AMAZING CHAO PRAYA

The Chao Phraya is a major river in Thailand, with its low alluvial plain forming the centre of the country. It flows through Bangkok and then into the Gulf of Thailand. (source : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chao_Phraya_River)

Rivers and canals referred to maenam and khlong in Thai have always been vital forms of communication. When the capital of Thailand was moved to Bangkok in 1782 (the beginning of the Rattanakosin period), the capital was laced with canals, so Bangkok was sometimes called the “VENICE OF THE EAST” by European visitors. In the past, Bangkokians usually settled by the Chao Phraya River and gradually spread into the core of the country. As you will see traces of the Early Rattanakosin period such as architecture and traditional ways of life have been left by the river more than in the inland areas. Besides, waterways at that time were the most important means of transportation and trading as well. (source : http://bangkok.sawadee.com/canals.htm)

My Bangkok trip was getting to Chao Praya Express Boats to visit The Famous Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun that located in Phra Nakhon District. My trip started from Sathorn Pier that can be achieved by 10 minutes walking from my hotel in Silom Road, otherwise you can take BTS Silom Line and alight at Saphan Taksin Station that linked to this pier. I’m taking Orange Flag Chao Praya Express Boat (fare : 15 Baht) to Ta Chang Pier (No.9) and 5 minutes walking to Grand Palace. Actually, there are 4 Chao Phraya Express Boat that served along the chao praya river, which are :

 

• Express Boat – Local Lines (No Flag) : run Monday-Friday from Wat Rajsingkorn to Nonthaburi during 06.00 am.-18.00 pm. ; the fare range from 10 to 14 Baht.
• Express Boat – (Orange Flag) : run daily from Wat Rajsingkorn to Nonthaburi during 05.50 am.-19.00 pm. and the fare 15 Baht.
• Express Boat – (Yellow Flag) : run Monday-Friday from Sathorn to Nonthaburi ;and Ratburana (Big C) to Nonthaburi during 06.10 am.-19.30 pm. and the fare 20-29 Baht.
• Express Boat – (Blue Flag) : run Monday-Friday from Sathorn(Taksin) to Nonthaburi(Pibul 3) during 07.00 am.-18.25 pm. and the fare 24-34 Baht.

As a foreigner, i have to pay 500 Baht to entrance The Grand Palace but for Thai people is free. Actually, there are two line, one for thai and the other is for foreigner. The beautifulness of Grand Palace will described in the next post, soon.

After enjoying the Grand Palace about 3 hour with free english tour inside,  Wat Pho is my next visit. It can achieved by 10 minutes hot walking from Grand Palace with 100 baht entrance fee. The main spot in Wat Pho is 46m long Reclining Buddha.

After enjoying Wat Pho, actually the next spot is Wat Arun, but we skip it and we just taking picture of Wat Arun from the pier. The sunset will come, and its the time to enjoy sunset in Chaopraya River. Taking no flag boat with only 10 baht to sathorn pier and then taking free boat to Asiatique, its such great experience sunset at Chao Phraya.