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The Stream is dividing Bangkok
Bangkok (Krung Thep) , Thailand’s capital with the Chao Phraya River, is one of the largest city in ASEAN. The stream feeds a network of canals (Klong) where countless bigger and smaller vessel are rushing around.
The main water sources are two, the Ping and Nan River collecting the water of the upper half which both fill 2 huge reservoirs of National Parks, on the west side it's the Mae Ping NP and further East the Lam Nam Nan NP with the Sirikit Reservoir. They join in Nakhon Sawan Province to form the Chao Phraya Waterway.
Practically every year there is flooding during monsoon time and a dry time before for several months. This is mainly "manmade" from people who simply don’t know what they do. Every year horror stories run through media and they invent all kind of project to solve the problem which is usually not done but the money for this "projects" often disappears. Next year the same starts again and the flood comes to Bangkok where all politicians promise it won’t happen again next year, guess what they announce the year after?
Practically every year there is flooding during monsoon time and a dry time before for several months. This is mainly "manmade" from people who simply don’t know what they do. Every year horror stories run through media and they invent all kind of project to solve the problem which is usually not done but the money for this "projects" often disappears. Next year the same starts again and the flood comes to Bangkok where all politicians promise it won’t happen again next year, guess what they announce the year after?
A great cruise along the Chao Phraya River
That is the best way to explore Bangkok, it brings a unique "vista" of the stream riverside life and several of the most venerated Buddhist shrines in the city.
It could start at the BTS Station of the King Taksin Bridge
This is for sure a low-cost day trip just as you like it starting under the bridge for Baht 40.-, probably sandwiched within a Chinese crowd. Here the river ships pass at frequent intervals and since they are a bit more expensive than the regular ferry boats there is some space around. Actually, this is one of the short trips everyone should make
This is for sure a low-cost day trip just as you like it starting under the bridge for Baht 40.-, probably sandwiched within a Chinese crowd. Here the river ships pass at frequent intervals and since they are a bit more expensive than the regular ferry boats there is some space around. Actually, this is one of the short trips everyone should make
The Mega Bridge
Photos of Bangkok Bridges
Sathorn Pier is the busiest along the route due to its connection with the Skytrain at Saphan Taksin station. You can also charter boats from here.
Further up is the jetty of the famous Oriental Hotel Bangkok they have an attractive terrace with the river playing in front of the guest. Here is the view from the Oriental Hotel river terrace .
Behind is the Si Phraya - River City shopping center, which is famous for its arts and antique shops almost everything there pretending antiquely is fake. Many river cruises depart from here.
Further up is the jetty of the famous Oriental Hotel Bangkok they have an attractive terrace with the river playing in front of the guest. Here is the view from the Oriental Hotel river terrace .
Behind is the Si Phraya - River City shopping center, which is famous for its arts and antique shops almost everything there pretending antiquely is fake. Many river cruises depart from here.
Most frequented jetties are:
Ratchavongse - Gateway into Chinatown, considering the myriads of gold shops, Chinese are "gold addicts".
Rajini - Take a cross-river ferry to Wat Arun, an iconic Bangkok landmark.
Tha Tien - with access to the Grand Palace/Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Pho. Two of Bangkok's biggest sights.
Thewes - Is the closest pier to the historic Dusit area, with Dusit Zoo, Wat Benjamabophit, Wat Indrawihan and Chitrlada Palace. Since it is a rather long walking distance take a motorbike taxi.
Ratchavongse - Gateway into Chinatown, considering the myriads of gold shops, Chinese are "gold addicts".
Rajini - Take a cross-river ferry to Wat Arun, an iconic Bangkok landmark.
Tha Tien - with access to the Grand Palace/Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Pho. Two of Bangkok's biggest sights.
Thewes - Is the closest pier to the historic Dusit area, with Dusit Zoo, Wat Benjamabophit, Wat Indrawihan and Chitrlada Palace. Since it is a rather long walking distance take a motorbike taxi.
