River Cruise In Bangkok - Sightseeing On The Chao Phraya By Eric Lim, Thu Dec 8th
A river cruise in Bangkok gives an insight to the communitylife on the Chao Phraya River and the legacies on this river ofkings, a picture of stark contrasts.
It needn't have to be an elaborate affair; you can cut thefrills and expenses. Plan the river cruise yourself for a moremeaningful Bangkok sightseeing tour from the Chao Phraya River.
The Chao Phraya River is the longest river in Thailandstretching 370 km from Nakhon Sawan, more than 200 km north ofBangkok. The river continues past Bangkok to flow into the Gulfof 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 longerin use.
Attractions, landmarks and views in a river cruise inBangkok
Start the river cruise from the Sathorn Pier near the TaksinBridge; five minutes walk from the Taksin Bridge skytrainstation, the terminal station for trains from the city center.
Proceed northwards passing the scenic water front hotels likethe old Oriental Bangkok where famous writers like Joseph Conradand Somerset Maugham left their mark.
The first recommended stopover, in a river cruise in Bangkok, isthe Ratchawong Pier which leads to Yaowarat Chinatown, SoiSampheng where Chinatown started and Soi Sun Yat Sen named afterthe 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, depictsKing Rama I on a throne gazing at the bustling city he foundedmore than 220 years ago. Pahurat, the Indian community inBangkok is further inland.
Historical aspects of the Chao Phraya
Further upriver on the Thonburi bank, near the mouth of theBangkok Yai Canal, the white ramparts of Fort Vichai Prasit comeinto view. This was an old Ayutthaya fort built in 1688. KingTaksin's Palace is here in the complex that's now the Royal ThaiNavy HQ.
Next to this old citadel, stands the glittering Wat Arun, Templeof Dawn, a temple built in the Ayutthaya era.
The Bangkok Yai Canal and the Bangkok Noi Canal, furtherupriver, used to be the original course of the Chao PhrayaRiver.
This long meander was straightened out by a canal in 1542 toshorten sailing time to Ayutthaya. The new canal subsequentlybecame the present course of the Chao Phraya River.
The river cruise in Bangkok will now pass the most majesticsight along the Chao Phraya River, the Grand Palace and theTemple of the Emerald Buddha in old Rattanakosin, the historicalcenter, which is the origin of modern Bangkok.
The Thonburi bank, across from the Grand Palace, is where oldcommunities have lived long before Bangkok was established asthe capital. The Bangkok Noi
Museum, further inland, preservesthe history of these communities.
The Royal Barge Museum is located in the Bangkok Noi Canal nearthe Phra Pin Klao Bridge.
The river cruise in Bangkok next passes Fort Phra Sumen, builtin 1783 to fortify the old city. Located near the mouth of theBanglampoo Canal, the second protective canal ring, it's one ofthe 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 instark contrast to the spanking new houses and condominiums. Thenoodle vendor in a boat sells her food from house to house asrestaurants provide riverside dining near the some of the piers.
The most spectacular bridge across the Chao Phraya Riverencountered in a river cruise in Bangkok is the King Rama VIIIBridge, a suspension bridge that stands out like a giant harpover the water. Bang Khun Phrom Palace, which houses the Bank ofThailand Museum, is nearby.
Bridges across the Chao Phraya River serve as useful landmarksin a river cruise in Bangkok. Some piers, located near thesebridges, are named after them. You'll pass under eight bridgesin the entire river cruise.
Further upriver life gets less touristy and more rustic,particularly on the Thonburi bank. Many piers are named afterwats (temples) located nearby, around which community life isbuilt. Some of these temples, though less well known, areequally beautiful as their city counterparts.
Chao Phraya boat services for a river cruise of Bangkok
Chao Phraya river boats ply along the river duringthe day stopping at regular piers. These boats are aninexpensive and convenient way for a Bangkok sightseeing tour ofthe river.
A Chao Phraya River tourist boat service isalso available for a day tour of selected areas and piers. Boatrental services are also available for groups of 20 or more.
A total of 34 Chao Phraya river piers located along this 25 kmwinding stretch of river. You don't have to go all the waythough, just take your pick and get on and off where you wish.
A river cruise in Bangkok provides a very different perspectiveof life in the city on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, anaspect you can't get from the usual Bangkok city tour.
About the author: This article, by Eric Lim first appeared in Tour BangkokLegacies, a historical travel site on people, places andevents that shaped the landscape of Bangkok. Lim, a free-lancewriter, lives in Bangkok Thailand.
