Today, even thought Bangkok is a modern metropolis, the architecture and way of life along the river and canals, especially those on the Thon Buri side of the Chao Phraya, remain remarkably true to the city's origins. Numerous scheduled boat trips can be taken, and boats can be hired on an individual basis, for visitors to enjoy the scenic pleasures of an altogether more tranquil age.

Trips along the Chao Phraya River

Boat services on the Chao Phraya River to connect Bangkok with the northern neighbouring province of Nonthaburi are operated by two companies: Laem Thong Co and Chao Phraya Express Boat Co. Chao Phya Express operated boats daily from Wat Ratchasingkhon, a riverside temple in the Yannawa area, to Nonthaburi. The service operates from 5:30 am-6 pm. During rush hours (6 - 9 am and 3 - 6 pm), the express boat with a red and orange striped flag runs along the same route and stops only at the main piers. Visitors wishing to travel to Pak Kret are able to connect with Laem Thong's boat at Nonthaburi Pier. The service is operated daily from 5:45 am - 5:45 pm.

On both sides of the Chao Phraya River, visitors can see many magnificient temples and architectural buildings, including the First Presbyterian Church , the Royal Thai Navy Dockyard, the Thai Maritime Navigation Company, the Old Customers House, Wat Prayunrawong, Wat Arun, the grand Palace, Wat Rakhang Kositaram, and the Royal Boat House. When arriving at Pak Kret, visitors can travel further to Ko Kret, a small island in the Chao Phraya River. A shuttle boat leaves Wat Sanam Nua, which is located within short walking distance from Pak Kret Pier. The service runs from 6 am. - 9 pm. Returning to Pak Kret, visitors are able to catch a small long-tail boat at any pier around the island.

Attractions on Ko Kret inclue a pottery village located along the pathway around the island. There are some workshops where the pottery making process can be viewed. Villagers make various kinds of earthenware products for daily use such as pots, mortars and flowerpots. This is the oldest and largest centre of earthenware in Nonthaburi Provinces. Te Ancient Mon Pottery Centre, located in the village, collects together a wide range of pottery items.

Khlong Bangkok Noi - Khlong Bang Yai

A boat service departs from Tha Chang every half an hour from 6:30 am.- 6:00 pm. The journey to Bnag Yai, a disttict in Nonthaburi, takes about 50 minutes. Attractions along Khlong Bangkok Noi include the Royal Barge Museum, which exhibits royal barges and their ornaments used for waterborne state ceremonies. The museum is open every day from 9 am.-5pm. Admission is 30 baht. Wat Suwannaram is royal monastery constructed during the reeign of King Rama I and well known for its mural paintings depiting the jataka as well as its deities and Buddha image in the Subduing Mara posture. Wat Si Sudaram was built during the Ayutthaya period and was renovated by King Rama I. The temple houses some interesting buildings, including Tam Nak Daeng (a pavilion) and the residence of Sunthon Phu, the greatest poet of the Rattanakosin period. A popular pastime with visitor is feeding the temple's many freshwater fish. Wat Amphawan was constructed during the late Ayutthaya period and houses Ho Trai (a hall for keeping scriptures) situated in the middle of a pond. The magnificent Thai-style building is made of wood

Khlong Bang Yai - Khlong Om - Nonthaburi

After arriving at Bang Yai, a district in Nonthaburi, travellers can continue the trip to Nonthaburi by catching the river taxi at Wat Sao Thong Hin pier, situated within walking distance of Bang Yai pier. The boat service is operated during 4 am. - 8 pm. and takes 15-20 minutes. Along the route, visitors are ables to enjoy the peaceful scenery and waterway life along Khlong Om. Most of the picturesque house along both sides of the canal are made of wood with flowers bursting from their verandas. Mit Chao Phraya Express Boat operates another boat trip on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am. - 3:30. pm. The trip passes through Khlong Bangkok Noi, Bang Kruai, Khlong Om, with stops for sightseeing at Ko Kret . For more information, phone 0 2225 6179 or 0 2623 6169

Khlong Bangkok Noi - Khlong Bang Yai

A boat service departs from Tha Chang every half an hour from 6:30 am.- 6:00 pm. The journey to Bnag Yai, a disttict in Nonthaburi, takes about 50 minutes. Attractions along Khlong Bangkok Noi include the Royal Barge Museum, which exhibits royal barges and their ornaments used for waterborne state ceremonies. The museum is open every day from 9 am.-5pm. Admission is 30 baht. Wat Suwannaram is royal monastery constructed during the reeign of King Rama I and well known for its mural paintings depiting the jataka as well as its deities and Buddha image in the Subduing Mara posture. Wat Si Sudaram was built during the Ayutthaya period and was renovated by King Rama I. The temple houses some interesting buildings, including Tam Nak Daeng (a pavilion) and the residence of Sunthon Phu, the greatest poet of the Rattanakosin period. A popular pastime with visitor is feeding the temple's many freshwater fish. Wat Amphawan was constructed during the late Ayutthaya period and houses Ho Trai (a hall for keeping scriptures) situated in the middle of a pond. The magnificent Thai-style building is made of wood

Khlong Bang Yai - Khlong Om - Nonthaburi

After arriving at Bang Yai, a district in Nonthaburi, travellers can continue the trip to Nonthaburi by catching the river taxi at Wat Sao Thong Hin pier, situated within walking distance of Bang Yai pier. The boat service is operated during 4 am. - 8 pm. and takes 15-20 minutes. Along the route, visitors are ables to enjoy the peaceful scenery and waterway life along Khlong Om. Most of the picturesque house along both sides of the canal are made of wood with flowers bursting from their verandas. Mit Chao Phraya Express Boat operates another boat trip on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am. - 3:30. pm. The trip passes through Khlong Bangkok Noi, Bang Kruai, Khlong Om, with stops for sightseeing at Ko Kret . For more information, phone 0 2225 6179 or 0 2623 6169

Khlong Dao Khanong - Khlong Bangkok Yai - Khlong Bang Chuak Nang - Khlong Mon - Khlong Chak Phra - Khlong Bangkok Noi

Visitors wanting to take a private trip along this route are able to rent a boat from Tha Chang for around 500 baht per hour. For advance reservations contact Mit Chao Phraya Co at Tha Chang (tel: 0 22256 6179, 0 2623 6169) and Si Phraya Trip and Boat Co at the River City Shopping Complex (tel: 0 2412 0207, 0 2412 7644).

Attractions along Khlong Dao Khanong Wat Sai Floating Market should be visited in the late morning when many boats assemble to sell souvenirs to visitors. The Snake Farm, 35 minutes from Wat Sai Floating Market, is another entertaining stop to see the snakes and watch a show. The farmis open daily from 8:30 am. - 5:00 pm. Wat Pak Nam is famous for amulets and a popular placefor local people to make merit at the weekends. Attractions along Khlong Bang Chuak Nang Wat Ko houses and old wihan(chapel) which is registered as an archaeological site. Orchid farms sell cut flowers. Attractions along Khlong Chak Phra Taling Chan Floating Marketis held every weekend. Vendors gather in canoe-like craft to sell a variety of food produce. Chao Phraya Chartered Co operates a daily tour of Khlong Mon - Khlong Bangkok Noi during 2:30 -4:30 pm., leaving the River City Shopping Complex on Charoen Krung Road. For more informaion, Tel: 0-2622-7657-61 ext 111.