Much of Bangkok's history has evolved along the banks of the Chao Phraya river. Wending its way through the heart of Bangkok, it continues to play an important part in daily life. Every day you'll 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 the visitor, the river provides a contrast of the old and the new, with some 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 the Thailand's capital) a network of canals (klongs) still remain connecting the city to the suburbs which remain largely unaffected by modern development. A trip around these klongs offers a fascinating insight into local Thai life and a refreshing diversion from modern Bangkok
While many of the klongs have since been replaced by roads, the Chao Phraya River ("the River of Kings") continues to flow unaffected, separating the original capital of Thonburi on one side of the river, from today's Bangkok. Many of the historic sights of Bangkok lie on on the banks of the Chao Phraya river which is why it's such a great way to get around.
As well as the local river taxis (Rua Duen) which stop at boat landings along the river, the Chao Phraya Express Boat Company operates an additional tourist Boat service which stops at ten major piers and provides access to attractions like the Grand Palace, Wat Po and the Royal Barge Museum. You can buy a day pass for 75 Baht with departures every 30 minutes from Sathorn Pier incredible value with guide and drinking water included.
There are also the Longtail boats that bomb up and down the river at break neck speeds, these can be hired on a individual basis and will take you to several good sites.
One of the piers at the end (Tha Sathorn) links with the Skytrain terminus, so even if your accomodation is away from the river, it's still within easy reach.
For the visitor, the river provides a contrast of the old and the new, with some 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 the Thailand's capital) a network of canals (klongs) still remain connecting the city to the suburbs which remain largely unaffected by modern development. A trip around these klongs offers a fascinating insight into local Thai life and a refreshing diversion from modern Bangkok
While many of the klongs have since been replaced by roads, the Chao Phraya River ("the River of Kings") continues to flow unaffected, separating the original capital of Thonburi on one side of the river, from today's Bangkok. Many of the historic sights of Bangkok lie on on the banks of the Chao Phraya river which is why it's such a great way to get around.
As well as the local river taxis (Rua Duen) which stop at boat landings along the river, the Chao Phraya Express Boat Company operates an additional tourist Boat service which stops at ten major piers and provides access to attractions like the Grand Palace, Wat Po and the Royal Barge Museum. You can buy a day pass for 75 Baht with departures every 30 minutes from Sathorn Pier incredible value with guide and drinking water included.
There are also the Longtail boats that bomb up and down the river at break neck speeds, these can be hired on a individual basis and will take you to several good sites.
One of the piers at the end (Tha Sathorn) links with the Skytrain terminus, so even if your accomodation is away from the river, it's still within easy reach.
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