What can be more romantic than cruising into the sunset on board a converted river barge, docking for the night at a peaceful riverside temple and top the day with a candle-light dinner under the stars. While the first night is spent comfortably on board the “Mekhala”, the second night is spent at Kirimaya Resort & Spa, in a luxurious tented villa, complete with your own private jacuzzi.

Day 1  Bangkok – Wat Kai Tia

Leave Bangkok on board the Mekhala river barge, cruising upriver on the mighty Chao Phraya River. On both sides of the riverbanks are lively pictures of the city and it’s famous landmarks. The magic of this journey is the tranquillity and unhurried pace only a river cruise can provide. After a few hours into cruising, the bustle of the city will be replaced by the changing moods of the passing countryside; serene temples, lively riverside communities and scenic nature. In the evening, the Mekhala docks at the peaceful Wat Kai Tia temple. You will be treated to a romantic candle light dinner under the stars before you spend the night in the comfortably equipped cabin on board. 

Overnight: Mekhala River Barge
Meals: Dinner

Day 2  Wat Kai Tia Temple – Khao Yai National Park

For the second day, you may want to wake up early and participate in the traditional food offering to the monks of the temple. Afterwards the Mekhala cruises further upriver while breakfast is served on board.  Bang Pan In, site of the former royal summer palace, marks the end of the river journey. After a walking tour to see it’s European and Chinese influenced architecture, continue to Ayutthaya by long-tail boat. Declared Unesco World Heritage site, Ayutthaya has been the capital of Siam for 400 years. Visit the most important temples and ruins of one of the country’s most impressive archaeological sites. After lunch, continue to Khao Yai, Thailand's first national park where nature reigns with evergreen hills and grasslands. Check in at Kirimaya Resort & Spa and enjoy the luxury of the resort and its facilities.

Overnight: Kirimaya Resort & Spa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3  Return to Bangkok  

In the morning enjoy a soothing Thai massage at the Spa (optional, not included). At noon, check out from Kirimaya Resort and return to Bangkok.

Meals: Breakfast

The “Mekhala”

The “Mekhala” boats are a collection of three restored rice barges that provide daily overnight journeys between Bangkok and the ancient Siamese capital of Ayutthaya, retracing the paths of former royal processions. The 2-story barges are made of huge teak wood planks and feature either 6 or 9 comfortably appointed double-bed cabins in the hull of the lower deck, with air-condition and western-style bathrooms. Meals are taken on the open-air upper deck that also provides the space for sunbathing and lounging. A bar, a library, audio entertainment and games and a telephone are at the disposal of the passengers. The Mekhala is equipped with modern safety features and lifejackets.

Kirimaya Resort & Spa

Opened in December 2004, Kirimaya is a high-end nature retreat just 2 hours drive from Bangkok. The Kirimaya compliments the natural environment of Khao Yai National Park with innovative contemporary design and a fusion of Asian touches that offer a stylish and quiet getaway. All of the resort’s 52 rooms and 4 suites feature spacious interiors, equipped with full amenities, satellite TV, shower and bathtub as well as large private balconies or terraces that offer refreshing views over the swimming pool and the nearby hills of Khao Yai. Unique in concept and comfort are Kirimaya’s four signature “Tented Villas”, luxuriously designed with your own private indoor spa pool and sun deck. The “Alcala” Restaurant serves Thai & Western food, the “Mist Bar” is the ideal place to unwind with an afternoon tea or “chill out” over a sunset cocktail. The resort’s 18-hole championship golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus is not to be missed for golf enthusiasts while the “Maya Spa” offers a variety of treatments for golfers and non-golfers.

                       
Included

• Private escorted tour and join-in cruise as per programme (English speaking guide on board/other languages on request, for tour only)
• Transportation by minivan (max. 6 persons)
• 1 night on board the “Mekhala”, double-bed cabin with private facilities 
• 1 night at Kirimaya Resort & Spa, in a Tented Villa with private Jacuzzi (180 sqm)
• VAT & Service charge
• Meals as indicated
• Entrance fees

Excluded

• Meals and services not mentioned
• Spa Treatments
• Personal expenditures and tipping
• Seasonal surcharges on relevant dates

Extension option   

Extend 1 day/1 night at Kirimaya Resort & Spa, for hiking at Khao Yai National Park or a day tour to the Khmer temples of the Isan plateau.