Bangkok Waterways
Bangkok's history has evolved along the banks of the Chao Phraya River and its adjoining canals. It may no longer be the "Venice of the East" described by early visitors, but the waterways still breathe life into the city.
Winding its way through the heart of the city, the river continues to play an important part in daily life. Every day you see commuters, saffron robed monks and school children speeding by on fast river taxis, overtaking the heavily laden rice barges making their sedate journey upriver.
For visitors the river provides contrasts of old and new, with many of Bangkok's most revered temples standing alongside warehouses, old wooden houses, new residential blocks and prestigious five star hotels. On the Thonburi side of the river (the original site of Thailand's capital), a network of canals (khlongs), largely unaffected by modern development, still connect the city to the suburbs. And on the Rattanakosin side it is possible to catch river taxis along Khlong Saen Saep, a dirty but important transport artery that cuts through the heart of the modern city.
Bangkok's waterways are well worth taking a few hours to explore. And there are many ways to do it, ranging from river cruises and khlong tours to public river taxis and dinner cruises. See our Waterway Tips below for ideas. |
The invigorating air, the cooling breeze, the scenery at once sleek, scruffy and spiritual... the Chao Phraya river is up there with the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, one of the city's most indelible sights. Not only that, it's super efficient ferry network - not to mention river cruisers, dinner cruises and long-tail boats - means it is also a picturesque gateway to many, many others. Unmissable. (READ MORE)
|
This printable guide has been designed to highlight the most interesting piers found along the 21km Chao Phraya River Express Boat route. Temples, a wet market or an unexpected enclave... if it's something worth seeing then it's here. Once you've decided which piers you want to visit, use the quick links below to familiarise yourself with the different ferry lines, namely their routes, schedules and fares. Then set off on your custom-made - and dirt cheap - adventure on the River of Kings. (READ MORE)
|
In the late 19th century, a young Italian nobleman named Salvatore Besso stumbled across Bangkok's criss-crossing network of manmade canals, or khlongs. So taken was he with their ramshackle beauty and life-affirming bustle, he was inspired to pick up his pen. "Were it not for queues, almond eyes and odours decidedly Oriental," he wrote, "the illusion would be complete... we could be in Venice... a wild, primitive Venice!" (READ MORE)
|
This dirty but exhilarating central khlong still operates a speedy public boat service that is great for avoiding traffic-infested roads. Pratunam, Siam Square, Thonglor, Nana or the Old City? All can be reached in under 30 minutes! With ornate Italian Rocco bridges and no shortage of old wooden homes, Khlong Saen Saeb is also the closest to the Venice of the East you'll find in central Bangkok. (READ MORE)
|
Fancy a place where the quiet rhythms of daily life continue largely unchanged? Fancy exploring a ramshackle world of criss-crossing canal networks that sub-divide into even narrower canals, and are all lined with old wooden houses and pots of colourful flowers? Or just fancy a go on one of those wooden long-tail boats? If the answers yes, head for the still rustic, still sleepy khlongs of Thonburi. (READ MORE)
|
If you are after an on-water experience, look elsewhere: Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem is a picturesque dead end. However, it has a wistful charm. Come for a stroll if you're in the area or have an hour to kill before catching a train (Chinatown and Wat Mangkon Kamalawat are nearby). Or make a morning of it and combine a khlong-side walk with a visit to Bo Bae wholesale market, which bisects it. (READ MORE)
|
1. Have a magical evening - take a sunset or evening cruise on Loynava's old teakwood rice barge for a Thai dinner and enjoy the river as evening falls. Prepare to be stunned by temples, espcially Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn), beautifully lit against the night sky.
2. Dine at one of the riverside hotels - Have an exquisite dinner at the Shangri-La, Marriott, or Oriental, and take in the exquisite scenery.
3. Have afternoon tea at one of 5 star riverside hotels and watch the world go by.
4. Take a tour to Ayutthaya, the old capital of Siam, and return by river in the afternoon as the daylight falls.
5. Explore the Thonburi klongs - Hire a local boat (just for sightseeing) from Tha Chang landing or take a tour with an English (or other language) speaking guide who can give you a few insights into local life.
6. A trip to Koh Kret. Take a private tour, or even a bike tour to visit the Mon Pottery Village located 25 kilometres at Kho Kret - an island upriver providing a complete contrast to the city.
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
