Bangkok Riverside Information Guide
Bangkok's riverside is where its historic roots lie; the traditional heartland of this magical city with origins that read like an epic novel - complete with fallen and rising Kingdoms, heroes and traitors. One of the most fascinating and scenic areas of Bangkok, the riverside reflects a constantly changing scene day and night; water-taxis ferrying commuters and heavily laden rice barges chugging upstream, set against a backdrop of glittering temples and palaces, historical landmarks and luxury, five-star hotels. Despite some condominiums and corporate towers that have risen from the river banks over the past decade or so, the area has retained its unique identity, exclusiveness and seductive charm.
Bangkok became the capital of Thailand in the tumultuous years following the Burmese sacking of the former Siamese capital of Ayutthaya in 1767. Originally established on the western bank of the Chao Phraya River (known as Thonburi), the capital was later moved to the eastern side (Old City or Rattanakosin). As a result, the Thonburi side is much less developed. A series of 'khlongs' (canals) branch off into local neighborhoods where communities still live above the water, and where life takes place on the waterline. On the other side, too, many of the 'khlongs' that formerly formed a major transportation network still exist - the reason Bangkok was dubbed 'The Venice of the East' by early explorers. Even today it is still possible to catch a water taxi from the center of the city to the riverside.
River of Kings
Flowing south from the highlands on the country's northern border to the Gulf of Thailand near Bangkok, the Chao Phraya River - or 'River of Kings' - is some 365 km (225 miles) long and is Thailand's principal river. Throughout many centuries is has been both the country's and city's lifeblood, used for transportation, agriculture and providing in the day-to-day needs and livelihood of the people living along the water's edge. There are several islands in the Chao Phraya too, most notably Ko Kret, home to the minority Mon community who are renowned for their pottery skills, and believed to have been the first inhabitants of the Bangkok area.
During the day, the riverside offers plentiful exciting exploration opportunities and, by night, a romantic dinner cruise along the river with its many beautifully illuminated historical highlights rates among one of the most memorable experiences you can possibly have in Bangkok. |
Packed to the brim with many delightful sights, alluring charms and a deep-rooted historical connection to the city's colourful past, the riverside is one of Bangkok's most prestigious areas. Little wonder that it is home also to some of the world's finest hotel brands like Hilton, Marriott, Peninsula, Sheraton and Shangri-La. (READ MORE)
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Riverside hotels are abundant in number and choosing one can be a daunting task. Here you can find a list of riverside hotels in an alphabetical order, along with exclusive packages and deals available only on bangkok.com (READ MORE)
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A visit to Bangkok would not be complete without exploring the riverside for a taste of life in the Thai capital long before mobile phones, cable TV and microwave popcorn became all the buzz. Day or night, the riverside provides plentiful picture-perfect photo opportunities with its many historical landmarks and hidden charms.(READ MORE)
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With so much of Bangkok's history to absorb, there won't be much time left for shopping - and there certainly aren't any colossal malls anywhere in sight at the riverside to talk of either. However, there are a few little shopping treats lined up in the form of Thai arts, crafts and antiquities at Rivercity or OP Place next to the famous Oriental Hotel. (READ MORE)
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Blessed by a cool breeze, the Riverside offers a scenic change to Bangkok's inner-city stuffiness. It's a great place for a sundowner, a romantic dinner cruise, a relaxing lunch, or for afternoon tea. Alongside old temples, warehouses, wooden houses and old buildings you'll find classy hotels serving wonderful buffet lunches and sublime afternoon tea. You'll also find local restaurants perched on old wooden piers serving seafood platters, floating restaurants and smart places to eat in Thai houses along the river banks. (READ MORE)
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Nightlife at the riverside has an altogether different definition than the scene in, say, Silom or Sukhumvit. Posh riverside hotels often have chic jazz or cocktail bars, and at the Millennium Hilton you can shake your tail to heart's content at Zeta... (READ MORE)
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A major Skytrain terminus (Saphan Taksin) now connects with both boat and bus networks, providing easy access to the city's major shopping, entertainment and business areas. (READ MORE)
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