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MANOHRA
SONG PACKAGE
Trip Description : A three-day two-night
cruise on one of Asia's most famous rivers
Thailand's "River of Kings", the
Chao Phraya. "Manohra Song" has
been described as the most luxurious trip
on Thailand's legendary "River of Kings"-
an adventure experience in a "Uniquely
Thai" manner
an exclusive luxury cruise
in an exotic setting for a limited number
of discerning guests.
| Destination |
: |
Thailand (Bangkok/Nontaburi/Ayutthaya) |
| Start City |
: |
Bangkok |
| Tour Type |
: |
Join-In  |
| Duration |
: |
3 days 2 nights |
| Depart |
: |
  
(Monday
& Thursday Only) |
| Trip Grade |
: |
Easy 
Moderate
Strenuous |
| Activity |
: |
Sight-seeing/Historical Site/Life
Style |
| | |
ITINERARY
| DAY
1 : BANGKOK - NONTABURI | | 10:00 hrs | Depart
from the Manohra Cruises Pier located in front of the Bangkok Marriott Resort
& Spa. | | | Once on board you'll
meet your Manohra Song Chief Steward and the crew who will be looking after you
on your trip. Cold, lemon-grass scented towels and a chilled fresh fruit cocktail
will be waiting for you. | | |
| 10:30 hrs | Exotissimo guide will meet and
greet clients at Pak Klong Talaat Flower Market. Guided tour of the exotic
flower and flora. | | | |
| 11:10 hrs | Arrive at The Temple of Dawn
or Wat Arun as it is otherwise known. | | | This
is one of the best known temples in Bangkok and dates back to the ancient Ayutthaya
period. The tall, elongated central Khmer-style tower is surrounded by four minor
towers, which symbolise Mount Meru, the earthly representation of the thirty-three
heavens. Here you'll find pavilions containing statues of the Buddha at the most
important stages of life. The beautiful architecture and fine craftsmanship mark
Wat Arun as one of the most remarkable temples in Thailand. We'll stop here for
a short guided tour and depart at 11.30 am. There also a chance to have your fortune
told here also. | | | |
| 11:50 hrs | Arrive at the
Royal Barges National Museum. | | | This
is one of Bangkok's most fascinating sights and something you will not see anywhere
else in the world. The museum is home to an incredible collection of gilded and
ornately decorated boats with magnificently carved prows. His Majesty the King's
personal barge, Suphannahongse, can be seen here. Built in 1911 to resemble a
mythical swan, the boat is 46 meters long and was carved from a single tree. All
the barges are unique and incredible works of craftsmanship. | | | |
| 12:45 hrs | Lunch underway. Enjoy our Thai
cuisine prepared by your personal on-board chef. | | | Shortly
after your lunch, the Manohra Song will pass the island of Koh Kret in
Nonthaburi Province, an island which was 'man-made' in the last 100 years when
a canal was built to shorten the journey around a circuitous bend in the river.
The island is populated by the Mon people, one of Thailand's many ethnic minority
groups, who use the river's fine clay to produce earthenware pots. |
| | | | | Spend
the afternoon relaxing on board, watching the vignettes of river life unfold as
they float by. At 4 pm we'll serve a traditional English afternoon tea of finger
sandwiches, scones and dainties, with a selection of teas. | | | |
| | A
quick stop at Wat Pathum Khong Ka to feed the fish - a simple way of gaining merit
and good luck. This promotes the Buddhist cycle of life by feeding the fish so
they in turn can produce life. Some of these carp fish are giants! |
| | | | | Arrive
at Wat Bang Na, where we can watch the sun set and then moor for the night. Wat
Bang Na was constructed in 1777 by a Mon family who moved from Ayutthaya. One
of the more curious sights within the compound of this temple is the body of the
4th chief monk of this temple who died in 1988 but whose mummified body remains
in excellent condition and is today housed in a glass enclosure. |
| | | | 19:30 hrs | Relax
and freshen up in your private ensuite stateroom and then return to the deck for
aperitifs and Thai canap. | | | |
| | With
Wat Bang Na, as a dramatic backdrop, a dinner of Thai traditional dishes will
be served. Relax on deck with a glass of wine or digestif before retiring to your
stateroom for your first night on the river. | | Overnight | :
Manohra Song | | Meal | : Lunch + Dinner |
| | | | DAY
2 : AYUTTAYA | | | An
early start and chance to make merit with the Monks of Wat Bang Na and
tour the temple. Thai Buddhists believe that by making merit, they earn happiness,
peace in life and the chance to progress in their next life. Making merit with
the Monks is a wonderfully harmonious way to start the day. | | | |
| 08:00 hrs | We'll get underway for the ancient
Thai capital of Ayutthaya. | | | |
| 09:00 hrs | Freshly prepared continental breakfast
is served. | | | A morning of gentle
cruising up the Chao Phraya, through the Thai countryside. Recline on a deck lounger
and watch the river life float past. | | | |
| 13:00 hrs | An Italian luncheon of pasta and
salad served under steam. | | | |
| | Arrive
at Wat Pananchoeng to begin your tour. Wat Pananchoeng is an old monastery
housing Thailand's largest ancient Buddha image. This image, known as Luang Po
To was made in 1344. The Chinese revere this image as their God Protector since
much of the sailing done then was by the Chinese. | | | |
| | A waiting limousine with guide will then
transfer you to within Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The ancient
capital was founded in 1350 by King U-Thong and it was from here that the Siamese
ruled their Kingdom for 417 years. Continue to Ayutthaya Ancient Palace,
was original built King U-Thong in the 14 th century, and was expanded over the
years. These pavilions were completely destroyed in 1767, leaving only brick foundation,
porticos and walls. | | | |
| | Visit Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit.
Phra Mongkhon Bophit, a large bronze cast Buddha image was originally enshrined
in the open area outside the Grand Palace and later covered by a building in the
reign of king Songtham. During the fall of Ayutthaya, the building was badly destroyed
by fire. The one currently seen was reconstructed, but does not have as beautiful
craftmanship as the previous one. The open area east of the sanctuary was where
the royal cremation ceremonies took place.
Visit Wat Phra Si Sanphet.
This is the most important temple within the Royal Palace compound and the original
from which the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok has been copied. Three
outstanding Ceylonese style pagodas were built during the 15th century to enshrine
the ashes of three Ayutthayan kings. Then take a 20 minute elephant ride
through historical park. | | | |
| | From
Ayutthaya, you'll transfer by limousine to Bang Pa In, one of the 16 districts
of Ayutthaya where you'll rejoin the Manohra Song. Along the way, you may wish
to buy a bag of fish or a cage of small birds for you to release back to nature.
This is a wonderful gesture and makes merit. | | | Across
from Bang Pa In is Wat Nivat - one of the more intriguing Buddhist temples - and
this is where we'll moor for the night. Wat Nivat was constructed at the
command of King Rama V in 1878, in the style of an English Gothic church. The
temple's stained glass windows and unusual architecture make it one of the most
distinctive Buddhist temples anywhere in Thailand. | | | |
| 18:30 hrs | Relax and freshen up in your private
ensuite stateroom and then return to the deck for aperitifs and Asian-inspired
canapes . | | | | | 20:00
hrs | For your second night on the river, we'll serve an Ayutthaya-inspired
Thai dinner. | | Overnight | : Manohra
Song | | Meal | : Breakfast + Lunch +
Dinner | | | |
| DAY
3 : BANG PA IN SUMMER PALACE & SANG SAI ROYAL CRAFTS CENTER |
| 08:00 hrs | Wake up to the taste of a full
English breakfast, freshly prepared to your order from the Manohra Song kitchen. |
| | | | 09:00 hrs | Guided
tour of Wat Nivat | | | From Wat Nivat
it is a short walk to the Bang Pa In Summer Palace. The original Bang Pa In
Palace was built by King Prasat Thong on the island and was used as a country
residence for the later kings of the Ayutthaya period. However, after the capital
moved to Bangkok, Bang Pa In was abandoned for 80 years, to be revived by King
Rama V. He commanded the construction of additional buildings - theatres, temples
and monuments in a mixture of European, Chinese and Thai styles. We'll explore
the palace grounds by electric carts although the site can be easily walked. |
| | | | 10:30 hrs | Get
underway for Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Center. |
| | | | | A
short cruise downriver from Bang Pa In is the Bang Sai village, which enjoys the
patronage of Her Majesty the Queen. Here you can see a variety of Thai houses
in regional styles and see how Thailand's rural people make handicrafts such as
fern basketry, silk flowers, hand-woven silk and cotton, silk dyeing, wood carving,
miniature hand-modeled dolls and traditional furniture. A great place to shop
for Thai handicrafts. After a short guided tour, we will depart at around 1 pm. |
| | | | 13:30 hrs | Light
Thai luncheon underway | | | |
| 16:00 hrs | Light afternoon tea served on board
as we head back towards Bangkok. | | | |
| 18:30 hrs | Arrive at the Manohra Cruises Pier
and disembark. Try dinner at one of the Resort's many restaurants. |
| | (The Bangkok Marriott Resort
& Spa has the longest river front terrace in Bangkok and at the open-air Riverside
Terrace restaurant there is a nightly show of Thai dancing and music set against
the backdrop of the river. The restaurant's 'show kitchens' serve everything from
a la minute pasta, seafood BBQ, Teppanyaki and Thai dishes to Indian and Chinese
delicacies, Japanese sushi and sashimi, all freshly prepared at live stations.
Alternatively head to one of the resort's other restaurants - award-winning Benihana,
The Rice Mill or Trader Vic's (dinner costs on the third night are not included
in the cruise) | | Overnight | : - |
| Meal | : Breakfast + Lunch | |
|
| SERVICE RATE | |
Validity
Period
|
|
Our Rate |
|
Single Cabin |
Double Cabin |
Single Cabin |
Double Cabin |
| Present - 31 Dec'07 |
42,900
|
55,250
|
38,000 |
53,000 |
| 1 Jan'08 - 31 Dec'08 |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
| Remark
The rates are nett per
1 person in Thai Baht |
|
|
|
| |
Inclusions :
>> Round transfers hotel / airport to
Manohra cruises pier (Bangkok only)
>> 2 night accommodation on board in
our en-suite stateroom
>> All meals on board during the journey:
American breakfast on main deck, lunch, Afternoon
Tea and dinner
>>
Non-alcoholic beverages during the journey
>> Deluxe amenities in your stateroom
>> Full ground tours programs: English
Speaking Guide, Limousine transfer, Elephant
ride, all admission fees as mentioned in the
program
>> Service Charge, VAT 7% and all Government
Tax
Exclusive :
>> Entrance fees to sites not mentioned
>> Soft drinks or other refreshments
during local tours
>> Camera fee at Royal Barge museum
(THB 100 / camera) or other sites
>> Boat rides at Bang Pa In
>> Electric car rental in Bang Pa In (THB 400 /1 car/4
pax) | | |
Term & Condition
The maximum occupancy is 2 individuals per
cabin.
Alcohol beverages are excluded and will be
billed on consumption basis.
Private Charters are limited to eight adults
unless other arrangements are made in advance.
Stateroom Features :
Four air-conditioned staterooms with en suite bathrooms
Beautifully furnished with appointments of Teak and rare woods, Thai fabrics,
Antiques, Art and Oriental Carpets
Deluxe Amenities
Bathrobe & Slippers
Vanity and make-up mirror
Personal safe
Hairdryer
Boat Features :
Spacious upper deck with lounge and dining area
Sun deck
Fully provisioned galley
Private crew quarters and bathroom
Two-engines for safety and maneuverability
Captain, Chief Steward, Assistant Steward and First Mate on-board
Full bar available
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, all tours, guide, admissions and transfers included |
| |
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| Manohra
Luxury Cruise on Chao Phraya River |  |
| |
| | The Manohra Song, dubbed 'The
Orient Express of the River', is a 20-meter-long river rice barge that has been
lovingly restored and lavishly converted into an ultra-deluxe river cruiser, designed
for up to four couples to explore Thailand's famous Menam Chao Phraya, 'The River
of Kings', in unmatched luxury and comfort. Built upon the original 100-year-old,
solid Teak hull, Manohra Song features four air-conditioned staterooms with queen-size
beds, en suite bathrooms, an expansive saloon living and dining area with bar,
plus an ample forward sun-deck lounging area; with private crew quarters and kitchen
in the aft section. Designed and built by interior designer Kathleen Heinecke,
the Manohra Song features warm Teak, Padua and Mahogany woods throughout, custom-designed
furniture covered with colorful Thai silks and cottons, oriental rugs, Thai and
Southeast Asian art, sculpture and artifacts.It has been designed using
many accessories from the arts and crafts made by the peoples living along the
rivers and Klongs of Thailand, as well as some of the more remote areas."Some
of these crafts are quite sophisticated and fine, while others are more folk items
or items that have been used by the Thai people for generations," explains
interior designer Kathleen Heinecke, CEO of Polygon Designs."We also
wanted to reflect and re-create in a small way, some of the many early European
influences that were embraced and encouraged by King Rama V. Many of these influences
resulted in a good marriage of the styles of the time, both Thai and foreign,
mixing local carving expertise with the sumptuous fabrics - many of them made
from Thai silks and cottons, patterns and colors," Mrs. Heinecke continued.There
are many examples of this "marriage of styles" throughout the Manohra
Song's interior. A perhaps less obvious example of the master craftsmen of Thailand
is the actual construction of the boat itself. Most of the work was carried out
in the same manner in which it has been done for centuries - using mostly a sharp
eye and patience with simple tools in very experienced hands - skills that have
been passed from father to son.Manohra Song is staffed by an experienced
and attentive crew of four.A variety of custom-planned cruises are available,
including the regularly scheduled two night - three day "Ayutthaya Adventure".
Stops along the way include overnights at Wat Bang Na, a typical Thai temple,
plus the unique Wat Nivat. There's also a tour of the fabulous Summer Palace complex
at beautiful Bang Pa-In. In Ayutthaya, there's time to explore the 17th Century
historical ruins (UNESCO World Heritage site), ride an elephant and do a little
shopping and sight-seeing. The Chao Phraya river itself offers a never-ending
vista of river life; temples, log-rafts, barges, long-tail boats, houses, palaces,
and Wats; and above all, the friendly, happy people who are never too busy to
wave at visitors cruising aboard Manohra Song.Manohra Song is available
for private charters and custom cruises departing from the Manohra Cruises pier
located on the river front of the Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa. Special arrangements
can be made for alternate pick-up and drop off points.
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