Bangkok Riverside

Tipped to be one of Bangkok’s must-experience highlights a tour of the Bangkok Riverside is a once in a lifetime opportunity to cut through the heart of the tourist paradise and unearth its core and identity. Unmasking the popular façade of a decadent holiday hub for the masses the Bangkok Riverside lets visitor explore what lies beneath the marketed exterior of this global vacation hub and lays bare its history, culture and heritage in a plethora of attractions that vary from ancient temples and glorious palaces to retail hubs.

Some of the chief highlights along the riverside are of course the cultural landmarks that occupy Chao Praya River banks. Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn lies in the western shore of the ‘River of Kings’ while the Wat Pho Temple which is regarded as Bangkok’s oldest religious institution is also located adjacent to the Grand Palace complex. The illustrious Royal Barges Museum is also situated on the banks of the river and showcases stunning traditional teak sailing vessels.

Those heading to Thailand’s capital for the New Year can witness spectacular fireworks displays on either side of the river from on board a Bangkok river cruise. The Loy Krathong Festival in November is another local river-based event where fireworks illuminate the riverside and the structures that line its fringes.

The stately statue of King Rama the First is another must-see attraction as the sculpture was erected to mark the 150th anniversary of the city’s birth. Commissioned by Silpa Bhirasri and HRH Prince Naris the statue is found next to the Puttayodfa Memorial Bridge.

Retail fanatics touring the riverside can stopover at the River City Shopping Complex where antiques and fine art items reign supreme. Collectibles, ceramics, wooden creations, Thai Benjarong wares, and pottery are also found here along with other rarities. Traditional Thai massage and chic salons are also found in the complex while the OP Place is the best venue to buy Thai silk, carpets, and jewellery items. Other shopping hotspots down the river include the Chao Phraya Tower Shopping Arcade, the Oriental Plaza and From Siam With Love.

Travellers in search of an apartment hotel Bangkok ranks among its finest rests should look no further than Citadines Sukhumvit 8 Bangkok. Providing guests with luxury Sukhumvit apartments that are furnished to perfection this elegant aparthotel pulls out all the stops when it comes to memorable holidays in Bangkok.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+