A river cruise in Bangkok gives an insight to the
community life on the Chao Phraya River and the
legacies on this river of kings, a picture of
stark contrasts.
It needn't have to be an elaborate affair; you can
cut the frills and expenses. Plan the river cruise
yourself for a more meaningful Bangkok sightseeing
tour from the Chao Phraya River.
The Chao Phraya River is the longest river in
Thailand stretching 370 km from Nakhon Sawan, more
than 200 km north of Bangkok. The river continues
past Bangkok to flow into the Gulf of Thailand in
Samut Prakan to the south.
Chao Phraya is also the highest title in ancient
Thai nobility, similar to the Duke in British
nobility. The title is no longer in use.
Attractions, landmarks and views in a river
cruise in Bangkok
Start the river cruise from the Sathorn Pier near
the Taksin Bridge; five minutes walk from the
Taksin Bridge skytrain station, the terminal
station for trains from the city center.
Proceed northwards passing the scenic water front
hotels like the old Oriental Bangkok where famous
writers like Joseph Conrad and Somerset Maugham
left their mark.
The first recommended stopover, in a river cruise
in Bangkok, is the Ratchawong Pier which leads to
Yaowarat Chinatown, Soi Sampheng where Chinatown
started and Soi Sun Yat Sen named after the father
of the Chinese Revolution.
The Memorial Bridge, the next stop, is dedicated
to King Rama I, the founder of Bangkok. His
monument, near the bridge, depicts King Rama I on
a throne gazing at the bustling city he founded
more than 220 years ago. Pahurat, the Indian
community in Bangkok is further inland.
Historical aspects of the Chao Phraya
Further upriver on the Thonburi bank, near the
mouth of the Bangkok Yai Canal, the white ramparts
of Fort Vichai Prasit come into view. This was an
old Ayutthaya fort built in 1688. King Taksin's
Palace is here in the complex that's now the Royal
Thai Navy HQ.
Next to this old citadel, stands the glittering
Wat Arun, Temple of Dawn, a temple built in the
Ayutthaya era.
The Bangkok Yai Canal and the Bangkok Noi Canal,
further upriver, used to be the original course of
the Chao Phraya River.
This long meander was straightened out by a canal
in 1542 to shorten sailing time to Ayutthaya. The
new canal subsequently became the present course
of the Chao Phraya River.
The river cruise in Bangkok will now pass the most
majestic sight along the Chao Phraya River, the
Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha
in old Rattanakosin, the historical center, which
is the origin of modern Bangkok.
The Thonburi bank, across from the Grand Palace,
is where old communities have lived long before
Bangkok was established as the capital. The
Bangkok Noi Museum, further inland, preserves the
history of these communities.
The Royal Barge Museum is located in the Bangkok
Noi Canal near the Phra Pin Klao Bridge.
The river cruise in Bangkok next passes Fort Phra
Sumen, built in 1783 to fortify the old city.
Located near the mouth of the Banglampoo Canal,
the second protective canal ring, it's one of the
two remaining forts left from the Bangkok era.
River life and scenes on the Chao Phraya
On the banks, rickety old wooden houses on stilts
can be seen in stark contrast to the spanking new
houses and condominiums. The noodle vendor in a
boat sells her food from house to house as
restaurants provide riverside dining near the some
of the piers.
The most spectacular bridge across the Chao Phraya
River encountered in a river cruise in Bangkok is
the King Rama VIII Bridge, a suspension bridge
that stands out like a giant harp over the water.
Bang Khun Phrom Palace, which houses the Bank of
Thailand Museum, is nearby.
Bridges across the Chao Phraya River serve as
useful landmarks in a river cruise in Bangkok.
Some piers, located near these bridges, are named
after them. You'll pass under eight bridges in the
entire river cruise.
Further upriver life gets less touristy and more
rustic, particularly on the Thonburi bank. Many
piers are named after wats (temples) located
nearby, around which community life is built. Some
of these temples, though less well known, are
equally beautiful as their city counterparts.
Chao Phraya boat services for a river cruise of
Bangkok
Chao Phraya river boats ply along the river
during the day stopping at regular piers. These
boats are an inexpensive and convenient way for a
Bangkok sightseeing tour of the river.
A
Chao Phraya River tourist boat service is also
available for a day tour of selected areas and
piers. Boat rental services are also available for
groups of 20 or more.
A total of 34
Chao Phraya river piers located along this 25
km winding stretch of river. You don't have to go
all the way though, just take your pick and get on
and off where you wish.
A river cruise in Bangkok provides a very
different perspective of life in the city on the
banks of the Chao Phraya River, an aspect you
can't get from the usual Bangkok city tour.
About the Author
This article, by Eric Lim first appeared in
Tour Bangkok Legacies, a historical travel
site on people, places and events that shaped the
landscape of Bangkok. Lim, a free-lance writer,
lives in Bangkok Thailand.
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