Dubbed “The Orient Express of the River”, this vessel is a 20-meter-long rice barge that has been carefully restored and lavishly converted into an ultra-deluxe river cruiser. Designed for up to four couples, Manohra Song explores Thailand’s famous Menam Chao Phraya, in unmatched luxury and comfort.

Built upon the original 100-year-old, solid teak hull, Manohra Song features four air-conditioned staterooms with queen-size beds, ensuite bathrooms, and an expansive saloon living and dining area with bar, plus an ample forward sun-deck lounging area, with private crew quarters and kitchen in the aft section

Designed and built by interior designer Kathleen Heinecke, the Manohra Song features warm teak, padua and mahogany woods throughout, custom-designed furniture covered with colorful Thai silks and cottons, oriental rugs, Thai and Southeast Asian art, sculpture and artifacts. Many of the accessories selected have been made by the people living along the rivers and klongs (canals) of Thailand, as well as in some of the more remote areas.

“Some of the crafts are quite sophisticated and fine, while others are more folk items that have been used by the Thai people for generations,” explained Heinecke, CEO of Polygon Designs.

“We wanted to reflect and re-create in a small way, some of the many early European influences that were embraced and encouraged by King Rama V. These resulted in a good marriage of the styles of the time, both Thai and foreign, mixing local carving expertise with the sumptuous fabrics – many of them made from Thai silks and cottons, patterns and colors,” she added.

Manohra Song is staffed by an experienced and attentive crew of four including a Chef presenting the finest traditional Thai cuisine for lunch and dinner.

A variety of custom-planned cruises are available, including the regularly scheduled two night – three day “Ayutthaya Adventure”. Stops along the way include Wat Bangna and the unique Wat Nivat. There is also a tour of the fabulous Summer Palace complex at beautiful Bang Pa-In. In Ayutthaya, there is time to explore the 17th century historical ruins, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, ride an elephant and do a little shopping.

The Chao Phraya River itself offers a never-ending vista of vignettes: temples, log-rafts, barges, long-tail boats, houses, palaces; and above all, the friendly, happy people who are never too busy to wave at visitors cruising aboard Manohra Song