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A unique
opportunity to explore Thailand's rural areas in the Central Plain on three
beautiful rivers and to meet with local people in a world far removed from the
usual tourist haunts and witnesses their typical handicraft-making occupations.
The program includes three unique accommodations: on the Thanatharee rice barge
to explore charming villages along a small river (the Maenam Noi), at the
Country Lake Nature Lodge located amidst a forest in a rural area of peaceful
Uthai Thani, combined with a cruise along the Sakaekrang River, and at the
Jungle Rafts on a raft house which blends into the natural surroundings of the
Kwai Noi River.
Day 1, Bangkok - Maenam Noi
(-/L/D)
Morning transfer from your hotel to meet the
"Thanatharee" rice barge.
The cruise passes through rich agricultural
areas dotted with small towns and villages where life moves at a slower and more
gentle pace. With bicycles on board frequent stops are made along
the way to explore the countryside and observe the way of life and
culture of the rural Thai people. There will be opportunities to see the
traditional handicrafts still produced in these areas and meet with the local
people, in a world far removed from the usual tourist haunts.
Dinner and overnight on board.
Day 2, Maenam Noi - Sakaekrang
River - Uthai Thani (B/L/D)
After an early breakfast and the opportunity to
give food to the monks on their morning alms round, observe the villagers'
day-to-day activities before continuing the cruise to the meeting point where a
minibus is waiting for the transfer to Uthai Thani.
Before arrival at Uthai Thani town, visit the
temple Wat Tasung and its amazing Crystal Hall, Golden Hall and
fish sanctuary. Then board the converted rice barge "Kirinava" to
cruise along the Sakaekrang River to see the traditional house boats of the
local people and the serene life along the riverbank.
After the cruise visit the lively local
evening market and Wat Sangkat Ratana Khiri, up into the
hills, for a birds-eye-view of the city and then transfer to the Country Lake
Nature Lodge for overnight. A Thai cooking demonstration can be arranged if
time permits.
Day 3, Uthai Thani -
Kanchanaburi - Kwai Noi River (B/L/D)
At leisure in the morning to enjoy the natural
surroundings of the resort and the activities available such as birding, biking
or kayaking in the lake. Then transfer to Kanchanaburi with various stops
enroute including Ban Kok Mor weaving village, the amazing
Hub Pa Tard valley and, perhaps, a school or pineapple plantation
(depending on the season).
Arrive at the boat pier in Kanchanaburi late
afternoon and transfer to the Jungle Rafts for overnight. End the day with a
display of traditional ethnic-Mon dances after dinner.
Day 4, Kwai Noi River -
Bangkok (B/L/-)
After breakfast free time to visit the
ethnic-Mon Village to see their way of life, or enjoy a Thai herbal
massage (not included).
After lunch cruise through the scenic jungle
along the Kwai Noi River to Pak Saeng and the joint transfer to
your hotel in Bangkok.
Remark: Activities are subject to change
without prior notice due to local conditions.
Departure:
Every Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday and
Thursday on joint basis with a minimum of 2 persons and a maximum of 12.
Please enquire for the detailed itinerary of
each departure. Kindly note that except for Day 1 and the morning of Day
2 the programme will be the same for each departure day. This is
because the Thanatharee operates a continuous schedule of overnight cruises up
and down the Chao Phraya River between Bangkok and Ayudhaya and so the starting
and finishing points of the Thanatharee portion of the programme will vary
according to the departure day. The duration of the cruise and the activities,
however, vary very little.
Services included in the
price:
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Joint tours and transfers by air-conditioned
minibus.
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Hotel accommodation throughout the tour is
based on 2 persons sharing a twin-bedded room.
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Day 1 On board Thanatharee. The barge
provides air-conditioned multi-share accommodation for a maximum of 12
persons, the bedroom 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).
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Day 2 At Country Lake Nature Lodge. All
bungalows with are air-conditioned with attached hot-cold shower and toilet.
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Day 3 At River Kwai Jungle Raft.
Accommodation is in a bamboo raft house, it is of basic standard with
attached cold shower and toilet. To preserve the natural atmosphere there
is no electricity and illumination at night is by oil lamp.
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At Resotel (alternative to Jungle Rafts).
All bungalows are air-conditioned with attached hot + cold shower and
toilet.
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Full board (from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on
Day 4).
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Service of English speaking-assistance
during on board the barge (day 1, 2) and stationed-English-speaking guide in
Uthaithani & River Kwai, Kanchanaburi.
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All services and activities described in the
itineraries.
Services not included in the
price:
Prices for-
Thailand Rice Barge Cruises
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