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River cruise in Bangkok sightseeing on the Chao Phraya
River
A river cruise in Bangkok on the Chao Phraya River gives the visitor
an overview of the legacies on this river of kings. The historical
monuments, grand palaces, temples and various communities on the
riverbanks present a historical insight into the city and also a
picture of stark contrasts.
It neednt 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.
At 370 km, the Chao Phraya River is the longest river in Thailand.
It's headwaters start in Nakhon Sawan, more than 200 km north of
Bangkok. The river continues past Bangkok to Samut Prakan and flows
into the Gulf of Thailand 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 Dr Sun Yat
Sen, 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.
One of the most attractive periods is to visit is during the
Loy Krathong Festival, when the Chao Phraya is transformed into
a river of lights by floral floats lit with candles.
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 Taksins
Palace was in this complex thats 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.
A canal was built in 1542 to straighten out this long meander and
shorten the sailing time to Ayutthaya, the old capital. 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, where the famous barges for the Royal Barge
Procession are displayed, 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, its 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. Youll 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 historical areas and piers. Boat rental services
are also available for groups of 20 or more.
A total of 34 Chao Phraya River piers are located along this 25
km winding stretch of river. You dont have to go all the way
though, just take your pick and get on and off where you wish.
Chao Phraya River ferries provide point-to-point crossings at various
piers to help you get to the other side.
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 cant get from the usual Bangkok city tour.
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