A trip to Bangkok wouldn't be complete without cruising along the majestic Chao Phraya, the "river of kings" - the longest river in Thailand stretching hundreds of kilometres. Memories took me back to my geography class during my primary school days where it was known as "Menam River".
The Chao Phraya runs through the city of Bangkok. River taxis, be it express boats, mini cruisers, long-tail boats, freighters, barges, etc provide an important mode of transport along/across the river for both the locals as well as the tourists.
As the most visited Bangkok sights, i.e. Wat Phra Kaew, The Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun are all situated along the Chao Phraya, we decided to take the river express boat to our planned destination.
After breakfast, we took the BTS from Siam, and got off at Saphan Taksin station. There are signs that lead you to the Central Pier. Boats with blue flags are tourist only boats and cost much more coz they come with an English speaking tour guide and stop at every pier. Boats with yellow or orange flags are alright, but might not make stops at each pier. We intended to get off at Tha Tien pier and one with orange flag came along and we jumped on.
The boat was empty when it came coz Central Pier is the first stop. We managed to grab seats at the front part of the boat and got good view while we cruised. After the available seats were full, people stood and hanged on to the grabrails. A Thai woman, with fantastic balancing skills on her tiny feet, armed with a cute metal ticket dispenser, went round selling tickets on board. The ticket cost 13 Baht each irrespective which pier you intend to alight. Even with people almost squashed together, there was someone going around inspecting tickets.
Passed under a bridge.
Splashes of water in front of the boat. At the same time, got cleansed in Chao Phraya?
Five star hotels along the riverbanks, the Sheraton. Millenium, Shangri-la, Mandarin Oriental, Peninsula, etc.
Mandarin Oriental's private boat. Hmm ... next trip must go to their "Author's Lounge" to have English style hi-tea.
Historical monuments and architectural buildings.
Wat Arun - Temple of Dawn
It was refreshing commuting on boats, for a change. Experienced Bangkok from a different , yet very interesting perspective. At the very moment, I just wished the sun would not be that strong. It was absolutely roasting!!!
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