DK Travel : Bangkok : Bangkok’s Canals

Bangkok’s Canals

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In the 19th century, Bangkok was known as the “Venice of the East,” since all transportation was by canal. Today, most of the canals to the east of the Chao Phraya River have been filled in to create new roads. However, the area to the west remains much as it was in the 19th century, with a network of waterways spreading out into the countryside. Here, visitors can get a taste of traditional canalside life and visit a few attractions such as Wat Arun and the Royal Barge Museum along the way.
To tour the canals, either hire a longtail boat (about B400–500 per hour) from any riverside pier, join an organized tour on a larger boat, or take the river bus to Nonthaburi (see Riding the Chao Phraya Express ). Organized tours usually provide refreshments for passengers or make a scheduled stop where they can buy drinks and snacks from floating vendors.

Top 10 Features

1. Chao Phraya – River of Kings

Without the Chao Phraya River, there would be no Bangkok. Named for the founder of the Chakri dynasty, Chao Phraya Chakri (see 1782: Bangkok Founded ), the river has always been the lifeblood of the nation, providing an aquatic highway for a mesmerizing variety of boats.
2. Boats

2. Boats

The river carries such a wide range of vessels that it is great fun just to sit at a riverside café and watch the pageant flow. Huge barges chug downstream, while small ferries nip from bank to bank, and longtail boats with bright awnings roar past.
3. Royal Barge Museum

This museum (see Royal Barge Museum ) contains a fabulous display of ornamented royal barges, which are about 165 ft (50 m) long. Also on display are dioramas of robes worn by royal rowers, and information on the use of the barges, which is limited to royal processions on the river.
4. Wat Arun

4. Wat Arun

Established by King Taksin in 1768, Wat Arun is known as the Temple of the Dawn. Its main features are the five prang (towers) which are encrusted with colorful pieces of porcelain (see Wat Arun ).
5. Traditional Thai Houses

5. Traditional Thai Houses

Traditional Thai houses line the canals to the west of the Chao Phraya River. Set on stilts to avoid flooding, they usually have an open veranda and steeply pitched roofs to keep them cool.
6. Canalside Activities

A canal trip allows visitors to get a glimpse of everyday Thai life as people cook and chat on the riverbanks, and children swim in the canal.
7. Floating Vendors

Authentic floating vendors are rare today, but most tour boats make a scheduled stop where a local comes paddling by, offering cold drinks, straw hats, postcards, and smiles for the camera.
8. Khlong Bangkok Yai

This canal is very popular with tour boats as it passes several temples, including Wat Kalayanamit, which has a huge Buddha image, and Wat Pak Nam, famous for its amulets. Many boats also stop at a snake farm and the floating market along Khlong Dao Khanong.
9. Khlong Bangkok Noi

Though it is now termed a khlong, or canal, this waterway was once the main channel of the Chao Phraya River. Near its entrance is the Royal Barge Museum and a little farther on is Wat Suwannaram which has some rich murals.
10. Khlong Mon

10. Khlong Mon

Branching off from the Chao Phraya River just north of Wat Arun, this canal leads to an orchid farm where visitors step ashore for a look around before continuing to explore the canal.

Practical Information

To tour the canals, either hire a longtail boat (about B400–500 per hour) from any riverside pier, join an organized tour on a larger boat, or take the river bus to Nonthaburi (see Riding the Chao Phraya Express ). Organized tours usually provide refreshments for passengers or make a scheduled stop where they can buy drinks and snacks from floating vendors. Chao Phraya River Khlong Bangkok Noi Khlong Bangkok Yai Khlong Mon