JUNE BAHTRA
The Magic of Phang Nga Bay, Phuket
Phang Nga Bay's spectacular limestone scenery has captured the hearts of movie makers, writers and romantics for decades. Scores of beautiful islands rise up from the Andaman Sea, their tree-clad cliffs casting a rainbow of contrast to the bay's sparkling Perrier-bottle hue.
There is no finer way to experience this remarkable scene than from the deck of the June Bahtra, a traditional junk-rigged schooner. Recline on comfortable cushions below the boat's striking red sails as the views of the archipelago from Phuket to Phang Nga unfold before you.
As the boat glides gracefully across the water, a spectacle of islands towering above the sea offers a striking display of green and mottled limestone colour. Later, you'll stop at a deserted white sand beach for a secluded swim in the refreshing clear waters.
You'll take a ride on a long tail boat to visit caves and mangroves, the entire area alive with birdsong and monkey chatter. At James Bond Island, enjoy views of the iconic rock formation rising out of the bay.
Back onboard, enjoy a delicious buffet lunch, including freshly caught fish and seafood. After a secluded swim, just sit back and savour this coastal scenery a bit longer - and the romance of the open sea on board this unique sailing vessel.
The Magical Phang Nga Bay Cruise
Daily 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
from 2,900 baht
Sunset Dinner Cruise
every Wed & Sat 4:00 - 9:00 p.m.
from 1,950 baht
SUWAN MACHA
Phuket Phang Nga Krabi; Island Escape
Gaze out over the emerald waters and towering archipelago of Phang Nga Bay and sooner or later, you'll set eyes on an elegant, red-sailed junk. A storybook setting for a romantic adventure at sea.
Going on two decades, discerning travellers have relished the opportunity of making the Suwan Macha home for four days amidst the island paradises of southern Thailand. It's pace and course has been refined over the years to provide the perfect balance of activity, relaxation and reflection.
On a voyage with no more than 10 guests, experiences remain uncluttered and personalised. A sense of discovery accompanies much of what you see and do with an emphasis on ease, comfort and choice.
The boat is an authentic junk with Siamese rigging, blending
western comfort with Oriental charm and spacious accommodation for up to 10 people. · Modern safety equipment and lifejackets
· Three double and two twin cabins, with wall mounted fans and generous storage space.
· Snorkelling gear and sunbathing / lounging mattresses.
· CD player stereo, games and reading materials.
· Motorized raft.
· western style toilets, basins and showers.
· A fully-stocked bar
Four days / Three Nights
Dept Tues & Sat
30,700 baht; per person sharing
40,350 baht; single
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LUANG SAY
Cruise the Upper Mekong from Chiang Rai, Thailand, to Luang Prabang, Laos
The Mekong River is rich in legend linking seven Asian nations from Tibet to the South China Sea. Perhaps the most mythical of Mekong experiences is a slow-boat river journey through Northern Laos, a timeless land still rich in exotic mysteries waiting to be discovered.
Luang Say is a journey through remote mountainous stretches of the Mekong River between the northern Thai border at Houeisay and the royal old city of Luang Prabang, Laos - in a style fit for a king.
Established in the 14th Century, Luang Prabang sits majestically on the banks of the Mekong River. This charming and much sought-after city was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1995 and is considered one of Asia's best preserved ancient capitals. To wander its quiet, timeless lanes is to enter a living museum of life, architecture and serenity.
Gliding effortlessly across currents and along pristine forests, the Luang Say boat is a purpose-built 34 metre luxury river barge, a stylish replica of the journey craft famous to these waters. Long scenic stretches of breezy, sun soaked river cruising are punctuated by visits to river-side hilltribe villages and the magical Tham Thing Caves of a Thousand Buddhas.
In between the two days on the river, the Luang Say Lodge at Pakbeng, Laos offers a charming and serene riverside stay, a perfect romantic interlude in this unspoiled wilderness setting.
Departures two / three times a week, except June. Contact us for timetable.
Two Days / One Night (both directions)
from USD 243
Three Days Days / Two Nights (both directions)
from USD 343
MEKHALA
Bangkok to Ayutthaya; the River of Kings
For centuries, The River of Kings has been the lifeblood of Thailand, carrying with it the history and culture of this proud nation. Flowing down from the fertile central plains for almost 400 kilometres, this birthplace of Thai civilization connects the ancient Siamese capital Ayuthaya with the modern capital Bangkok, where it remains an essential artery in the region's economic life.
Beautifully crafted, Mekhala is a collection of three restored rice barges that provide the setting for daily journeys between Bangkok and Ayuthaya, retracing the paths of former royal processions. Their journey is a fascinating insight into how life on the river has changed over this time.
The magic of this voyage is its unhurried pace that captures the subtle colours and moods of life on the river over a 24-hour period. A couple of hours into the journey, the bustle of the city is replaced by the tranquillity of the countryside.
Along densely wooded river banks, tin and timber homes nestle in the hyacinth-clogged shallows housing families whose lives are still bound by the ancient waterway.
Two days / One Night
Dept daily 2:30 pm
(not Friday from Bangkok;
not Saturday from Ayutthaya)
from 5,800 baht
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