Exploring Bangkok on a Cruise
A Journey Along the River of Kings
Although it is known as Chao Phraya on maps, the River of Kings in Bangkok is essentially the lifeline of the city. Surfacing at Nakhon Sawan, the river flows through long and arduous 360km before meeting the sea at the Gulf of Thailand. The dubbed name of the river is attributed to history, when it was among the busiest waterways in all of Asia, as it flows through Ayutthaya. While a Chao Phraya cruise today will not show you barges of gold and treasure, it will show you a treasure of different type – history and culture.
There are many places you can – and will – stop at along the river, depending on the duration of the tour. While it is not unheard of for people to take a cruise of one day, it would require at least three days to properly experience what the River of Kings has to offer. There are cruises available at different ranges. You have small canoes that will offer you a “cruise down the river”, as well as converted rice barges like the one from Anantara Cruises, Thailand that will offer you a luxurious experience. Depending on your budget and interests, you can decide which you want to go with.
Whatever the level of comfort you choose to indulge in, there are key attractions along the way that you must not miss. The Temple of Dawn on the West bank of the river is one of them. Other temples that you can visit are Wat Niwet Thammaprawat, Wat Mongkhon Bophit, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Panacherng, and Wat Mahathat. Apart from places of worship, there are two other key attractions not to miss: Bang Pa In, the royal palace that dates back to the 17th century and Chao Sam Phraya National Museum that will show you the riches that once sailed the same route as you are sailing now.
Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
