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SUGGESTED
ITINERARY
(Pa Mok to Bangkok [via Menam Noi] : 09:00 Day 1 -
17:00 Day 2)
Pa Mok - Khlong Phong Pheng - Menam Noi - Wat Sala Daeng
Nua (overnight) - Wat Phailom - Koh Kret - Bangkok
Duration: 2 Days
NOTE: During high river levels, September to November,
Khlong Phong Pheng and the Menam Noi may not be
navigable due to low bridges.
Description: Depart Wat Pa Mok for Khlong Phong Pheng, a
natural waterway which leads to the Menam Noi river
which flows in parallel with the Chao Prayah. 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
Prayah 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 Prayah, 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 Prayah 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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