You travel aboard the Manohra Dream, a twenty meter long teak rice barge that has been converted into a five star floating hotel with two lavishly appointed staterooms and all the amenities you would expect on a luxurious yacht. A lounge area above the sleeping rooms are spacious and comfortable. From the forward deck you can enjoy the sun or watch the scenery float by from the comfort of a plush sofa.
You will experience warm Thai hospitality while aboard. The crew of four includes a private chef and a personal valet. The boat is well stocked with a selection of fine wines and premium liquor. (Let us know in advance if there is anything special you want to have on board.)
From one to four people may travel together. This is the perfect honeymoon or second honeymoon, a unique and stylish experience for one or two couples who enjoy each others' company, or even a discreet and comfortable venue for relaxed business discussion.
Itinerary Options
You have three days and two nights to go practically anywhere you like along
the Chao Phraya River and a number of options are available to you. The
river itself is endlessly fascinating. It is a major thoroughfare for people
and cargo in vessels of every size and descriptions. Some of Thailand's most
magnificent historic sites are built along its banks. The farther you go up
the river, the more you will see of rural here. You will see people fishing,
swimming and paddling small boats, tending their crops, and engaged in every
day life in the countryside. It is easy to imagine royalty traveling on the
river as you glide along in a truly regal vessel.
Ayuttaya, Bangkok's ancient capitol, is the most popular destination. At
this UNESCO World Heritage Site you can explore the city's seventeenth
century ruins, ride an elephant or enjoy one of the most memorable sunsets
of your trip.
Angthong is a small province near Ahyuttaya known for its rural charm,
unusual handicrafts and some of the oldest and most historic Buddhist places
of worship in Thailand. Some temples here date to the Ayuttaya period. Among
the crafts villages here is one that makes drums, and another that makes
miniature dolls in a project under the patronage of Her Majesty the Queen.
Along the way to either Ayuttaya or Angthong you can stop at Koh Kret, a
magical little island that is home to the ethnic minority Mon people. There
are no motorized vehicles on the island, and you can walk all the way around
it in about an hour, enjoying colorful temples, shops, artisans and views of
river life as you go. Koh Kret is famous for ceramics with intricate carved
decorations. The island is packed on weekends, so you should time your visit
to avoid the crowds. It is much more interesting to have the whole island
practically to yourselves.
Other stops may include Bang Pa In for a visit to the fabulous Summer Palace
complex that dates from the seventeenth century. Buildings from the reign of Rama IV (depicted in a Hollywood musical by
Yul Brynner) include huge pavilions,
a Chinese throne hall, formal gardens and the palace itself.
If you do not tire easily of temples, you may also want to visit
Wat Bangna Nui, which is the center of rural village life along the river,
and Wat Nivat, opposite Bang Pa In. The latter probably wins the prize for
the must unusual Buddhist temple in Thailand. King Rama V built it in
1878 in the style of an English Gothic church, stained glass windows and
all.
If you like, you can simply stay in and around Bangkok, enjoy the scenery by
day and the many pleasures of the city by night. If this is your choice we
will provide a nightlife guide to show you the the City of Angels after
dark.
The Mahnora Dream made her maiden voyage in 2006. The two air conditioned
staterooms measure more than twenty square meters and feature an over-sized
king size bed, and spacious ensuite facilities with a full shower. The
vessel is equipped with the most up-to-date safety equipment and a highly
experienced crew.
Options
Purple Dragon's concierge can locate experts to
entertain or enlighten you during your days on the river at an additional cost. The most
popular special requests are Thai cooking classes, meditation and yoga instruction.
However, we can offer spa treatments, a cultural show or live music, and can probably find an ornithologist, a painting instructor or
even a sprit medium. We are happy to do our best to accommodate your special
requirements.
Cost
All-inclusive cost for one to four people: US$5,250
