Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Glimpses of Bangkok's past as the 'Venice of the East' are still possible today, even
though the motor vehicle has long since become the city's conveyance of choice. Along
the river and the canals is a motley fleet of watercraft, from paddled canoes to rice barges.
In these areas many homes, trading houses and temples remain oriented towards life on
the water, providing a fascinating glimpse into the past when Thais still considered them-
selves
jôw nám
(water lords).
The most obvious way to commute between riverside attractions is on the public ferries
run by Chao Phraya Express Boat (
Click here
)
. The terminus for most northbound boats is
Tha Nonthaburi and for most southbound boats it's Tha Sathon (also called Central Pier),
near Saphan Taksin BTS station, although some boats run as far north as Pak Kret, in
Nonthaburi, and as far south as Wat Ratchasingkhon.
For a more customised view, you might consider chartering a long-tail boat along the
city's canals; for details see the boxed text on
Click here
.
A little faster than the days of sailing ships, river cruises from Bangkok north to the ru-
ins of the former royal capital of Ayuthaya take in all the romance of the river. Most trips
include a guided tour of Ayuthaya's ruins with a stop at the summer palace of Bang Pa-In.
Asian Oasis
RIVER CRUISE
( 08 1496 4516, 08 8809 7047;
www.asian-oasis.com
; 7th fl, Nai Lert Tower, 2/4 Th Witthayu (Wireless Rd); 2-day
trip 6050-10,600B; 9am-5pm Mon-Fri; Phloen Chit exit 1)
Cruise the Chao Phraya River aboard a
fleet of restored rice barges with old-world charm and modern conveniences. Trips in-
clude either an upstream or downstream journey to/from Ayuthaya, including a night on
the boat, with bus transfer in the opposite direction.
Anantara Cruises
( 0 2477 0770;
www.bangkok-cruises.anantara.com
;
25,000-72,000B)
Operated by the Anantara
Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa are two restored teak rice barges decorated with an-
tiques, Persian carpets and luxury sleeping berths. The trip is a three-day, two-night excur-
sion to Ayuthaya, and rates are all-inclusive.
RIVER CRUISE
Dinner Cruises
A dinner cruise along Mae Nam Chao Phraya is touted as an iconic Bangkok experience,
and several companies cater to this. Yet it's worth mentioning that, in general, the vibe is
pretty cheesy, with loud live entertainment and mammoth boats so brightly lit inside
