat Taku and cruise along
scenic Maenam Moi. Arrive Wat Chang Noi at approximately 17:30,
tie up for the night and enjoy dinner on board.
Friday = Maenam Noi - Samkok - Koh Kred - Bangkok (
B/L )
Time for breakfast and the opportunity to give food to the monks
on their morning alms round, followed by a cycle ride to explore
nearby villages and perhaps a local plantation. Cruise back
to the main Chao Phraya River and make a short stop at Wat Pailom,
well known as a winter nesting ground of the Asian Openbill
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 17.30 hrs. and end tour.
Remark:
During the months around September-November, it may not be possible
to use the Mae Nam Noi in which case the itinerary will follow
the main Chao Phraya River.
The tour includes 2 nights accommodation on board Thanatharee,
the barge provides air-conditioned dormitory-style accommodation
for a maximum of 12 persons, the dormitory area being divided
into two sections by a curtain. One common bathroom and one
toilet are located on the main deck, a second toilet is on the
upper deck. Clients should bring their own personnel toiletries
( towel and soap are provided ). English speaking guide, full
board during the cruise and all services and activities described
in the itinerary. The cruise and tour does not include any beverages.
