Average rating Bangkok to Ayutthaya River Cruise

Take a trip along the Chao Phraya river from Bangkok, passing the Grand Palace and the Temple of Dawn, to the Summer Palace in Ayutthaya. Experience the magic of an ancient waterway as it threads its way between two capital cities, one modern, one ancient, aboard Mekhala, beautiful restored teak boats, allowing you to drift in luxury while the world slips by on this two-day, one-night cruise.

Chao Phraya River, also known as “The River of Kings”, is one of Thailand’s major rivers, and has historically been a major transport and trade route between the many cities that grew up beside it, including the modern capital, Bangkok, and its ancient predecessor, Ayutthaya, from which it took the title in 1768. Some of the city’s most spectacular architectural achievements were built along the banks of the river -most notably the Grand Palace and the extraordinary Temple of Dawn- and it is arguably from the water that they can be seen to greatest effect, where the river’s breadth allows welcome breathing space from the bustling chaos of the city streets.

This two-day, one-night slow boat cruise takes you from Thailand's current capital, Bangkok to Ayutthaya, its ancient capital. This trip takes you right past the Grand Palace complex, with its enormous golden chedi, or stupa, and spectacular Temple of The Emerald Buddha. You’ll also have an up-close view of the looming, 80-metre high central prang of Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn: a vast pagoda representing the mythical Mount Meru, symbolic centre of the universe, itself the focal point for the huge stone mandala that comprises the temple itself.

Just after sunset, when you have left the city lights behind, the boat will dock at Wat Kai Tia, a small, exquisitely beautiful rural temple right on the riverbank, where you will dine onboard before retiring to the air-conditioned haven of your private cabin.

Breakfast is served on board the following morning, after which the boat continues on to the old capital city of Ayutthaya, where you will disembark at Bang-Pa-In, a 17thCentury summer palace, with its pavilions and ponds set out in mandala-like fashion in imitation of far more ancient temple layouts in the region.

This is a cruise for those who want to sample the vibrant life and historic architecture of Thailand’s “River of Kings” in lavish and effortless style. Everything is taken care of for the duration of the cruise; all you have to do is sit back and lap up the sights, sounds and smells as you glide slowly past. The boats themselves are truly beautiful, and in perfect keeping with the scenery along the banks of the river, where royalty both ancient and modern have chosen to build lasting monuments celebrating their gods, their cosmologies, and, inevitably and perhaps inadvertently, themselves.

Getting there

You need to get to the pier in front of Wat Yannawa on Charoen Krung Road, Bangkok. The Taksin Bridge Skytrain station is only about 200m north of the pier.

Price includes

Two day cruise with stops and visits as described, accommodation for one night in double air-conditioned cabin, dinner and breakfast; coffee, tea and water on board and during breakfast, coffee, tea, water and soft drink on board during dinner, qualified crew, group insurance.

Price details

All prices below are per person

Bangkok - Ayutthaya Prices as follows;

A double cabin costs 10,450THB (high season) and 8,030THB (low season).
A single cabin costs 13,100THB (high season) and 10,600 THB (low season).



Ayutthaya - Bangkok Prices as follows;

A double cabin costs 8,400THB (high season) and 6,450THB (low season).
A single cabin costs 10,500THB (high season) and 8,500THB (low season).

When is best

The high season runs through the month of November and then from mid December - April.

Available

Jan—Dec

Typical Duration

2 days

Comfort level

Refined (boutique or luxury accommodation and food)

Experience required

A reasonable interest is all that is needed