CRUISE NEWS
ENJOYING A ‘SONG’ ON
THE RIVER OF KINGS
‘Manohra
Song’ sits comfortably on her 100-year-old
hull in Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River, looking very much the queen in spite of her
bulky
shape. This is one of several converted rice barges plying the river on
daily
excursions or as shuttles for The Peninsula, Bangkok Marriott and other
high-end hotels. But ‘Manohra Song’ has a secret. She does not perform
any of
those mundane duties. She is a cruise ship, completely refitted in
deluxe style!
Before
booking your exotic adventure, erase all
images of the usual cruise experience. Yes, there is a sundeck, and a
covered
lounge for reading, relaxation and cocktail sipping, but this is also
where
meals are served…at a table for eight. ‘Manohra’ has just four
staterooms,
staffed by a crew of four and furnished in elegant decor.
Dubbed
the ‘Orient Express of the River,’ Manohra Song
is a golden opportunity to see Bangkok and Thailand as it was done many
centuries ago…by river…while enjoying the best in modern food,
amenities,
sightseeing, and that priceless Asian service. Ornate pagodas, ancient
temples,
and a never-ending flow of river life pass by as you relax in your
lounge chair
on the sundeck. Observing bustling Bangkok from this serene vantage point is quite
different
from peering out of a cab window during numerous traffic jams.
Other
cruise lengths are offered, but the
three-day/two-night "Ayutthaya Adventure" provides a quick look at
several of Thailand's main attractions. The Manohra fleet is
docked at
Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa, where your mid-morning departure
takes
place. While chilled fruit cup and cold towels dipped in lemongrass
keep passengers
soothed, the first stop on the river is right in Bangkok at Wat Arun. Temples and towers, bearing the tightly carved
designs that
represent neighboring Cambodia’s Khmer-style architecture, are clustered
together
like so many oddly shaped building blocks.
Stops
at the Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Center and the Summer Palace meld into an early morning visit to Wat Bang
Na
temple as Buddhist monks ‘make merit’ (call at various doors asking for
food
and alms). Central to the voyage is the ancient Thai capital at Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a perfect
example
of the blend of cultures this cruise emphasizes. You arrive from the
boat by
luxury limo and follow that with an elephant ride!All four
staterooms on board have queen-size
beds, air-conditioning, safe, hair dryer, robe and slippers, full-size
amazing
bathrooms and deluxe amenities. Many of the Thai silk touches and
ornate
carvings are done by locals living along the klongs (canals) of Bangkok. The ancient
design that gives these ships their
unique shape dictates the use of two-level cabins. If this presents a
problem,
request the only one-level cabin when making reservations.
The
three-day/two-night “Ayutthaya Adventure” departs
every Monday and Thursday. Everything is done for you at the
all-inclusive
rates of US$1,594 single, US$2,000 double (plus tax and service
charge). This
includes three daily meals and teatime, served on crisp white linen by
the very
attentive staff. Also included are roundtrip dock transfers from hotel
or airport,
tours, guides, admissions and ground transport. Alcoholic drinks are
extra. The entire
vessel can be reserved for private
charter at US$8,125 plus tax and service charge. This rate covers 1-8
passengers.
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