Bangkok’s Myriad of Waterways
Bangkok’s Myriad of Waterways
With tributary waterways (Klongs) that reach the deepest corners of Thonburi, located on
the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, there is no better way to explore these parts
aboard a Thai-style long tail boat that pass important Bangkok sites en route.
WHY THIS TOUR?
The ‘other side’ of metropolis Bangkok is merely a boat ride away. Once put in a governmental spotlight when rulers from a bygone era declared Thonburi the capital of the Thai kingdom, little of its local charm has faded. Slowly emerging as an upcoming urbanisation of Greater Bangkok, Thonburi remains an authentic pearl, separated by waterways and characterized by temples and communities.
During this morning-only excursion, guests will sail deep into the myriad of the Klongs while seeing local life in its finest forms passing by. Expect to see both the must-see and little-seen sides as your long-tail boat captain takes you on 4-hour journey across the Chao Phraya and into Bangkok’s famous Klongs.
TRAIL ITINERARY
07:00 - 11:00
Our guide and driver will pick you up in the early morning from your hotel (around 7am) from where we drive to one of the main boat piers along the Chao Phraya River. From here, we will board our long tail boat and sail across the river to the Thonburi side of Bangkok’s metropolis.
The journey down the legendary Chao Phraya River, known as the “River of Kings”, and its tributary Klongs (canals) gives a perspective on the critical importance this waterway played in the creation of Bangkok and the old capital of Thonburi, hence the title “Venice of the East”. These waterways reach the deepest corners of Thonburi, located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, and many local communities remain as of today, totally dependent on the use of boats, due to the lack of roads.
Passing by boat along the canals gives you a first-hand impression of the scenic life along Bangkok’s waterways. This boat trip takes us to famous riverside landmarks, including stops at the glittering Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn). We also proceed past other notable icons such as the Holy Rosary Church, which was built by the Portuguese who were the first Europeans to settle in Thailand in the 16th century; and the iconic Mandarin Oriental Hotel, famous for hosting celebrated authors such as Joseph Conrad and Somerset Maugham.
At the conclusion of the tour your guide will transfer you back to your hotel, where you will arrive at around 11am.
