Cruises

Thailand has long made use of its extensive waterways. Barges, long-tail boats and now luxury cruise vessels share space on the country’s rivers.

Bangkok is an especially popular place for a dinner cruise. The Chao Phraya Princess offers a romantic and scenic tour of the capital’s major sights, such as the Grand Palace and Wat Arun,as well as serving up an international buffet.

Loy Nava Dinner Cruises take guests on a luxury teakwood rice barge, with a true sense of going back in time. Guests are welcomed by staff in traditional costume and handed garlands before the candlelit dinner begins. Gentle background music come from a ‘kim’, or Thai xylophone.

To glide past the superbly-illuminated temple ruins in Ayuthaya by night, try the Mekhala Cruise. On board restored rice barges, this cruise runs from Bangkok to Ayuthaya. Also in the former capital is the Nattawarin Cruise, which sails past the city’s main temples as diners enjoy a taste of traditional Thai food.

For a longer stay on the water, the Naga Barge Cruises can arrange chartered tours. In the southern islands, the June Bahtra is a traditional Chinese junk that runs cruises around Phang Nga Bay.