Chao Phraya River

The Chao Phraya River is amongst the largest of rivers in Thailand and serves as a major route for transportation of a fleet of ferries and water taxis. Tourists plan river cruises on this river as a part of their visiting plan to Bangkok, once used to be called Venice of the East. The trip along Chao Phraya River is a very exciting and enjoyable thing to do for visitors, either in the day time or in the evening with dinner served on the river cruise.

Attractions and Entertainment

While in Bangkok, a visit to the Chao Phraya River would be an ideal way of not only entertaining yourself but also witnessing the local tradition, temples, tourist attractions, cuisine as well as the river side fanfare that is so much integral to the country. There are plenty of cruises that the average tourist can opt for while wanting to see the river and its adjacent destinations. Not only will you witness the exotic beauty of Thailand, a cruise ride will enable you to relax and be a part of the traditional Thai way of living. You might either opt for a day cruise or a night one, the view and the experience of both are exhilarating and different. A must see is catching the sunset along the river which can be a very romantic and unforgettable moment.

One of the most famous river cruises is the Chao Phraya Express Boat (Tourist Boat) which can be taken from Tha Sathon Pier at the BTS Skytrain station Saphan Taksin. The boat service tops at 10 major piers which provide convenient access to sites in surrounding areas such as The Grand Palace, Wat Phra Keaw, Wat Pho, Royal Barge Museum, China Town, Khao San Road and more. The price for this tour is 120 Baht per person and tickets can be purchased at any pier.  
Chao Phraya Express Boat

There are plenty of other cruises that offer different kinds of activities and trips. Tourists are usually taken to Bangkok Noi apart from other canals, so that you can explore the local life which thrives along the canals. The view here is great and you can be a part of the old Thai style of living and the famous floating markets, which serve the population on the water. You might ask your hotel to book you a cruise and ask for guidance on what will be shown to you in advance. Among the most delectable sights while on any cruise are:

History of Chao Phraya

History has it that the name of the Chao Phraya River bears reference to a traditional Thai feudal title. When translated literally, the name is symbolic of a General or the Lord. It is thus justified that this river is often called as the ‘River of Kings’. The river is 372 km in length and travels much into the central plains of Bangkok and into the inland gulf of Thailand. History has borne testimony to the fact that this river has been extremely important in the trade and developing economy of the country. It has gradually developed into a waterway that is a great means of transportation for the plenty of water ferries which carry supplies into the mainland.

There have been a number of cities and towns that have cropped up along the flow of the river since the river has been largely used as a water way to promote and boost the growth of the Thai economy. Uthai Thani, Nakhon Sawan, Singburi, Chainat are some of the more important cities which have grown along the length of the river. The fertile lands, rich in minerals along the low alluvial plain of the small canals which are just off from the main river, are used for rice cultivation.

This and That

The Chao Phraya originates at the confluence of the Ping and Nan River, which is situated in the Nakhon Sawan area. The river happens to be one of the world’s biggest fruit as well as paddy producing areas, mainly due to its rich alluvial soil which is a part of the river deposit. It is also host to the many floating markets as well as other water related activities that help in growth of trade. Tourists find it a good place to sample local Thai tradition in a La Venice’ style.