Page 55 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL SUMMER 2025 THAILAND

Afterwards we reflected and relaxed on
a long-tail boat ride on the scenic Kwai,
flanked by dramatic white limestone cliffs.
Still the lifeblood of this region, the muddy
river support commerce and recreation.
Along the way, we watched a lone fisher-
man pull up a full net full of small flopping
fish. We also glided past floating resorts
that cater to the growing number of tourists
drawn to this beautiful, historic area.
Later that day, we watched the sun set
over the river and nearby green mountain
peaks, from a bar deck in eco-friendly Hin-
tok River Camp. The former site of a POW
camp, the lushly landscaped grounds are
dotted with three dozen “glamping tents,”
each with spacious porches, air-conditioned
bedrooms and ensuite baths. We were re-
minded of our luxe tents on safari in Kenya.
Buffet-style meals on an open-air deck, spa
facilities for famous Thai massages and a
natural spring-fed pool were welcome re-
sort worthy pleasures.
For many of us this was a favorite ac-
commodation on the tour, that delivered
spacious, comfortable hotels for the entire
trip. One exception - our rather run-down
lodging in Chiang Rai - is due to be swapped
out in the near future.

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