Venice of the East: Bangkok and its River
The River of Kings
Anantara Dream | Photo by Anantara Cruises, Thailand
It’ll come as no surprise that the Mae Nam Chao Phraya is known as the Venice of the East, as not only is it one of the most beautiful waterways in the country, but still acts as a popular trade route that’s still in use. Along with merchants and vendors still using the river and khlongs as a trade route, you can also go on a river cruise. Bangkok has a number of attractions dotted on the banks of this river and a cruise organized by providers such as Anantara Cruises, Thailand is the ideal way to look at these attractions. Along the river, you’ll be able to see attractions such as Wat Arun, Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew as well as Wat Pho.
The Chao Phraya River got its nickname Venice of the East as a number of khlongs, both natural and manmade; started connecting various parts of the city which then play a major role in contributing to the local’s lives and changed the cityscape. The Chao Phraya river stems from the north of the country where the Wang, Ping, Nan and Yom rivers meet at the Paknam Pho District, which then flows towards the south of the country connecting Chai Nat, Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Bangkok to name a few, before meeting with the Gulf of Thailand.
Today, the river plays an important role in acting as a transport route for the shipment of teak and rice to the city of Bangkok. The banks are often seen crowded with local markets, manned by locals who sell fresh fruits and vegetables – some have even set up their houses on the river banks. The river has been regarded as the bloodline of the local people since for the longest time! The Chao Phraya River plays a significant role in the vibrant festivals of the country such as Loy Krathong and Songkran.
Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.
