Riverside: What to see & do

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.

The Chao Phraya is also the star attraction in the city during important events like Songkran (the Thai New Year, celebrated in April), the annual Loy Krathong Festival in November, and the very rare Royal Barge Procession - the most recent one held in June 2006 to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej. On New Year's Eve, riverside hotels take turns to outdo each other with spectacular fireworks that light up the sky well into the new year.

A day spent at Bangkok's riverside is like taking a journey back into time. Many of Bangkok's most famous attractions are located along the river banks, the likes of the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun), the splendid Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), as well as Wat Pho, Bangkok's oldest temple.

Other historical landmarks and attractions dotting the river banks are the Wat Sai and Taling Chan Floating Markets, the Thonburi Snake Farm, and The Royal Barges National Museum not far from Phra Pin Klao Bridge. Talking about bridges... The construction of the Memorial Bridge in 1932 marked an important step in Bangkok's history, as it opened up major development on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya. Other noteworthy bridges to look out for are the Rama XIII and Phra Chao Taksin bridges.

Take a tour

Exploring the riverside area by boat is by far the most practical - and most charming experience at the same time. The Chao Phraya Express Boat Service has several stops along the river, the most important ones located at Saphan Taksin Pier (where there is also a Skytrain station with the same name) and at the Rivercity Pier.

At both of these there are also information kiosks where you can opt for a river tour, or even hire your own private tailboat. For information about river tours, trips to the floating markets and to make a reservation for the finest dinner cruises on offer, head to our Tours section.

Learn more about the Riverside: Where to Stay, List of Riverside Hotels, Nightlife, Where to Eat, Shopping, Getting Around, Five-star hotels, The Royal Barges National Museum

Most Popular River Cruises: Mekhala Cruise, Rice Barge Cruise, Autthaya by River Sun, Ayutthaya by Grand Pearl, Dinner Cruises

Learn about other City Sights: Sukhumvit, Chidlom-Ploenchit, Siam, Silom, Ratchaprasong, Sathorn, Khao San Road, Old City (Rattanakosin), Chinatown, Chatuchak, Pratunam, Ratchadapisek

While originally built on the banks of the Chao Phraya in 1768, following a land grant by King Rama I, the Portuguese Catholic church seen today is the result of rebuilding work between 1891 and 1898. This restoration lent it its Neo-Gothic style, furnishing it with its impressive statue of the Virgin Mary, towering spire, elegant cream exterior, curving gilded stucco ceilings and beautiful coloured stained glass windows. The latter depict stories from the Old and New Testament. In Thai it is known as the Kalawar Church, a name originally derived from the name of the hill where Jesus Christ was crucified.

Where: near River City Complex

Once upon a time in Bangkok the Chao Phraya River and its tributaries were the most important avenue of communication, boats the main mode of transport for all, even royalty. Here you can discover eight of the country's most unique and stunning - the Royal Barges reserved for auspicious ceremonies and state occasions like the very rare Royal Barge Procession. Each is carved from huge pieces of teak with prows carved into mythical creatures, gilded in gold and intricately decorated with tiny shimmering pieces of glass. Rowed by up to 50 specially trained oarsmen, the boats leave their dry dock at festival times and important state occasions for  these spectacular processions along the river.

Open: Daily 09:00 - 17:00
Where: Khlong Bangkok Noi (near Thonburi side, not far from Phra Pin Klao Bridge)
Admission: 30 baht for tourists, 10 baht for Thais, children get in for free.
Contact: +66 (0)2 424 0004

Otherwise known as King Puttayodfa, this double life-size monument to King Rama I was built to mark the city's 150th anniversary in 1932, along with the Puttayodfa Memorial Bridge next to which it sits. It was designed by HRH Prince Naris, and architect Silpa Bhirasri sculpted it in bronze. Born on March 20, 1736, King Rama I was the first king in the Chakri Dynasty which continues to this day. He ascended to the throne on April 6, 1782, and died 27 years later.

Where: Foot of Phra Phutta Yodfa Bridge (The Memorial Bridge), Bangkok side

Although mainly a popular sojourn for those looking to pick up Thai silk, antiques, jewellery, carpets and art, OP Place is also something of a destination in itself. Built in 1908 and constructed in elegant Neoclassical style, this impressive white stone Asian Heritage Shopping Centre, originally known as the Falck & Beidek Store, exudes an atmosphere reminiscent of old Bangkok.

It consists of two storeys with a three-storey tower at each end and wonderfully gabled porches. Vintage flair is added by a manually operated elevator. Not to be missed is the Ashwood Gallery, which features works ranging from 19th Century Burmese alabaster sculptures to Chinese and Japanese prints, and a branch of Chitralada shop, a project initiated by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit.

Open: 10:30 - 18:30
Location: 30/1 Soi Charoen Krung 38 (behind the Oriental Hotel)
Contact: +66 (0)2 266 0186
BTS: Saphan Taksin