The canals in Bangkok all have a diverse and rich history and are the perfect place to visit whether you have lived in Thailand your whole life or have only just moved here. Chao Phraya River can take a whole day to explore and whilst navigating this river you want to ensure that you don’t miss anything. If you are going to visit Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River, here is everything you need to know.
Getting to The Chao Phraya River
It is relatively easy to get to the Chao Phraya River. The simplest way to get here is to use Bangkok’s BTS Skytrain. The Chao Phraya River is located on the Silom line, near Saphan Taskin. Take this line and depart the service at exit two. Then head towards either the Sathorn Bridge Pier or the Central Pier. If you’re stuck, ask for directions or use your satnav on your phone. Here is where your journey along the river begins. Whilst visiting this river, you will certainly need a full day, therefore, staying in a hotel nearby is recommended. This hotel near Icon Siam is located on the Bangkok riverside, perfect for those visiting the Chao Phraya River.
What to See
There are four main attractions on the bank of this beautiful river and all of these are a must-see when spending a day here. Wat Pho is a temple that is well-known for its huge reclining Buddha, measuring at 46 meters long and completely golden. Here you will also find the Grand Palace, which is a mesmerizing sight to behold and dates all the way to back to 1782. Wat Phra Kaew is home to another Buddha; this one made of emeralds. Wat Arun is the last attraction on this list and is one of the most spectacular temples in the city of Bangkok. If you want to skip the queue of tourists visiting these temples, you can book online to skip any queues and save money too.
Transport
There are many express boats that travel up and down the Chao Phraya River. These are the least expensive way to travel the river and most boats depart every five minutes or so. To ensure you know exactly where to be and when the next boat is due to arrive, here is the timetable for the Chao Phraya Express Boat. There is also the choice of the tourist boat, but be aware that this service stops at 7 pm. Easily one of the best ways to navigate the canals is to use a dinner cruise. For those who want to enjoy food whilst taking in the rich culture of the Chao Phraya River, this is the way to do so. These cruises are a great way to end the day and usually commence at around 6 pm, lasting for a couple of hours. This is a fab way to navigate the river as a couple.
Following this guide can help you navigate the river with ease and skip the queues. Enjoy your time and be sure to check out the many beautiful temples along the Chao Phraya River.
