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