As the sun begins its descent, painting the sky in shades of amber and violet, a wooden boat glides along the calm waters of the Mekong River. In the foreground, the charming city of Luang Prabang stretches across the riverside, nestled among lush green forests that seem to extend endlessly.

Free boat trips are available for people who want to welcome the King and the Queen at King Rama IX Memorial Park in Bangkok’s Dusit district at 5pm on Thursday, the Public Relations Department said.