River Sightseeing in Bangkok

As one of the most popular areas of the Thai capital, the riverside boasts some of Bangkok’s biggest landmarks. Here’s a rundown of what to see and experience during a tour of this dynamic area.

The Grand Palace

Regarded as the most impressive landmark on the riverside, no holiday in Bangkok would be complete without a tour of the iconic Grand Palace. Constructed in 1782, the venue is not only home to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha or Wat Phra Keaw but literally hundreds of buddha sculptures. The Royal Court is also found here as it is the official seat of the Thai monarch.

Wat Arun

Wat Arun is also known as the Temple of Dawn. Travellers are unlikely to come across a more attractive temple on the Chao Phraya riverside than Wat Arun. Beautifully reflected in the water during the daylight hours, this captivating temple, with its decorative spires and golden roofs, is at its finest during the hour of sunset and sunrise as its name suggests.

Wat Pho

As the biggest temple compound in all of Bangkok, Wat Pho is where one finds the mammoth gold leaf buddha sculpture that’s a whopping 46m in length. Known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, it is customary to drop a coin into the more than a hundred bronze bowls found along the walls of the temple.

Thonburi Khlongs

Visitors staying at the Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok or any similar Bangkok riverside accommodation hub can combine a sightseeing tour with a shopping experience when they head down Chao Praya River to explore the Thonburi khlongs. Apart from witnessing the river-dwelling communities, one can also visit a floating market.