Siam Niramit Situated on Thiam Ruammit Road off Ratchadaphisek Road, about 100 metres from the Thailand Culutral Center. Siam Niramit is a one-of-a-kind cultural theme complex offerring... more
Along the Rivers
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 such a tour through travel agents 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.
Trip along the Chao Phraya River
Boat services on the Chao Phraya River which connect Bangkok with the northern neighboring province of Nonthaburi are operated by two companies: Laem Thong Co. Ltd., and Chao Phraya Express Boat Co.Ltd.
Chao Phraya Express Boat run daily from Wat Ratsingkhon (a riverside temple in the Yannawa area) to Nonthaburi during 5.30 a.m.-6-OO p.m., the fares range from 4 to 9 Baht. During rush hours (6.00-9.00 a.m. and 3.00-6.00 p.m.), the express boat with a red and orange striped flag runs along the same route and stops only at main piers.
The fare is 10 Baht throughout the route. For more information please call 222-5330.
Visitors wishing-to travel to Pak Krot are able to connect Laem Thong's boat at Nonthaburi Pier.
The service is operated daily during 5.45 a.m.-5.45 p.m.
On both sides of the Chao Phraya River, a tourist can see many magnificent temples and architectural buildings including the First Presbyterian Church, the Royal Thai Navy Dockyard, the Thai Maritime Navigation Company, the Old Customs House, Wat Prayunwong, Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, Wat Rakhang Kositaram, and the Royal Boat House.
When arriving at Pak Kret, tourists can travel further to Ko Kret, a small island in the Chao Phraya River. A river ferry leaves Wat Sanam Nua, which is located within a short walking distance from Pak Kret Pier during 6.00 a-m.-9.00 p.m. The fare is 2 Baht. Returning to Pak Kret, visitors are able to catch a small long-tail boat at any pier around the island for 5 Baht. The atmosphere surrounding the pier is very calm.
Attractions on Ko Kret are as follows - Pottery Village is located along the pathway around the island. There are some huts where visitors are able to see through the pottery making process. Villagers make various kinds of earthen products for daily use such as pots, mortars, and flowerpots. This is the oldest and biggest source of earthenware in Nonthaburi province, in the village, there is the Ancient Mon Pottery Center where pottery in various style is exhibited.
- Wat Paramal Ylkawat was constructed in Mon style over 200 years ago. King Rama V commanded to renovate the monastery dedicated to his grandmother and to construct Phra Maha Raman Chedi (a chedi in Mon style) to house Buddha relics. The principal Buddha of the monastery is carved with marble in Mon style, so it is also called "Wat Mon" (Mon Temple).
- Wat Phal Lom is well-known for the magnificent bot (ordination hall) in the Ayutthaya style. Some parts have been changed due to renovation. Behind the bot, there is a chedi in Mon style.
- Wat Sao Thong Thong houses an old Ayutthaya style chedi and was the first secondary school in Pak Kret.
Besides, There are many other interesting ancient monasteries most of which were constructed in the Mon and the Ayutthaya styles.
Trip Along Bangkok Noi Canal - Bang Yai Canal
A boat service is operated during 6.30 a.m.-11-OO p.m. The boats depart from Tha Chang every half an hour until 11.00 a.m. They leave the pier when there are enough passengers. The boat fare is 30 Baht per person. It takes 50 minutes to Bang Yai, a district in Nonthaburi.
Attractions along Bangkok Noi Canal are as follows
- The Royal Barge National Museum
- Admission fee is 30 Baht. Wat Suwannaram
- Wat Si Sudaram or Wat Chi Pakhao
- Wat Chalo
- Wat Pho Bang O
- Wat Bang 0l Chang
- Wat Kaeo Fa
- Wat Prasat
- Wat Amphawan
Trip Along Bang Yai Canal - Om Canal - Nonthaburi
After arriving at Bang Yai (a district in Nonthaburi), travelers who expect to continue the trip to Nonthaburi can catch another taxi boat at Wat Sao Thong Hin pier which is situated within a walking distance from Bang Yai pier. The boat service is operated during 4.00 a.m.-8.00 p.m. It takes 15-20 minutes. The fare is 12 Baht/person. Next to Wat Sao Thong Hin, Wat Rat Prakhong Tham has a three-top building which houses a huge reclining Buddha image.
Along the route, visitors are able to enjoy the peaceful scenery and waterway life along Khiong Om. Houses along both sides of the canal look very tidy. Almost every house is made of wood in the same style, Colourful flowers are also planted along verandahs by the river.
Mit Chao Phraya Express Boat operates another boat trip on Saturdays during 8.30 a.rn.-12.30 p.m. through Khiong Bangkok Noi, Bang Kruai, Khiong Om, and stops for sightseeing at the Royal Barge Museum.
The trip costs 100 Baht/person. For more information, tel: 225-6179, 623-6169
Trip Along Dao Khanong Canal - Bangkok Yai Canal - Bang Chuak Nang Canal - Mon Canal - Chak Phra Canal - Bangkok Noi Canal
Visitors willing to take a private trip along this route are able to rent a boat from Tha Chang at the rate of approximately 400 Baht per hour. For advance reservations contact Mit Chao Phraya Co. Ltd. at Tha Chang, Tel: 225-6179, 623-6169 and Si Phraya Trip and Boat Co. Ltd. at the River City Shopping Complex, Tel: 41 2-0207, 41 2-7644.
Attractions along Dao Khanong Canal - Wat Sai Floating Market should be visited in the late morning when many boats assemble for selling souvenirs to visitors. - Snake Farm, 35 minutes from Wat Sai Floating Market, is another stop for sightseeing and watching a snake show. The farm is open daily from 8.30 a.m.- 5.00 p.m. - Wat Pak Nam is famous for amulets and is always crowded with a number of people who come to make merit during the weekend.
Attractions along Bang Chuak Nang Canal - Wat Ko houses an old viharn (chapel) which was registered as an archaeological site. - Orchid Farms grow orchids for sale as cut-flowers.
Attraction along Khlong Chak Phra Canal -Taling Chan Floating Market is held every weekend. Boats and stalls gather here for selling a variety of food.
Chao Phraya Chartered Co. Ltd. operates a daily tour along Mon Canal - Bangkok Noi Canal during 2.30-4.30 p.m., leaving the River City Shopping Complex on Charoen Krung Road. The fare is 360 baht per person including fruit and drinks. For more information, tel: 622-7657-61 ext. 111
-Trip along the Chao Phraya River to Ayutthaya
The luxurious cruise from Bangkok to the former capital's ruins of Ayutthaya and the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace are operated every day by the following companies :
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.
Trip along the Chao Phraya River
On both sides of the Chao Phraya River, a tourist can see many magnificent temples and architectural buildings including the First Presbyterian Church, the Royal Thai Navy Dockyard, the Thai Maritime Navigation Company, the Old Customs House, Wat Prayunwong, Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, Wat Rakhang Kositaram, and the Royal Boat House.
