Rice Barge boat in Bangkok

The rice barge Tahsaneeya Nava Almost forty years ago, an American engineer, Botter Reeves, working at IBM in Bangkok, was asked to arrange dinner on the river for some visiting executives. He hired an old rice barge, placed some planks of wood across the boat and brought some food on board. The executives had such a good time that Botter started to think about the possibilities of a business based around the concept. He bought a 30 year-old rice barge, made of exceptionally high quality solid teak wood, and totally converted it, constructing two decks of teak, adding various teak carvings and adornments, which he commissioned, and a seven layer roof made of traditionally woven split bamboo skins (over 100,000 in number). Two powerful engines and generators were added to provide failsafe propulsion although the boat was designed to be able to be run on a single engine, if necessary. Thus, the first dinner cruise barge commenced business on the Chao Phraya River.  Over the years numerous refinements have been made during the annual two-week dry dock overhaul that takes place in the low season. It is estimated that 700,000 persons have dined on-board the vessel, including numerous heads of state, royalty and international celebrities. It remains the only authentic antique rice barge operating on the river. Regular price: 1750 baht plus 10% service charge and 7% VAT 2060 baht per person.  For special days - Dec 24, Dec 31, Feb 14, Loy Krathong - check price on the relevant web page under Annual Events Internet discount 20% 1400 baht (**) (**) For bookings made via the Internet: Price 1,400 baht plus 10% service charge and 7% VAT 1648 baht per person. Subject to availability. Children 5-15 years: Half price. Children under 5 years: Free All prices exclusive of Service 10% and VAT 7% Boat capacity: 65-70 persons (17 tables maximum)