The riverside is full of attractions. Alongside are the tall buildings of hotels, condominiums... likewise the local houses on stilts. More so, the majestic architectural design of the temples, markets, churches and various kinds of boats run up and down. The River boats and ferries in Bangkok are the cheapest and fastest for locals to get each day and for tourists to get to the popular attractions such as the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Reclining Buddha, Barge Museum among the few. A perfect escape from the traffic and congestion at the other side of the city.
Notwithstanding, the river is not clear. The quality of the water was rated very poor. It contains bacteria and nutrient pollution caused by discharge of waste into the river from household , agriculture and industry. Apparently, algae grows faster in this river with the present of nutrient pollution. I am not sure though the harm it could cause should we accidentally fell into the water.
check out the video taken during the boat ride along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok.
Chao Phraya River boat ride
It was our second day in Bangkok. We started the day with a buffet breakfast at the Next2 Restaurant inside the Shangri-la Hotel Bangkok. I had uploaded a video taken at this restaurant. Check it out!
I filled my tummy enough for lunch. My colleagues joined me just before I got finished, They just arrived from Singapore. Together, we went for a boat ride and sightseeing along Chao Phraya River.
We took the tourist boat (blue line) and started at Sathorn pier which is just a short walk from the hotel we had stayed, Shangri-la hotel Bangkok. The pier could be reached easily, it is adjacent to BTS Sky train Saphan Taksin station. At first, we went to the wrong pier. They offered expensive tour. We told them we were looking for the public boat. The pier for the public boats is on the left side.
Transporting thru Chao Phraya River.
There are five public boat lines running and operated by the Chao Phraya Express Boat company.
Local line or no flag
Orange line
Yellow line
Green line and the
Blue line, known as the tourist boat.
The local line stops at 34 piers from Nonthaburi (Asiatique) to Wat Rajsingkorn during rush hour
6:45am ~7:30am and
16:00~16:30
Monday to Friday only
It costs 9, 11 or 13 baht depends on the distance.
The Orange line runs the same route as the local line though, stops at few piers. It runs everyday from 06:00 to 19:00 and cost 15 baht flat.
Green and Yellow Lines run the same route from Nonthaburi to Sathorn only, Monday to Friday but differ in the service hours and cost of fares.
Green Line
6:10~8:10am and
16:05~18:05
It costs 13,20,32 baht depends on distance.
Yellow line
6:15~8:20am and
16:00 to 20:00
It costs 20 baht flat
These four lines are frequent used by the locals, you must be good to squeeze in and swim out fast. I heard loading and unloading takes only for a few seconds.
Apparently, we did not opt any of the first four mentioned. We wanted to enjoy the beauty of the Chao Phraya River, it costs more baht though, we took the Chao Phraya tourist boat. It's not that expensive. 50 baht each way from Sathorn to Phra Artthit. If you will take the ferry for four times and more, you could purchase the unlimited ticket which costs 180 baht valid for one day, The boat runs everyday every 30 minutes , from 9am to 17:30 from Sathorn and from 9:30am to 18:00 from Phra Arthit. The whole travel takes only 30 minutes with stops at 8 piers that connects to popular attractions in Bangkok
The boat stops at 8 piers along the Chao Phraya River from Sathorn to Phra Arthit and return.
Sathorn
River City Bangkok
Ratchawongse (Chinatown)
Pak Klong Taladd- Flower market
Wat Arun and Wat Pho
The Maharaj Pier
Grand Palace
Wat Pra Kaew
Thonburi Railway Station
Phra Arthit
The tourist boat extends to Asiatique at 16:00 from Phra Arthit and at 16:30 from Sathorn
On major piers, there are individuals touting for their long tail boats for hire for private journey along the Chao Phraya River and the Khlongs (canals). Normally, 1,000 baht for two hours. We suggest to negotiate first with the price. I find though the Thais honest, they just sound a bit rude or intimidating. The boat looks scary though like could easily get turn over. Do note most do not provide life jacket.
One of the bridges crossing the Chao Phraya River is the Memorial bridge also known as Phra Phuttayotta Bridg, named after King Phra Phuttayotta Chulakok, the first King of Chakri dynasty
Wat Arun, the Temple of the Dawn. It is called by the locals, Wat Chaeng. The temple's unique design and its prang (spires) is one of the landmarks of Bangkok. The spire is 70 meters high. You could climb the steep stairs to the prang and be rewarded with the beauty of the Chao Phraya River and the equally majestic Wat Pho and the Grand Palace located across .
The only King of the Thonburi Kingdom, King Taksin, arrived at this temple at dawn after he fought his way out from the Burmese who had taken over the former capital of Thailand, Ayutthaya. The King had the temple renovated and named it Wat Chaeng or the Temple of the Dawn. King Rama III of the Siam* monarch under the House of Chakri, was the one who had the Prang extended and added porcelain, thus sparkles in the sunshine. I could not imagine how enchanting this temple at sunset and when it is lit up at night.
*Thailand was formerly known as Siam
*Thailand was formerly known as Siam
The boat was crowded when we boarded at Sathorn Pier. Most got off at Wat Arun Pier.
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| Chao Phraya Orange Flag boat |
The advantage of taking the tourist boat, it has upstairs where you could enjoy more of the sightseeing. Both sides offer incredible views.
Stilts houses built not along the river but in the river. These houses equally beautify Chao Phraya River as the unique architectural details of the temples and the high rise buildings along the river.
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| Rama VII Bridge, Bangkok, Thailand |
*Thailand was formerly known as Siam
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| Chao Phraya River Tourist Boat |
The Blue flag tourist boat is a great way to view the city from the river. I doubt if locals take this boat that cost 50 baht compare to the other lines such as the orange flag that costs 15 baht only. It is seldom this boat would be crowded. It stops only at 8 piers that connect to places of interests in Bangkok. The top deck is a plus for better sightseeing.
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| view of the Grand Palace from Chao Phraya River |
The Grand Palace is said to be the famous landmark in Bangkok. We did not have time to visit this place, it requires at least half a day to explore the complex. Admission is $500 baht for tourists. The palace had been home for the Royal family for 150 years.
The Grand Palace was constructed in 1762 at the order of King Phutthayota Chulalok (Rama I) under the Chakri dynasty King Rama I seized the crown from King Taksin of Thonburi. The new King moved the government from the west side of Chao Phraya River to the east side of Bangkok
King Taksin and King Rama I were friends way back in Ayutthaya. Together they fought the Burmese to defend their home place. Due to some reason, mostly theories, King Taksin was stripped off power and was succeeded by King Rama I.
Further, the Grand Palace is the most sacred site in Thailand. Strict dress code is to be followed before entry. A few that are not allowed: short pants, tank tops, sleeveless, sandals, flip flops, see though and bare shoulder clothes.
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| Santa Cruz Church along Chao Phraya River, Bangkok, Thailand |
Bangkok was known to be a Buddhist country though, Catholic churches are still around. Latter were one of the legacy from the European countries once occupied Thailand.
In 1516, Portugal signed a treaty with Ayutthaya, the capital of Siam (former name of Thailand), to supply firearms and munition in exchange for trade, right to reside in Siam and to practice the Catholic religion. When Ayutthaya was destroyed, the Portuguese followed King Taksin to south who then started a village by the Chao Phraya river . On 14 September 1769, King Taksin allocated a lot for the Portuguese to build a church. 14 September was the day in 326 AD when Helen, the mother of the first Roman Emperor, Constantine, discovered the miraculous cross during the pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Apparently, the church was named after the Holy Cross, Santa Cruz Church. Then after, 14th of September was celebrated the Feast of the Triumph of the Holy Cross.
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| Thailand Flower Market or the Pak Klong TaladT |
The biggest wholesale and retail market of fresh flowers in Bangkok is along the Chao Phraya River. Thailand Flower Market or Pak Klong Talad is open 24 hours a day. Different kinds of flowers are sold such as Rose, Lilies... and as expected in Bangkok, at a cheap price. The best time to visit this place is after midnight, between two to four, during the delivery of the blooming flowers from the flower growing supplier, Just observe though and admire the beauty of the flowers. It would be crowded and chaotic, I believe the vendors would be less accommodating. The prices as well would not be as cheap as if you just go back in the afternoon. More so, the flowers would not be this cheap during specific occasion such as Valentines, Graduations and Mother's day.
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| Unique design building and observatory Mahanakhon |
No one will miss this one of a kind glass walled skyscraper with unique impressive design seen on the east side of the river. Mahanakhon is one of the tallest buildings and expensive condominiums in Bangkok located in the Sathorn business centre district, The spiral cut appears like the building is about to go down. This freehold condominium was ready for occupancy in 2016. The observatory deck is expected to be completed in 2018.
Ratchawong, Pier to Chinatown
If you want to visit the Chinatown in Bangkok, alight at Ratchawong pier. Chinatown is one of the suggested place to visit in the city. It is a mixture of Thai and Chinese cultures. There are interesting places to go to such as the Sampang lane, a line of stalls of variety of goods and food; Wat Traimit with the largest golden Buddha in the world; the intrinsic ornate China gate also known as the King Birthday Celebration Arc, built in 1999 and was opened in 2006 in time for the 60th year in throne of King Bhumibol of Thailand, likewise, the ceremonial gate is a sign of loyalty of the Chinese community to the King; Wat Chakawat Rachawat with a pond inside that house three giant crocodiles... and more.
If you want to visit the Chinatown in Bangkok, alight at Ratchawong pier. Chinatown is one of the suggested place to visit in the city. It is a mixture of Thai and Chinese cultures. There are interesting places to go to such as the Sampang lane, a line of stalls of variety of goods and food; Wat Traimit with the largest golden Buddha in the world; the intrinsic ornate China gate also known as the King Birthday Celebration Arc, built in 1999 and was opened in 2006 in time for the 60th year in throne of King Bhumibol of Thailand, likewise, the ceremonial gate is a sign of loyalty of the Chinese community to the King; Wat Chakawat Rachawat with a pond inside that house three giant crocodiles... and more.
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| Shangri-la Hotel, Bangkok along the Chao Phraya River |
It was over an hour boat trip for 100 baht. Cheap way to explore the beauty of Bangkok from the water. Should we go back to this city, we will surely visit Wat Pho and the Grand Palace to learn more of the history of Siam/Thailand.
Next station still on Day 2 at Wat Saket or the Temple of the Golden Mount
Next station still on Day 2 at Wat Saket or the Temple of the Golden Mount
Wat Saket or the Temple of the Golden Mount is a man made hill crowned by a huge and gleaming golden chedi (stupa).
Thailand is commonly known for Buddhist temples' design in Stupa, hemispherical or mound-like structure.
The 80-meter high Phu Kao Throng (means Golden Mountain) features a journey of 300 and over steps. The stairs were not steep, gets wider on the way up. A few narrow steps to the peak where the golden tall chedi was placed. The surrounding on the first part of the climb was like a forest themed with small water falls and plants. In the midst of the climb, you will be welcomed by the great panoramic view of the city, the gongs and line of various bells. We never realized, we had finished the 300 steps.
The 5.8 metre gilded Golden Chedi (Stupa) was placed at the very top of the hill. It contains Buddha relics from India dates from the reign of Rama V, King Chulalongkorn, the fifth monarch of Siam under the Chakri Dynasty who reigned from 1868 to his death on 23 Oct 1910..
on the way up with the Thai monks.
The climb was sheltered by the plants in the surroundings. Wat Saket also features a coffee shop located just we were about to approach the gongs and the bells. You will never miss it, most visitors stop by before they continue the climb.
Before the next plight of stairs, we were greeted by series of large bells and gongs. Ring a bell or two like the Buddhist way to seek good luck. To ring all of them or if they be rung anyhow at the same time and you are just next to them, I guess it would be hard to appreciate. Fortunately, it was after lunch when we were there, the place was not yet populated.
Some of the golden statues of Buddhas inside the temple, just before the narrow stairs to the Golden Chedi.
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| View from the Golden Mount |
Once at the top of the hill, we had the great view of the city in all directions.
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| Wat Saket and the Golden Stupa |
To get to Wat Saket is by metered taxi, private car or join the local tour. No nearby BTS sky train station or boat pier. It is open daily from 8am to 5pm. Admission for tourist was 50 baht during our visit. The climb was not difficult, we were wearing comfortable shoes. There was no restriction though, we suggest to dress appropriately. Locals go to this temple to worship..
You may have noticed I always incorporate the history whenever I could. I do travel not only for sightseeing but to learn more of the places I visit. One visit obviously not enough to take everything what we learned and could be forgotten later, thus, the importance of the photos and videos.
Next station still on Day 2: Platinum Fashion Mall and MBK
You may have noticed I always incorporate the history whenever I could. I do travel not only for sightseeing but to learn more of the places I visit. One visit obviously not enough to take everything what we learned and could be forgotten later, thus, the importance of the photos and videos.
Next station still on Day 2: Platinum Fashion Mall and MBK
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| Platinum Fashion Mall, Bangkok, Thailand |
Platinum Fashion Mall is a shopping mall located in the centre of Pratunam. The mall is accessible by BTS sky train, 10 minutes walk from Ratchathewi or Chidlom station. You'll find fashionable clothes and accessories from the basement to fifth floor at reasonable price and cheaper if you buy three or more items. The Food Center and Parking Area are at the 6th floor.
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| Platinum Fashion Mall, Bangkok, Thailand |
Platinum Fashion Mall is open from 8am to 8pm. Before 8pm, we left the mall and transfer to MBK mall which closes at 10pm.
Food Center at the 6th floor, Platinum Fashion Mall, Bangkok, Thailand
MBK mall is the indoor with aircon version of Chatuchak. There are eight floors house thousands of stalls. Everything is in this mal from clothes, accessories, handbags, furniture, shoes, luggge, household items, electronics and more. It is still much cheaper though at Chatukak. You could get a set of pajama at Chatukak for only 100 baht compare to MBK or Platinum from 300 to 350 baht.
We are too big for the fashionable clothes sold in this mall and there was no fitting room. Nevertheless, we bought a few pair of short, set of sleep wear, dried fruits, crispy pork and nuts.
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| MBK Mall, Bangkok, Thailand |
We are too big for the fashionable clothes sold in this mall and there was no fitting room. Nevertheless, we bought a few pair of short, set of sleep wear, dried fruits, crispy pork and nuts.
Dried fruits at 100 baht per pack
After 10pm, the parking area is accessible outside the building. And I went to the basement to enter the parking and went up to the 2nd floor. So scary, I could go back though by train or taxi to our hotel should I did not get to find. My family had waited for long I told them the door in the mall was already closed.
There was a night market in front of MBK and across the road. I wanted to go there but it was late, we still had a massage on that day.
The massage clinics close at 12am though, they stopped accepting customers at 11pm. We had the foot massage near our hotel. It was 250 baht for an hour compare to previous night at Pratunam, 200 baht.
Day 3 was our company event. My husband and daughter had a lunch buffet at Baiyoke Floating Market at 75th floor and went up to the Revolving Roof top deck. We had the night view on Day 1.
continued from Bangkok in 4 days DAY 1
continued to Bangkok in 4 days DAY 3
See Also:
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Dream World Bangkok
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Phuket
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Shangri-la Mactan,
Cebu, Philippines
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Aberdeen, HongKong
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More Places Visited in
Asia
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