Travel Inspiration from River to Ocean

Binding villages, jungles, and islands together, water has long been a central part of Thai culture.From hot Thai-noodle dishes served right from a long tail boat, to floating markets and water villas on stilts- Thailand simply does water holidays better. So let us excite the travel bug in you by introducing some of our favourite cruise-inspired holidays below.

Why are cruise and water holidays so popular right now?

You might be asking yourself why a cruise or water-inspired holiday is such a good idea. The answer is two-folded, but still quite simple: slow tourism and location.

Slow tourism, sometimes called slow travel, is centered around the idea of conscious and deliberate travel to connect to the local people, environment, and culture in a genuine way. Though there are many kinds of slow travel, Thailand is particularly perfect for slow travel by water.

Being grounded in ancient traditions and a simple, preserved way of life, small communities, and villages in Thailand depend deeply on the river and other water bodies that surround them. Exploring Thailand by river or ocean is a unique way of intimately discovering this unique Asian Country. As your boat gently drifts through the water, you will see families fishing along the riverbank, or even standing hip depth in the water, retrieving some river delicacy for dinner that night. As you greet other boats along the way, you might observe an orange or red-clad monk mindfully drift by on a long tail boat, or a local sleeping peacefully on the porch of their stilted river-house.

Because rivers are still a primary form of transportation, many fresh food markets are built close to Thai rivers, so vendors can unload their fruit, food, and flower produce straight from the river. This allows many cruises to stop at some of the favourite markets, allowing you to feed your curiosity as you see the locals bargain, sell, and buy right next to the river. It is such a delight to walk through such a market and fill a basket with some fresh fruit, local snacks, and cool bags of coconut water. Instead of rushing to eat these goodies on land, take it back on board and enjoy a boat picnic as you continue your peaceful river journey.

Another reason cruise holidays are so memorable is the tropical location. Thailand is woven together by rivers, surrounded by azure oceans, and pierced through with toppling waterfalls. But besides the obvious perfect topography, it is a country that mesmerizes because of its mythical history and beautiful architecture, which flows over into elaborately crafted boats, and lavish interiors. Few things make Thai history as tangible, as drifting along the river on a traditional, teak-carved vessel, a simple but elegant rice barge, or even a slender long boat.

What types of experiences should you know about?

Certain water-inspired holidays stand out above the rest, due to their unique locations and the exclusive experiences they provide. We have singled out a few below, starting with the Ancient City of Ayutthaya.

A cruise between ancient ruins: The Chao Phraya River

Cruising down the streams and rivers of the ancient capital is magic in its own right. Like the veil of the past has been lifted and you have stepped right back into an age in which temples, royal houses,and religious abodes surround you like carved mountains of splendor. This city, adorned with exquisite ruins and elaborate temples, has gardens that stretch out into parks. The mystical merge of modern and ancient will hold your imagination captive. Sunset tours are especially beautiful, as the ruins next to the riverbank bathe in a golden glow.

Overnight tours from Bangkok to Ayutthaya are highly recommended and will include a food tour of the city as well. There is no other city that combines food and culture as well as Ayutthaya, being the birthplace of famous boat noodles, and has some of the best dessert restaurants in Thailand. A tuk-tuk tour of this city by a local foodie is a must! Noodles, royal Thai desserts, and delicious seafood surrounded by a skyline of ancient temples is the perfect break to stretch your legs, before enjoying a night on the river. If this trip is not on your wish list yet, we highly recommend that you add it right now.

A cruise through tropical jungles: The River Kwai

This highly rated experience takes you on a 4-day cruise down or up the famous river Kwai. The chosen vessel of choice for this extended water trip is a spacious river cruiser. This river-live-aboard allows regular land excursions at some famous local sights, but its charm lies in the slow,scenic cruise you take, while relaxing, dining, and sleeping upon this regal vessel. Imagine enjoying a cup of tea on the beautiful deck watching the jungle pass by, hearing the call of tropical birds, or watching the locals fish.

The River Kwai offers many different styles of cruise trips, as well as other location-inspired activities such as a visit to the precious-stone market on the river-side, or a walk over the infamous Death Railway. Two of our favourite local excursions include paying homage to a Buddha hidden in a cave, or a relaxed hike to a powder-blue waterfall within the local national park. Another holiday you might want to look into is the golf and cruise holiday. Whichever trip you choose, we assure you that the river is the most scenic and leisurely way to explore this corner of Thailand -slowly and mindfully.

Island hopping by private yacht: Sailing from island to island

Why share your precious holiday time with strangers, when you could be island hopping in the privacy of your personal yacht? This exclusive and luxury experience promises the best way to explore the natural beauty of the Andaman Sea and its surrounding islands. What should put this trip on your bucket list, is the intimate and serene touring experience it provides.

Available for private bookings, this cruise is centered around curating a sailing holiday with ultimate luxury in mind. Steering clear of rowdy crowds and speed boats, you will explore the famous and lesser-known islands by private yacht- so much more personal. Time melts into the background as you lounge on the deck of your yacht, enjoying bubbly served by a private butler, or free-dive between the pink, blue and purple coral of the ocean floor. This trip provides the chance to explore powdery white beaches, without having to rush back to your local resort. Instead, you can truly immerse yourself in nature as you explore both island and the ocean at leisure.

Specialised Short Cruises: Highly specialised experiences

We absolutely love shorter cruise trips that focus on a smaller area, a specific community, or a historical ritual. These trips are very personal and vary from place to place.

In Bangkok, a long tail boat trip takes you to greet the day, as the sun touches the mystical Temple of Dawn. Viewing this moment by boat promises uninterrupted views of this magnificent monument and allows you to wallow in the beauty of Bangkok. As you enjoy this moment of splendor, you will notice local boats floating fruits, flowers, and goods to a local market. This is a morning cruise you will never forget.

Close to certain islands, you have the opportunity to fish with the locals. Drifting between stilted houses standing above the sea makes you realise how much the sea forms part of this culture, and as you cook your fresh-caught crab or fish in the company of a local, you enjoy a new way of dining from sea to table.

Another lesser-known short excursion is the splendor of drifting between the Mae Hong Son morning mist on a small Chinese-style barge, adorned with red floating lanterns. Like a story from an ancient fairy tale, you drift over the local mist-covered lake, as tea plantations rise around you.this experience is greatly influenced by the early Chinese settlers of this tiny village, making this cruise a true one-of-a-kind experience.

Luxury river resorts and floating villas

The Maldives is not the only location that has embraced water hotels and floating accommodation. Whether you are looking for extreme luxury or a rustic, natural option, there are many to choose from.

We have chosen the following examples based on certain unique elements that they provide very well, such as remote locations for peace and quiet, and stunning Thai-inspired interiors.

"Floatcation" on the River Kwai:

Staying a true favourite of ours, Kanchanaburi offers a few interesting floating accommodation options. It offers one of the most luxurious river villas in Asia, which boasts a resort of connected pods, each sleekly designed to meet hotel industry standards while floating in the middle of the countryside on a quiet river. Each pod is designed to provide indoor privacy, without interrupting the river view. Lie on your private deck and sunbathe while reading a book, or float around in the cool river water. This resort encourages slow holidays of peace and tranquility.

Island-style floating pods:

Ranong Province boasts gorgeous thatch-roof suites on a tropical lagoon. From your room, you can step right into the blue water as you open your villa door, leaving very little between you and nature. The location reflects much of the scenic beauty found in the Maldives. Engulfed in quiet surroundings, the green palm trees and white beaches invite you to enjoy the gorgeous tropical weather. If you want an island-style water villa, this should be one of your chosen options.

A water villa with a twist:

Another truly remarkable option is found just 3.5 hours from Bangkok. This floating resort offers tranquility with a side of water fun! Besides peaceful floating suites, you can enjoy their on-water playground for a bit of water fun with your loved ones or your spouse. A bit of splish-splash never hurt anyone! Another unique feature this resort has to offer is its sunset-villa cruise. What is that you may ask? At sunset, all the villas are gently pulled down the river by a tugboat, for a sunset cruise like no other. Imagine a cruise from the comfort of your bed! This is at the top of our travellist- is it on yours too?

Why this cruise holiday is perfect for you.

There are so many reasons for you to book a water-inspired Thai holiday and we are sure you do not need convincing but let us highlight some more reasons to book your trip now.

Did you say “all-inclusive”-We did!

We are sure we did. The appeal of most water-inspired trips is how remote these experiences can be. For this reason, most of these experiences are all-inclusive and truly go above and beyond when it comes to providing all you need.

When Bespoke Infinite Travel arranges designs and plans your curated trip, we ensure that your needs and requirements will be met and all details will be discussed before the booking commences.

Thailand Cruise Trips are perfect for Everyone; Especially For a Honeymoon Trip!

These holidays are perfect for everyone, because water cruises, villas, and sailing trips provide something for every individual, whether a solo traveler or a large family on vacation together.

However, we do believe that this trip would be perfect for honeymooners or form part of a unique elopement package. Anniversary trips also come to mind, because of the intimate and romantic elements that water brings to any type of trip.

As the romance of Thailand pulls you in, we know that moments cruising down rivers, or sailing between tropical islands will bind you together with perfect memories, and leave you as the envy of everyone back home.

Questions or Queries we can help with:

We realise that you are quite inspired and maybe you want to book this trip right away. We want to help you plan your perfect trip, holiday, honeymoon, or elopement because we know our knowledge and expertise will make your trip truly remarkable. We hope you feel comfortable sharing your questions, travel aspirations, and photos with us.

2020 and 2021 have been anything but easy. The many changes and uncertainties COVID has been causing, has left us exhausted, pent-up, and ready for this period of stress to be over.
At Bespoke Infinite, we hear you and understand your need for release, adventure, and rest. So let us meet your holiday wishes and make sure this summer is a high-note, getting you ready for a post-quarantine holliday. Here are two very different but unique new summer holiday ideas to inspire your trip to Thailand. 

The Fun-Filled City Holiday: 

Thailand's cities are filled to the brim with things to do and places to see. Being a country that reaches into the past while still embracing modern times makes the following cities the perfect summer holiday destinations. 

What to do in Bangkok for this summer: 

Experience the historical wonders of the Grand Palace uniquely by riding on a Sam-lor. What is a Sam-lor, you ask? It is a type of tricycle that allows visitors of the Grand Palace to move around the grounds with ease. This quirky way of viewing the Palace provides comfort and fun- ensuring you do not miss a thing. 

Bangkok is also a great place to learn about Thai culture, and one thing that is very much loved in Thailand is Tiger Balm. Discover the secrets of this herbal ointment and why it is such a staple cosmetic item in Thai households while purchasing fresh, aromatic products for yourself and your jealous friends back home. 

Another breathtaking site to see while in Bangkok is viewing Wat Arun from the Chao Phraya River. Aptly named, “Temple of the Dawn", taking in its splendor while in a traditional longtail boat, will make this experience a great addition to your summer holiday. 

After this river excursion, have a traditional Thai breakfast of warm fried dough sticks and sweet milk or other sweet dips. Called Patongko, these piping hot doughnut-like eats can be found next to most road stalls and enjoyed while exploring the city on foot. Buy some condense- milk-sweetened Thai coffee to wash it down with, and you are ready for the rest of your day. 

What to do in Ayuthaya for the summer holiday: 

Ayuthaya is another favorite city for historical experiences. It is well-known for its magnificent palace and temple ruins, making it a picturesque city to be in for the festive season. 

Each ruin has plagues that clearly explain each site's history, allowing you a peek into the previous life of splendor. Famous places to look out for are the reclining Buddha at Wat Phra Ram and the detailed murals at Wat Suwandararam. But, perhaps the most unique relic is the Buddha's head and face found in the base of a tree at Wat Mahathat. The tree's roots surround and enfold the head, making the location of this relic quite striking and mysterious. 

Ayutthaya has so many hidden Buddhas and historical wonders that a riverboat tour would be the best way to glide from site to site. When arranging a personalized tour plan, Bespoke Infinite can tailor your itinerary to your specifications and include restaurant and cafe stops before or after your river excursion. While visiting this ancient city, a bowl of delicious boat noodles with beef and pork balls cannot be missed. 

Why not add an Instagram-worthy activity to your holiday list! First, immerse yourself in Thai culture by dressing up in gorgeous traditional Thai clothes for an ancient-temple photoshoot. Then, after adorning yourself in exquisite robes or "chut Thai," take selfies or even hire a professional photographer to take once-in-a-lifetime photos of you surrounded by fallen ruins and moss-covered walls. 

The sunsets in Ayutthaya are exquisite during the summer and adds to the historical wonder of this ancient city. 

The Sunny Island Holiday: 

If you fancy spending the summer holiday in pristine waters instead of a busy city, then let us arrange the perfect island holiday. December and January are cooler months in Thailand, which means near-perfect beach weather. Therefore, islands close to the Andaman Sea will provide the most picturesque holidays during this period. 

What to do on Railay Beach for the summer holiday:

Known for its pristine limestone cliffs and hidden beach,
Railay beach is a favorite for adventurists and beach bums alike. Thrill-seekers travel far to climb this island's gorgeous cliffs. Jutting out from the blue waters, these cliffs not only provide an adrenaline rush while climbing, but they will also give you a view unlike any other. So, at the end of a year filled with less travel and restrictions, why not set yourself free and embrace a new skill by taking a rock-climbing course while in Railay. Your summer holiday bucket-list will thank you. 

If climbing is not your cup of tea, buy a cold drink and head to the west beach to see the most glorious sunset. Lounging on these white sands could be the perfect way to start your summer holiday.

Railay also has a tiny, beach bar, consistently well rated due to its hidden location and seating with a view. You can swing above the water with an ice-cold coconut in your hand. At the same time, the gorgeous Andaman-sea and small surrounding Islands will form the perfect backdrop for Instagram pictures. 

Another reason that Railay is the perfect choice for summer would be its close proximity to other islands in the Andaman Sea. Bespoke Infinite can create a grand tour of the surrounding islands, put together just for you. This allows you to take your time and enjoy the beauty of the islands you choose to visit without feeling rushed. Some suggested islands would be Koh Poda, Koh Hong, and Koh Kai, and of course, Koh Phi Phi and the recently opened Maya Bay. Then, after a long trip of sightseeing, return to Railay for peace and quiet and endless sunsets. 

What to do on Koh Lanta Yai for the summer holiday: 

One of the most beautiful islands globally, Koh Lanta Yai is quite unlike any other. Less touristy than most Thai islands, Kok Lanta Yai is less crowded. It used to be popular amongst backpackers, although now it boasts quite a few luxury resorts. The waters surrounding this island are pretty unbelievable, making it the perfect spot for snorkeling or even diving. 

Koh Lanta Yai is home to Muslim fishing villages, adding a beautiful religious twist to the general island feel. Thailand is known because it respects all religions and can learn about them. Experiencing cultures deriving from these influences is genuinely unique. So be open to hearing their beautiful chants as you enjoy the white, pristine beaches of Koh Lanta Yai. 

Koh Lanta comprises many smaller islands. Therefore, a holiday should include trips to Koh Lanta Noi and other nearby islands. Let Bespoke Infinite arrange for a memorable lunch experience on your excursion, so you can enjoy the beauty of the surrounding isles without compromising great food. Being so close to the ocean and its bountiful wonders, a sea-inspired picnic on a nearby beach would be the perfect lunch or dinner for your perfect holiday. 

What to do in Phuket for this summer: 

If you want to kick off this summer in supreme luxury, then Phuket should be your chosen destination. Phuket is known for its stunning beaches, restaurants, and excellent resorts and hotels. It lets you experience island life without sacrificing convenience. 

We highly recommend spending some downtime at one of the jaw-dropping resorts this island has to offer. You can divide your time between the beach activities and simply lounging in the most exquisite rooms. Whether you want a suite high-up between the trees, or a private garden and pool close to the beach- Bespoke Infinite can help you design the perfect experience for your summer holiday evenings. 

Phuket is also home to an ethical elephant sanctuary, allowing you to spend the day with these giants without causing them any harm. You will learn about the history of elephants in Thailand and better understand the relationship between elephants and their trainers, or "Mahout’s," as they are also called. Their breakfast and lunch buffet is also well-rated. The experience is quite exclusive as they only allow small people at a time. Being in the presence of these creatures can be a life-changing experience and an excellent start to a summer full of adventures. 

Are you ready to spend your summer holiday in Thailand? 

Bespoke infinite indeed aims to make every experience a personal as possible, and your itinerary will be curated specifically for your needs. We want to craft every moment of your trip according to your desires. So we make sure your New Year's holiday is as busy, relaxed, or culturally inspired as you want it to be. 

Send us an email with your holiday wishes, and we will assist you start holidaying on the right foot- in Thailand!