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SUGGESTED
ITINERARY
(Ayutthaya to Bangkok [via Menam Noi] : 09:00 Day 1 -
17:00 Day 2)
Ayutthaya - Wat Phananchoeng - Wat Chaiwatthanaram -
Wat Kassitthirat - Khlong Phong Pheng - Menam Noi - Wat
Sala Daeng Nua (overnight ) - Wat Phailom - Koh Kret -
Bangkok
Duration: 2 Days
Description: Leave the Pea Tevaraj Restaurant and
travel down the Pasak River to join the Chao Phraya
River . Shortly after departing you arrive at the
beautiful and revered temple of Wat Phananchoeng. The
temple was built in 1300 and predates the Ancient
Siamese capital. A huge gilded Buddha image is in the
main hall and is said to have been built by a Chinese
Emperor. In the grounds of the Wat, a Chinese shrine
commemorates a Chinese princess who drowned in the river
nearby. A visit to the temple is highly recommended and
feeding the fish is a must.
After leaving Wat Phananchoeng, we cross the Bang Kacha
Whirlpool where the Chao Phraya and Pasak rivers unite;
then pass under the silent gun portals of "Pom Phet",
one of the fortresses which once defended the Ancient
Siamese capital.
As we proceed in a westerly direction up the Chao
Phraya, we come across the ancient temple of Wat Phut
Thai Sawan. The old part is still in reasonable
condition and contains a mixture of architectural
styles; ancient stupas and chedis blend in with a more
recent Khmer style prang. This becomes a backdrop to the
western end of the wat , which features a more modern
ornate Thai style viharn. A floating pontoon provides
reasonable access to the wat from the vessel.
Further along the southern bank of the river lies the
old French Roman Catholic Church, locally known as Wat
Saint Yochep, (Saint Joseph 's Cathedral). The ceiling
of the church is in an unusual style, similar to the
local Buddhist temples. Services are held Sundays.
Access to the church from the boat is possible for
reasonably agile persons.
Rounding a bend in the river, we come across the
magnificent ruins of Wat Chaiwatthanaram. From the
latter part of the Ayutthaya period this temple was
built by a prince in memory of his mother. The style is
Khmer to celebrate a victory over the Cambodians at the
time. Although partially destroyed by the Burmese during
the invasion of Ayutthaya, this temple has some
remarkably well preserved features from the Ayutthaya
period. Across the river, a palace belonging to Queen
Sirikit nestles in secluded gardens.
Continuing up the river, we are greeted by the splendor
of Wat Kassatthirat; large floating wharves provide
excellent access to the Wat from the boat.
Leaving Ayutthaya behind, the river winds its way
northwards past tree lined banks; aquatic birds amuse
themselves by flying slowly ahead of the boat, then
re-alighting on some floating weed until we catch up,
then flying on again. Eventually we reach the Chao
Phraya Hut, a small resort on the eastern bank of the
river. Built largely from timber salvaged from old teak
rice-barges, is a peaceful retreat. Air-conditioned 'sala'
style accommodation is available if a group is traveling
on board; a simple restaurant and bar overlooks the
river and is a pleasant place to stop for a while.
Access is reasonable for agile persons. During high
river levels, September to November, mooring may not be
possible at this site.
Further up-river, we reach Khlong Phong Pheng, a natural
waterway which leads to the Menam Noi, a river which
flows in parallel with the Chao Phraya. When entering
the narrow but deep waterway, you will be surprised at
the number of large steel barges loading sand at Ban
Phong Pheng; but beyond the first bridge the khlong
becomes a pretty and peaceful stretch of water.
A steel footbridge at a temple halfway between the Chao
Phraya and Menam Noi is the critical obstruction for
this route; if we can pass beneath this bridge, the
water level will permit passage down the Menam Noi.
After the footbridge the khlong narrows, becomes
shallower and is partially blocked by fallen trees. From
here on it becomes an adventure cruise; trees, shallow
water and low wires hamper passage. Beyond the Sena
Township, fleets of idle tugboats and barges crowd the
narrow river, leaving little room to pass. Further down
the Menam Noi, masses of drifting water hyacinth
occasionally block the river, slowing progress to a
crawl. The scenery however makes up for the
inconvenience; the narrower waterway brings the
riverside way of life intimately closer. Once the Menam
Noi reunites with the Chao Phraya, progress is back to
normal again.
The next port of call is Wat Sala Daeng Nua, a small
temple located in a village inhabited by descendants
from an ethnic group originating in an area of northern
Thailand near the Myanmar border. This pristine village
on the banks of the Chao Phraya has been earmarked for
future tourism development, but at the moment it is a
peaceful place to take a relaxing walk among the flowers
along the riverbank. As the temple is located on the
eastern bank, you can enjoy pre-dinner drinks whilst
watching the sun set over the river. Dinner is served on
board in accordance with your selected menu. After
dinner drinks are served whilst you catch up with the
latest international news, enjoy music, a movie, or
simply relax in the balmy tropical night.
Breakfast of your choice is served at your convenience,
after which we set course to Samkhok and the revered
temple of Wat Phailom, which is a winter nesting ground
for the Asian Open-billed Stork. An elevated boardwalk
has been erected through the mangroves so that you can
get an intimate view of these graceful birds which
migrate from Siberia and northern India.
A further hour's cruising southward brings you to the
man-made island of Koh Kret. Isolated from the Eastern
bank of the river by the Pak Kret Canal , the island has
no roads or cars, only a narrow encircling laneway with
paths leading to houses and the famous Mon potteries
which dot the island. On weekends the island is bustling
with tourists and the many small restaurants and bars
lining the narrow thoroughfare do a brisk trade; on
weekdays the pace is a little more relaxed. The island
is definitely worth a visit to experience its unique
culture and atmosphere.
From Koh Kret the cruise continues to Bangkok where you
may disembark at your riverside hotel or other
convenient place.
Inclusions
of the trip
-
Accommodation
(single/double/twin)
-
All
entrance and visiting fees
-
All
meals as indicated in the programme
-
Mineral
water bottles served on the van
Exclusions
of the trip
-
Daily
expenses
-
Soft
drinks on the boat
-
Kayaking
if not included
-
Tip
& gratuity to crews and drivers, guides
-
Personal
travel insurance
-
Personal
medical insurance
-
Other
things that not included in the programme
Please
note the Cruise Itinerary and Program may be subject to
change without prior notice.
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