EAST WEST SIAM
Malaysia
MEKHALA I, II, III
Passenger Capacity: 12, 12, 18
Built: 1989, 1990
Length: 17-18 m
Beam: 5-5.50
Officers: Thai
Staff and Crew: 4. Thai |
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- Itinerary: A two-day program cruises from Bangkok up the Chao Praya
River with views of the Grand Palace and the temple of Dawn, and
just after sunset the vessel docks at Wat Kai Tia, a Thai temple set in a
rural village. The second day guests visit a palace, go by long-tail boat
to the ancient capital of Ayuthaya, then return to Bangkok by air-conditioned
mini-bus. A second program begins with the bus tour, then does the river
cruise.
- Cabins: 6, 6, 9. Cabins are 4 sq m, and have a double bed. Mekhala I
and II have six cabins; Mekhala III has nine cabins, air-conditioned.
- Dining: Thai food is featured, sometimes with dining on deck.
- Dress: Casual
- Recent Fares Reported to Us:
$172 to $246 per
person, depending on cabin and season. Rates are lowest from May to October.
50 percent discount for a child under 12. Infant less than 2 free. Fare includes
fees and guide in Ayuthaya and Bang Pa In. Charter rates for whole boat from
May through October $1,830 to $3,118; November through April $2,149 to
$3,760.
PAK OU I, II
Passenger capacity: 38
Itinerary: Cruises down the Mekhong from
Houeisay to Pakbeng with stops in rural villages along the way and
passengers staying at Luangsay Lodge, then cruising to Pak Ou village at the
mouth of the Nam Ou River for a look at the Tham Ting caves of a Thousand
Buddhas and returning to Luang Prabang. The company also has day-trip vessels to Phang Nga Bay, James Bond Island, the gypsy village, Mangrove Delta,
and the Grotto Cave. |
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SUWAN MACHA
Passenger Capacity: 10
Built: 1985
Length: 16.5 m
Beam: 5 m
Officers: Thai, English speaking
Staff and Crew: 3. Thai |
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- Itinerary: Cruises are three nights between Phuket and Phi Phi
Island. The Phuket- Phang Nga journey begins at Laem Prao,
sailing through Phang Nga Bay to arrive at sunset at James Bond Island. Other
days are sailing to Krabi, Phi Phi Island, and Pra Nang, with a return by ir-conditioned
ferry to Phuket. The program also operates in reverse, from Phi Phi Island (Ao
Tonsai) to Phuket.
- Cabins: 5. There are two twin cabins and three with a double bed.
- Dining: Meals are served on deck if it’s good weather. Some lunches
ashore.
- Dress: Casual
- Facilities and Activities: There is fishing, snorkeling, canoeing.
Shore excursions include a tour of James Bond Island and gypsy village.
- Recent Fares Reported to Us: $335 per person to $606 per
person depending on cabin and season. Rates are lowest from May to October.
Fare includes transfer and visit fees and use of sport equipment. Whole boat
charter $2,865 to $3,707.
VAT PHOU
Passenger Capacity: 24
Length: 34 m
Officers: Laos
Staff and Crew: 7. Crew members speak French, English, Thai |
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- Itinerary: Three nights from Pakse in Laos.
- Cabins: 12. There are two single beds in each room.
- Dress: Casual
- Facilities and Activities:
From Pakse the vessel cruises the Mekong
River, docking at Champassak for a guided tour of the pre- Angkorian 10th
century temple of Vat Phou, the boat’s namesake and to explore the riverside
and the Laotian way of life. The vessel stops at Don Kong, a visit to Muang
Kong and a trip by road to the roaring Khone Phapeng Waterfall for a picnic,
then a stop at a Cambodian village at the Laos-Cambodian border. Other river
stops are Oun Moung to visit an ancient Khmer temple hidden in a tropical
forest and Vat Phou Ngoi.. Local children are always delighted to see the boat
and wave endlessly.
- Recent Fares Reported to Us: $465 per
person double occupancy to $715. Children are half price when sharing parent’s
cabin. Groups get one free space for tour leader for 15 paying passengers.
To
see current fares and itineraries of East West Siam cruises, click on this
direct link
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