Chao Phraya, Bangkok - Thailand
The Banks of Chao Phraya River are home to the sprawling, huge city of Bangkok
with almost 6 million people living in it. Also known as "the city of Angels" it
is much more than what one can expect from a south east Asian city. Much of Thai
history can be traced along the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Today, the Chao
Phraya River remains the most important waterway for the people of central
Thailand. In the central region of Thailand, the Chao Phraya Bangkok is regarded
as the bloodline of the Thai people. It has its origins in four rivers flowing
from the northern region of the country and is 370 km long.
Chao Phraya Attractions:
Boat Cruises:
A cruise along the Bangkok's legendary Chao Phraya River and some canals on the Thon Buri side is the most pleasant way to explore the city once dubbed as "Venice of the East". There are several boat tours in Chao Phraya during the day as well as dinner cruises in the evenings, which give the visitors an opportunity to dine in luxury while watching the lit-up old buildings and beautiful skyline of the city. Thailand Tourists can book such a tour through travel agents or rent a boat at Tha Chang, a pier near the Grand Palace, or Tha Si Phraya near the River City Shopping Complex.
A total of 34 Chao Phraya River piers are located along this 25 km winding
stretch of river in Bangkok. You don't have to go all the way though, just take
your pick and get on and off where you wish. Floating Markets:
Floating markets are one of the major tourist attractions of Bangkok and the Chao Phraya River in Thailand. The concept of a Floating market is that Boats and stalls gather in the water selling a variety of food and other items. Bangkok's Floating Markets are crowded with hundreds of vendors and purchasers floating in their small rowing boats selling and buying agricultural products and local food, which are mostly brought from their own nearby orchards. There are several such kind of markets at different parts of the river. You will see small boats laden with colorful fruits and vegetables, paddled by Thailand's women wearing bamboo hats on the Chao Phraya river. These markets are a good place to buy food, local merchandise and Bangkok souvenirs. This will be a good experience and a chance to see the traditional Thailand way of selling and buying goods.
Royal Barge National Museum:
Bangkok's Royal Barges National Museum houses several royal barges, which formerly served as war vessels and were subsequently used on royal and state occasions along the Chao Phraya River. These Barges are ornately decorated boats with magnificently carved prows that at one time served a military function, but today are limited to use in State ceremonies and celebrations. The most impressive and important of the boats is 'Suphanahong' the Kings personal barge. In addition to Suphanahong, there are several other barges in the museum in Bangkok. On their bows sit a variety of figureheads taken from Thai mythology, Ramakian. This Museum is open everyday and most of the visitors go there by boat.
It is a small island on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok and is worth a visit. It is home to Wat Paramai Yikawa and Wat Phal Lom, as well as a village where Bangkok visitors can watch potters at work and see the Ancient Mon Pottery Centre. Wat Phal Lom is well-known for the magnificent bot (ordination hall) in the Ayutthaya style. Some parts have been changed due to renovation.
Other Attractions of Chao Phraya Bangkok:
On both sides of the Chao Phraya River, a tourist can see many magnificent Bangkok temples and architectural buildings including the First Presbyterian Church, the Royal Thailand Navy Dockyard, the Thailand Maritime Navigation Company, the Old Customs House, Wat Prayunwong, Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, Wat Rakhang Kositaram, and the Royal Boat House.
