BANGKOK RIVERSIDE ATTRACTIONS

A visit to Bangkok would not be complete without exploring the riverside for a taste of life in the Thai capital long before mobile phones, cable TV and microwave popcorn became all the buzz. Day or night, the riverside provides plentiful picture-perfect photo opportunities with its many historical landmarks and hidden charms.

The Chao Phraya is also the star attraction in the city during important events like Songkran (the Thai New Year, celebrated in April), the annual Loy Krathong Festival in November, and the very rare Royal Barge Procession - the most recent one held in June 2006 to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej. On New Year's Eve, riverside hotels take turns to outdo each other with spectacular fireworks that light up the sky well into the new year.


A day spent at Bangkok's riverside is like taking a journey back into time. Many of Bangkok's most famous attractions are located along the river banks, the likes of the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun), the splendid Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), as well as Wat Pho, Bangkok's oldest temple.

Other historical landmarks and attractions dotting the river banks are the Wat Sai and Taling Chan Floating Markets, the Thonburi Snake Farm, and The Royal Barges National Museum not far from Phra Pin Klao Bridge. Talking about bridges... The construction of the Memorial Bridge in 1932 marked an important step in Bangkok's history, as it opened up major development on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya. Other noteworthy bridges to look out for are the Rama XIII and Phra Chao Taksin bridges.

Take A Tour
Exploring the riverside area by boat is by far the most practical - and most charming experience at the same time. The Chao Phraya Express Boat Service has several stops along the river, the most important ones located at Saphan Taksin Pier (where there is also a Skytrain station with the same name) and at the Rivercity Pier.

At both of these there are also information kiosks where you can opt for a river tour, or even hire your own private tailboat. For information about river tours, trips to the floating markets and to make a reservation for the finest dinner cruises on offer, head to our Tours section.