The naga barges cruises

Nature is at its most spectacular as it awakens to a new day stirred from its slumber by the golden beams of the rising sun ... Or at dusk ... when the setting sun casts its mellow hues over the land.

Age-old monuments seen in the distance take on an awe-in- spiring magnificence when seen in the retreating light. An eerie yet enchanting silhouette of incredibly ornate forms break the horizon. A cool breeze sweeps over the land signaling it’s time to call it a day.

In the olden days, with the river being the principle means of travel, ancient landmarks and historical monuments were often built facing the river with the most impressive architec­tural aspects best seen or approached from the river. The Naga Baige Cruises thus provides the ideal vehicle for a discovery of the cultural and historical treasures of the Kingdom, as well as its many natural wonders.

The Naga Barge Cruise is an exclusive river cruise for a par­ty of six, or three couples, for art overnight trip and a maximum of ten persons for a day trip. The cruises are operated by Piphi- tmaya Co., Ltd., founded by Mr Jean-Michel Beurdeley.

A day trip cruise

Introducing Sena

Approximately 70 km from Bangkok, Sena is a town sur­rounded by lush countryside isolated from the locations often frequented by tourists. In this quiet rural setting, the tradition­al culture and way of life has been preserved and visitors are of­fered a glimpse of the typical lifestyle of the local residents.

With several canals converging on Sena, the scenic landscape presents many fascinating aspects of the traditional Thai river- based way of life, one that is founded on the principles of self- sufficiency. The traditional market place retains its original char­acteristics and can be seen as it existed in the olden days.

A DAY TRIP CRUISE AROUND SENA, AYUTTHAYA PROVINCE

with a Half-Day visit to the ancient capital of Ayutthaya

08:30 hrs Depart from Bangkok to Ayutthaya by an air-condi­tioned minibus.

09:30 hrs Spend the morning exploring the historical land­marks and cultural treasures of the ancient capital of Ayutthaya.

11:30 hrs Leave Ayutthaya and continue to Sena by an air-con­ditioned minibus. ‘

12:00 hrs Suggested lunch at Jung restaurant serving delicious, fresh river prawns.

13:00 hrs Depart Sena and cruise along the Bang Ban Canal, the Chao Phraya River and Phak Hai Canal, and back to Sena (approximately 5 hours).

A DAY TRIP CRUISE AROUND SENA, AYUTTHAYA PROVINCE

09:00 hrs Depart from Bangkok for the Wat Padoo Temple where the party boards The Silver Naga Barge. An air-conditioned minibus can be provided upon re­quest.

10:30 hrs Board The Silver Naga Barge and cruise along the Klong Phak Hai Canal to the water-gates.

13:00 hrs On the return trip, stopover for lunch at Jung restau­rant, famous for its delicious fresh river prawns. 14:00 hrs After lunch, the river cruise continues along Klong Bang Ban.On the return trip to Sena, we make a short cut taking us past Wat Bang Nom Ko Temple where we disembark to visit the temple. We then fol­low the course of the river until we emerge at Wat Takoo Temple.

18:30 hrs Arrival in Sena.

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GERMANY VACATION ON THE WATERSIDE

Coasts and Islands

The rugged North Sea, the gentler Baltic, life at an island pace, bracing air, more than 1,000 kilometres of beach and plen­ty of sun. Add to that, a never-ending choice of sports, spec­tacular events and nightlife into the early hours. Towns and cit­ies with a traditional maritime feel, culture that stimulates and new trends that excite.

Or peace and quiet at last, time to enjoy a good book, swim or just do nothing. No end of sand for building castles and bury­ing your parents up to their neck. All the ingredients for a fan­tastic holiday by the sea. And Germany has it all, two times over: once on the North Sea and once on the Baltic. Ready to get your feet wet?

River Scenery

For nature-lovers, who are interested in river scenery, Ger­many is definitely the place to be! There is a wide variety of dif­ferent landscapes to experience, such as the Middle Rhine Val­ley, which celebrated its 200^th birthday in the year 2002, forms part of the UNESCO world heritage. But there are also several other rivers, which are all worth a visit. While the character is always changing, the romantic atmosphere stays the same. En­joy Germany on a journey, following the flow of the rivers.

Relax Scenery

Germany’s lakes are as diverse as the countryside which sur­rounds them. Some are very well known; others are hidden gems that only reward people who trouble to seek them out. Large, small, with green water or blue, all Germany’s lakes have a lot in common: they offer opportunities for sports and fun, together with fresh air and fantastic natural scenery — and the quality of the water is carefully monitored. Just a few clicks will help you discover what Germany’s lakes have to offer in terms of beauty, walking, swimming, windsurfing, canoeing or just relaxing.

Waterway Networks

The fantastic network of navigable waterways that runs through Brandenburg — from Berlin to Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania — will give anyone who loves boating a huge adren­aline rush. There are around 4,000 lakes, countless rivers, streams and canals, making this region one of the most remark­able inland waterway systems in Europe. Countryside that is un­touched and quite deserted stretches for miles, just waiting to be discovered. There are cultural riches to enjoy here too. Whether you prefer a houseboat or a canoe, a motorboat or a sailing yacht — in many parts license-free — why not experience a whole new way of looking at the world?

Water Thrvel

Germany’s rivers and lakes could almost have been designed with touring in mind. Whether it’s a taste of canoeing adven­ture you’re after, a touch of speed on a motor yacht or the tran­quility of a house boat — the next few pages are full of ideas and information about Germany’s regions, marinas, mooring plac­es, hire regulations, legal requirements, consideration for oth­ers on the water and nature conservation.

Water Sports

Water — that wonderful, natural element — offers no end of opportunity for sporting activity. In the last few years, some exhilarating new trend sports have joined the ranks of traditional water sports like diving and sailing. Take a look at what there is to do out there. And where to find the best places, training cen­tres and courses. Take the plunge and read on.

■ ■■■■■■■ COACH TRAVEL ■■■■■■■■

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