Thailand Overnight Cruise

	MEKHALA CRUISE The Mekhala Cruise is a fleet of three beautifully restored rice barges that offer daily journeys between Bangkok and Ayutthaya, tracing the historic routes of former royal processions. This enchanting voyage provides a glimpse into how life along the river has evolved over time. What makes the journey truly special is its leisurely pace, capturing the shifting hues and rhythms of river life over 24 hours. As the cruise progresses, the bustling energy of Bangkok gradually gives way to the serene countryside. Along the densely forested riverbanks, rustic tin and timber homes perch in the hyacinth-filled shallows, sheltering families whose lives remain deeply connected to the timeless waterway.
	Accommodation Stateroom cabin size: 12.0 m2 Bed size: Twin size bed Six air-conditioned staterooms with en suite bathrooms. Beautifully furnished with appointments of Teak and rare woods, Thai fabrics, Antiques, Art and Oriental Carpets.
	Cabin Amenities (all cabin types) * Beauty mirror * Complimentary Drinking Water * En-suite Bathroom * Hair-dryer * Hot water * In-house Telephone * Individual controller air-conditioning * Mini bar * Safety box * Safety Equipment and Life Vests * Shower * Slippers * Toilet * Wardrobe Services & Facilities General * 24-hour Security * Doctor on call * Newspapers and magazines * Reception * Safety box at reception * Theme Cruise Services * Baby cot * Bar * Cabin Service (Snack Meals) * Fresh flower * Laundry service * Restaurant Dining Room & Bar * Full bar available. * Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included. Onboard Activities * Cooking classes * Cycling * Fishing * Movie nights * Wooden games
	FULL ITINERARY Day 01: Bangkok - Pathumthani (D) 13.00 hr. Depart from the boat pier in Bangkok and cruise up north along Chao Praya River passing various Bangkok’s city riverside landmarks. 17.30 hr. Stop at Pathumthani local market to explore the local lifestyle of the people. 18.00 hr. Continue to Wat Kai Tia 18.30 hr. Arrive at Wat Kai Tia for overnight stop. 19.30 hr. Dinner and overnight onboard Mekhala Cruise Meal: Dinner Accommodation: Mekhala Cruise
	Day 02: Pathumthani - Ayuthaya - Bang Pa In (B, L ,D) 06.30 hr. Early morning cruise to Wat Sala Daeng 07.15 hr. Arrive at Wat Sala Daeng for a morning village walking tour lead by local tour guide to explore the authentic Mon village. You may have a chance to talk with the local people and learn some local Mon wisdom. 08.15 hr. Back to the boat for breakfast while continuing the journey to Bang Pa In. 10.15 hr. Arrive at Bang Pa In. Drop off for a visit at Bang Pa In Palace. 12.00 hr. Return to the boat at lunch time and enjoy the lunch on board while Mekhala winds its way to the historical city of Ayuthaya passing various ancient landmark along the river, i.e. Wat Panancherng, Wat Putthaisawan, Wat Chai Wattanaram, etc. Cruise will stop at Wat Nivesthamprawat for an overnight stop. Rest of the afternoon is at leisure for you to explore this unique Buddhist Monastery by yourselves until the dinner time. 19.30 hr. Dinner and overnight onboard Mekhala Cruise Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Mekhala Cruise
	Day 03: Bang Pa In - Koh Kred - Bangkok (B, L) 06.00 hr. In the early morning, Mekhala starts cruising south heading back to Bangkok. Breakfast will be served on board. You can enjoy the peaceful scenery along the river. 11.00 hr. Arrive at Ko Kred. Disembark at Ko Kred to explore the local Mon community 13.00 hr. Back on board Mekhala for lunch while the barge cruise around the island and continue the journey to Bangkok. 16.00 hr. Arrive at the boat pier in Bangkok Meal: Breakfast, Lunch END OF SERVICES

	RV RIVER KWAI CRUISE The RV River Kwai, the first inland cruise ship in Thailand, is a newly built colonial style river cruiser based on designs used by the original Irrawaddy Flotilla which was founded in Burma in 1865 and by the 1920s was the largest privately owned fleet of ships in the world.
	The RV River Kwai carries a maximum of 20 passengers in 10 teakwood cabins (single deck) and operates on a 4 days/3 nights year round program every Monday-Thursday and Thursday-Sunday on both Upstream and Downstream programs alternately.
	The RV River Kwai opens up an entirely new area for river tourism in Kanchanaburi province west of Bangkok. Every morning and afternoon land excursions are offered to visit attractions along the river including temples, historic sites, Khmer ruins, waterfalls, war cemeteries, hot springs, the bridge on the River Kwai, and local attractions, etc.
	Catering: On the RV River Kwai local cuisine and beverages are served. The breakfast is always on board served. Lunch is served either on board or depending on the daily activities on board or in local restaurants. Dinner are served on board.
	Including: * Accommodation on RV River Kwai, meals as mentioned above, coffee, tea & drinking water. * Transfers and sightseeing tours with English speaking local guide (together with other cruise members) (other language i.e., German or French speaking guide inquiry will be subject to such language availability). * Entrance fees. Not included: * Optional tours. * Expenditures of a personal nature for bar and laundry. * Gratuity to crew.
	River Kwai Cruise Itinerary
	Thursday \| Cruise Day 1 BANGKOK-KANCHANABURI-THONG PHA PHUM-BAN HIN DAD * Depart from Bangkok by van/coach to Kanchanaburi via Nakorn Pathom. * A shortstop in Nakhon Pathom to visit the highest Chedi in Thailand called “Phra Pathom Chedi” which is the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia. * Visit to Khao Noi Cave Temple (Wat Tham Khao Noi) located on the west bank of the river. The monastery was constructed on a hill, decorated in the form of Chinese architecture and cultural art. From the top of the monastery observe the beautiful scenery of Kanchanaburi and its mountainous horizon. Also visit to Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Sua) nearby, built in the form of Thai cultural art. The great Buddha image and pagoda placed in the temple are respected by all Buddhists. * Continue to Kanchanaburi. * Lunch at Sommai Restaurant. * Proceed to Hell Fire Pass, a part of the Death Railway cut through the stone mountain. Trails lead to Hin Tok Bridge and Konyu Cutting where a plaque commemorates the ordeal of Australian and British POW's who undertook the hazardous work in precarious conditions at the aptly named pass. The memorial complex (Hin Lek Fai) is intended to honor the Allied Prisoners of War and conscripted people from India, Burma, Malaysia, and other countries who died during the construction of the railway, as well as all who suffered as a consequence of the hardships. * Embark RV River Kwai and cruise along Kwai Noi River. * Dinner and overnight on board.
	Friday \| Cruise Day 2 BAN HIN DAT-SAI YOK YAI-SAI YOK * Breakfast on board while cruising downriver. * Visit Hin Dad Hot Spring, formerly called Kui Mang. It was accidentally discovered by Japanese soldiers who were supervising the construction of the Death Railway. The natural hot spring features two large pools and private baths. The mineral in the spring is believed to cure many diseases, e.g. beriberi (lack of vitamin B), arthritis, etc. * Visit Pha Tad Waterfall located in the western zone of Si Nakharin Dam National Park. It originates from a small stream called Huai Kui Mang. Pha Tad is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Kanchanaburi Province and flows into the Kwai Noi River. * Back on RV River Kwai. * Lunch on board while cruising along Kwai Noi River. * River rafting or canoeing downstream on Kwai Noi River. If time allows, visit nearby Mon Village. * Dinner and overnight on board.
	Saturday \| Cruise Day 3 SAI YOK-BAN KAO * Breakfast on board while cruising downriver. * Short visit at Sai Yok village located right on the river bank. * Lunch on board while cruising to view greenery and mountainous scenery at its best. * Board the coach to visit the Krasae Cave situated on the bank of the Kwai Noi River, an excellent viewpoint. The cavern houses a Buddha image. * Take a 3rd class train to Tha Kilen Train Station passing over the long wooden Wang Pho viaduct. * Arrive Tha Kilen and continue by coach to "Prasat Muang Singh", a historical park with Khmer architecture from the late Lopburi period, some 700-800 years ago. The extensive ruins of the temple beside the River Kwai Noi are a potent reminder of the vast expanse of the Khmer empire. The ancient border town of Muang Singh, "City of the Lions", was probably established as a trading post. * Return to the RV River Kwai and cruise along Kwai Noi River. Afternoon at leisure on the boat. * “Farewell Dinner” and overnight on board.
	Sunday \| Cruise Day 4 BAN KAO-KANCHANABURI-BANGKOK * Offering foods to monks (making merit in Buddhist style) at Chukkadon Market in Kanchanaburi. Breakfast on the boat whilst cruising to Nong Ya. * Disembark and return to Kanchanaburi by coach. Visit Wat Tham Khaopoon, a Buddhist temple that served as a big camp of World War II. There is a middle cave containing stalactites and stalagmites and many remarkable Buddha images. Behind the temple enjoy a marvelous view down the valley of the Kwai Noi River. * Continue by bus to visit the Thailand-Burma Railway Center Museum, an interactive museum that provides a remarkable research and information center dedicated to presenting the story of the Thailand-Burma Railway. Then, visit the well-maintained Don Rak war cemetery which contains the remains of 6,982 Allied prisoners of war who perished during the construction of the infamous “Death Railway”. Its tranquility still reminds visitors of the war and its aftermath. Finally, visit the world-famous bridge over the River Kwai. The sturdy Iron Bridge spanning the River Kwai Yai, which was a crucial part of the Death Railway, was built in some 16 months by Allied prisoners of war and Asian conscripts. The bridge was destroyed in Allied bombing raids towards the end of World War II and was later rebuilt by the Japanese as war reparations. * Lunch at the Rabiang FA Restaurant, near the confluence of the two rivers Kwai Yai and Kwai Noi. * Proceed to Bangkok. * Arrive Bangkok and transfer to your hotel in Bangkok downtown.