One of the most fascinating areas of Bangkok, the riverside reflects a constantly changing scene with taxi boats gently transporting passengers, rice barges being towed laden with goods and local trading boats, against a backdrop of glittering temples and modern warehouses.
The riverside area also contains some of Bangkok's most prestigious hotels, from The Oriental - consistently voted "Best Hotel in the World" to the Shangri-La, and the Sheraton. Good value first class hotels like the Menam, established before the real estate boom are also located this area. Close by is Sanam Luang - the political capital of Bangkok which has many historic landmarks and buildings, including the Grand Palace. The area remains relatively free of modern architecture and gives a better feel for "old Bangkok."
What to do
Cruising along the Chao Phraya River A cruise along the legendary Chao Phraya River and some canals on the Thon Buri side is the most pleasant way to explore the city once dubbed "Venice of the East" The majestic charm of the Chao Phraya adds perspective to your exploration of the city's premier attractions.
Tourists can book a tour through www.sayhibangkok.com or rent a boat at Tha Chang (Tel: 02-225-6179, 02-623-6169), a pier near the Grand Palace, or Tha Si Phraya (Tel: 02-235-3108) near the River City Shopping Complex.
Rivers and canals referred to maenam and khlong in Thai have always been vital forms of communication. When the capital of Thailand was moved to Bangkok in 1782 (the beginning of the Rattanakosin period), the capital was laced with canals, so Bangkok was sometimes called the "VENICE OF THE EAST" by European visitors.
In the past, Bangkokians usually settled by the Chao Phraya River and gradually spread into the core of the country. As you will see traces of the Early Rattanakosin period such as architecture and traditional ways of life have been left by the river more than in the inland areas. Besides, waterways at that time were the most important means of transportation and trading as well.
Nowadays, even though Bangkok has become a modern city, the Chao Phraya River as well as the canals are still charming for whoever wishes to seek the peaceful atmosphere amidst bustling Bangkok.
Chao Phraya Express Boat:
Tel: +66(0) 2623-6001-3, +66(0) 2225-3003, +66(0) 2222-5330 www.chaophrayaboat.co.th
Trip along the Chao Phraya River To make your trip easy and memorable for the first travelers, we provide the following package for your pleasure.
What to see
Royal Barge National Museum
The Royal Barge Procession is one of the most spectacular events in the world. It is performed occasionally during the Tod Kathin Buddhist Festival when H.M. The King delivers new robes to the monks at Wat Arun. It was also seen by millions of viewers around the world when it was specially staged for the 2003 APEC Conference in Bangkok and broadcast live to the participating countries.
These ornately decorated boats are maintained by the Royal Thai Navy and docked at The Royal Barge National Museum on Bangkok Noi canal on the Thonburi side.
The most impressive and important boat is the Kings personal barge, Suphanahong which was built in 1911. It is 46 metres in length hewn from a single tree and covered with intricate gilt carvings and colourful pieces of glass. The design is representative of a mythical swan. The crew consists of 54 oarsmen who paddle in time to the rhythmic beat of a drummer.
The Royal Barge fleet consists of 52 vessels. Each is a masterpiece of marine and traditional craftsmanship. They feature a variety of figureheads on their bows, including a sacred Garuda, Hanuman and the seven heads of Naga.
In formation the fleet travels in rows five abreast and more than one kilometer from the leading barge to those at the rear. These are propelled by 2,082 specially trained naval personnel
A visit to The Royal Barge National Museum will give you an insight into the colourful culture of Thailand.
How to get there: by Chao Phraya Ferry cross the river at Tha Pra Chan Pier near Thammasat University to Bangkok Noi (Thonburi) Train Station Pier or by chartered boat from Tha Chang Pier. Open daily : 9 am. - 5 pm. Admission : 30 baht Tel : 0 2424 0004 www.thailandmuseum.com
Wat Arun
Make sure you set aside one late afternoon to see and photograph this imposing sight at sunset with the Chao Phraya River in the foreground. These photographs will bring back beautiful memories of Bangkok.
The temple was built during the Ayutthaya period and was originally called Wat Makok after the name of the local village Tambol Bangmakok. It means "Village of Olives".
Wat Arun gets its name from Aruna, the Indian god of the dawn, hence its common name The Temple of Dawn.
The location of the temple is in the area that used to be occupied by the palace of King Taksin who re-established the Siamese Kingdom after the fall of Ayuttaya more than two hundred years ago. The main Buddha image is believed to have been designed by King Rama II.
Wat Arun, often called The Temple of Dawn, is one of the most remarkable visual identities of Bangkok. The imposing Khmer-style prang or tower is 104 metres tall and decorated with bits of porcelain that was used as ballast by boats coming from China. It is surrounded by four smaller prangs. Construction of the prangs were started by King Rama II and completed by King Rama II.
The central balcony is an ideal spot for looking across the river to The Grand Palace and The Temple of The Emerald Buddha.
Each year at the end of the three-month lent period for Buddhist monks, H. M. The King or his appointed representative travels down river in a Royal Barge Procession to present new robes to the monks. This ceremony is called Royal Tod Kathin.
How to get there: Bus routes 19, 57, 83 Open daily: 7.30 am. to 5.30 pm. Admission fee: Baht 20 Contact: Tel: 0 2465 5640 Website:www.wararun.org
Where to dine
To dine on Chao Phaya River under the star is an ideal and stunning experience in visiting Thailand.The old city atmosphere and historical temples are your scenic. Here are the dinner cruises that you can reserve your table with.
It would be very easy, if you stay at a riverside hotel. Most of riverside hotels have their own pier to serve their client, just contact the hotel your demand.
But if not and you stay around the sky train line, you can take the sky train to saphan taksin Station. There is a major pier and tourist information counter to assist you.
Cruising along the Chao Phraya River
In the past, Bangkokians usually settled by the Chao Phraya River and gradually spread into the core of the country. As you will see traces of the Early Rattanakosin period such as architecture and traditional ways of life have been left by the river more than in the inland areas. Besides, waterways at that time were the most important means of transportation and trading as well.
Royal Barge National Museum 
The Royal Barge fleet consists of 52 vessels. Each is a masterpiece of marine and traditional craftsmanship. They feature a variety of figureheads on their bows, including a sacred Garuda, Hanuman and the seven heads of Naga. 
Wat Arun
