The Chao Phraya winds its way across the heart of the bustling and vibrant Bangkok city. Better known as the river of kings this ancient waterway has been a dominant force in shaping all that Bangkok is.
The Character that is Chao Phraya River
Makings its way across busy Bangkok this is a working river conforming to the rigours of urbanization. Water taxis and long tail boats carry locals and eager tourists across its expanse. Tug boats puff their way up the busy river while ferries cross the river from port to port ferrying office workers, school children, and housewives on a daily basis.
The Temples of Chao Phraya River
The Royal Palace and Wat Phra Kaew home to Emerald Buddha is one of the best sights along the river. Wat Arun or Temple of Dawn is the other impressive structure constructed during the Ayutthaya Kingdom. At night the temples dazzle under a million twinkling lights which can only be observed and enjoying from a perch on the mighty Chao Phraya River itself.
River Cruises and the Magic of the Chao Phraya
One of the best experiences to enjoy when in Bangkok is a river tour. The best river cruise Bangkok has to offer are the ones on restored rice barges. Enjoy day tours or even overnight tours on well-restored teak rice barges that let you savour the magic of the Chao Phraya. Look out for tours that allow you to spend a night on the river and you will be able to soak up the relaxed ambiance. There are plenty to choose from similar to Anantara Cruises, Thailand.
The Canals or Khlongs of Thailand
The Chao Phraya feeds a number of Khlongs or canals that wind around the back waters of Bangkok. Still, home to wooden stilt houses and a Thailand of yore, the canals open up ancient vistas of the country as it was before modernisation.
Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life.
