River cruise in Bangkok - sightseeing on the Chao Phraya
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.