Chao Phraya River is an enigmatic sign of Bangkok and other provinces of Thailand through which it flows. It is called the ‘River of Kings’ and has a rich history considered as a gateway to some of Bangkok’s most fascinating attractions. It has been the source of life for the capital city. This iconic river flows through the heart of Bangkok and offers affordable boat transportation and sightseeing cruises.
The original site was discovered by early settlers because of its fertility and a great number of fish. Later, King Taksin located his new capital here on the western bank which is known as Thonburi. In 1782 King Rama I, founded Bangkok on the eastern bank and made the city worth visiting by building some captivating temples. The winding canals look beautiful and make it more attractive to every foreign visitor.
Chao Phraya River is often called “Venice of the East”. The locals use the ferries and long-tail boats for trade and commerce. It is estimated that around 50,000 people use the boats to get around each day. The beautiful Chao Phraya River is surrounded by old temples, churches, and traditional and modern buildings, making the river vivid.
Boat Tours with Low Price
Five public boat lines are operated by the Chao Phraya Express Boat Company, which offers the same 21- km route, local line, orange, yellow, blue, and green-yellow operating between 6:00 am and 7:30 pm every day. Each boat line is noticeable by the colored flags hanging off its back end. The rush-hour local line stops at 34 piers, while the other four express lines stop at only selected piers. The orange flag boat line runs throughout the week. These boat lines are budget-friendly for all tourists and they can reach the other bank of the river at a very low price.
Thailand is a tourist-friendly country so it offers special tourist boats for travelers. Tourists Boats offer unlimited trips to 9 important piers between 9:30 am to 3:00 pm daily. It is a good deal for travelers who want to hop from one part to another during the day. If you want to explore the river and enjoy the beautiful views around the river you can take a private boat and experience a luxury cruise with all the comfort and delicious dinner. You can take photographs, enjoy the scenic views on a cruise and the beautiful sunset of Bangkok. It will give you a different outlook on this charming river.
The Chao Phraya River begins its journey southwards in Nakhon Sawan Province in Northern Thailand at the junction of the Ping and Nan rivers. The water that passes at one of Bangkok’s riversides has certainly come a long way. After flowing through central and northern Thailand the Chao Phraya River flows into the Gulf of Thailand.
Transportation via Canal
Chao Phraya River is also called the Menam Principal River of Thailand. The river comprises a significant canal for the transport of the nation’s traditional exports of teak and rice south to Bangkok, although now heavy goods are moved by road or train. For centuries the Thai people used its canal system for drainage, recreation, and fishing and as a source of water. These canals are so unique and have a vibrant history therefore, you should spend a day exploring them.
Chao Phraya River is formed by four important tributaries, including the Ping, Wang, Yom, and Nan Rivers. It is a very important channel for the people of central Thailand. People use its waterway to get to work, do trade, and for some, it is the main source of income. In addition, some of Bangkok’s magnificent attractions are on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. The four must-visit places that are easily accessible from the river are Wat Pho the temple of the Reclining Buddha, The Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew the temple of the Emerald Buddha, and Wat Arun the temple of Dawn. The river is full of surprises with many riverside hotels, markets, and bars with gorgeous views. Hence, it is a worth visiting place to spend a day in Bangkok.