Thailand’s Chao Phraya River is a life-giving waterway that connects bustling Bangkok to the historic city of Ayutthaya, the former capital of Siam and the Ayutthaya Kingdom. Today, visitors can travel between the two in style aboard Loy River Song, a new luxury river cruiser from Anantara owner Minor Hotels.
Festooned in rare Thai silks, precious antiques and rich hand-printed wallpaper, the four staterooms of this traditional vessel capture the spirit of old Siam, with hand-crafted furniture and textiles adorning the interiors, and en-suite bathrooms with his-and-hers vanities providing modern creature comforts. The main deck is fitted out with elegant low-slung furnishings that provide a comfy backdrop from which to watch the river drift by, while traditional artwork pays tribute to the communities that line the river.
One-, two- or three-night itineraries on Loy River Song allow guests to dive deep into the history and heritage of the River of Kings, with stops along the route to visit resplendent temples and ancient palaces, before exploring the waterways of UNESCO-listed Ayutthaya on a private long-tail boat tour.
During the cruise, guests can take part in sunrise yoga or watch traditional dance and Muay Thai performances on the deck, or indulge in sunset cocktails before retiring to the dining room for Royal Thai cuisine created by acclaimed chef Ton Tassanakajohn from Le Du Bangkok; the perfect end to a day on the Chao Phraya. A two-night voyage on Loy River Song starts from US $6,612 per cabin and a full-boat charter starts from $7,972 for a two-day, one-night adventure.