A short cruise brings us to the aptly named ‘Suan Thip’ riverside restaurant; which provides a serene setting in which the buildings, gardens and food can only be described as works of art in their respective fields.  Almost invisible from the river the restaurant has private ‘salas’ (pavilions) set amongst luxuriant tropical foliage; water features, where the reclusive monitor lizards laze, abound; all overhung by giant trees, makes this, as its name infers, a ‘Garden of Heaven’.  The very charming and artistic owner has created the perfect setting for the delicious, artistic Thai dishes on her extensive menu.  Complementary lunch is selected from the full, a-la-carte Suan Thip Menu.

Three hours of leisurely cruising northwards brings you to Piyawan Garden House, a small Thai-styled resort featuring architectural styles from four regions of Thailand.  Situated on the eastern bank of the river, you can enjoy pre-dinner drinks whilst watching the sun set over the water.

We pay a visit to the revered temple of Wat Phananchoeng, which predates the ancient capital, before continuing to a secluded spot on the Lop Buri River to see the working elephants takiny their evening bathe in the river.  You can hand-feed the elephants from the front deck, but be wary, if teased these gentle, but playful, animals are not beyond occasionally squirting water the unsuspecting guests.

Travelling further upriver brings us to the Royal Thai Folk Arts and Craft Centre at Bang Sai.  This large modern gallery hosts a wide variety of modern and traditional Thai works of art.  Being under Royal patronage, no commissions are paid to tour guides, making the many beautiful craft items, for sale at the lowest prices in the Kingdom.  The adjacent Traditional Thai Village displays many Thai crafts, which are undertaken in houses styled from various parts of the country.  The Centre also includes the largest freshwater aquarium in Thailand and a bird enclosure displaying many stunning tropical birds, particularly various coloured peacocks and hornbills.

Note: only the Gallery is open on Mondays.

After lunch, a short cruise brings us to Bang Pa-In and the unique Buddhist temple of Wat Niwet.  A cable-car will carry you across the canal to the Bang Pa-in Summer Palace.  The palace grounds contain a variety of beautiful buildings in European, Chinese and traditional Thai styles, including some of the best-known structures in the Kingdom.

We pay a brief visit to the revered temple of Wat Phananchoeng, which predates the ancient capital, before continuing to a secluded spot on the Lop Buri River to see the working elephants takiny their evening bathe in the river.  You can hand-feed the elephants from the front deck, but be wary, if teased these gentle, but playful, animals are not beyond occasionally squirting water the unsuspecting guests.

The barge then makes a night cruise to return to Bang Sai; the river becomes a silver ribbon reflecting the night sky, the silhouette of the tree-lined banks inky-black; the throb of the engine becomes lost in the gentle hissing of the bow wave; peace descends on the river.  Most guests retire prior to the return arrival at Piyawan Garden House.

Morning tea is served on the way to the now familiar ‘Suan Thip’ restaurant for another sumptuous lunch before continuing to Pak Kret for disembarkation.

Transfers to and from the boat can be arranged to suit your travel plans.