Following extensive renovations to what was once a work-horse rice transportation barge, Namthip boat now provides the perfect setting for cruising along the grand Chao Phraya river from Bangkok city northwards to the ancient capital of Ayutthaya.
The handsome solid wood hull, crowned by a roof of timber shingles is lined below by a ceiling of hand-woven rattan cloth panels. The design and details for Namthip pay homage to a traditional Thai materials palette. Teakwood wall and ceiling paneling along with solid timber floor boarding are featured throughout, whilst textiles, furnishings and colours are an inspired selection of Thai silk, linen, bamboo, cotton and jute, in laid-back tones and golden yellows.
The covered main deck houses a service bar, dining and lounge areas – deep built-in day bed mattresses line both sides of the deck, extending out to an open sky deck at the boat’s bow. Located below deck are two first-class guest bedroom suites each with its own en-suite bathroom and solid timber-lined showers.
Photography: Khun Manoo