Bangkok River Ride

The first month in Bangkok was mostly the encounter with the Modern Bangkok. Trips to big shopping malls (Tesco, Robinson and Emporium), passing through the sky train and the MRT (Metro in Bangkok), ultra modern cars and SUVs. All the signs of a changing and emerging economy. During last weeks visit to the Indian Market (called Pahurat), I felt I was wandering through the ‘gali’ and ‘kuchas’ of Delhi. So much so that I did not even feel like taking any snaps.

Saturday was different. On Friday night, we (Me and my colleague, Vikram) decided to visit the “King’s Palace”. We had only a vague idea of where it was from the map which we had. We decided to take a taxi. As is the case here, the taxi driver was very lively and he suggested us to take boat ride and then go to the king’s palace. We agreed. He kept us engaged with the discussion ranging from “Kabhi khushi kabhie Ghum” to the “Thai girls” and everything. He left us at a shady looking place from where we had to take a boat. The deal was done for 1500 Baht for the whole ride.
The ride along the river “Chao Phraya” started. The Boatman was a quiet person by nature, however the speed with which he started driving the motor boat, we were taken by surprise.

The boat was in good condition. But it made a thudding sound every time it hit the water. It also had a powerful engine almost the size of a mini truck may be. The controls looked to be simple but navigating, especially on the turns, requires some skill. We were accompanied by a “foreigner” couple. But they were enjoying in their own way and it did not seem appropriate to disturb them by asking anything.The river is considerably big in the width.

There are lots of Hotels and Apartments on the river side. All of them seem to be in the luxurious category.

However we were yet to visit the real residents of the riverside. As we will see, there are lots of “Wat” (Thai word for Temple) around the river.

We also passed a big bridge along the way. It looks like newly made and is almost 6 lanes wide.

After this bridge, we took a right turn. It looks like a natural canal of the river. From here on, it was all the natural beauty and the “Cute” little houses and “cute” little “wat”. People seem to be very comfortable living along side the river.














There were motor boats passing around us at considerable speed. Some of them had tourists like us. But some of them had the local people who were using these boats in the same way we use a car or a two wheeler on the road. Some were the part of public trasport.

People have developed their house thought fully and use the river water for the coconut trees, banana trees and all the other greenery which they have surrounding the house.


We passed some really beautiful houses and gardens, all of which I could not capture on the camera.

All along the way, every 100 or 200 meters, we would come across a temple. Although all of them look same, they essentially had something unique about them.



I could see that all of them had some minute design on their roofs.

One such close up is available with me.

We saw some children swimming in the canal merrily. Also they were seen playing in the ground around the temples and waving happily to the tourists
There was a “Floating Market” along the way as well. Mostly Thai women, rowing a small boat loaded with souvenirs and all other such items which we would have not bought anyways. Not at the 200% surcharge because it was in the Floating market. (The above mentioned accompanying couple bought bottles of beer here and then successfully bargained for the price).

There is a “Snake Farm” on the way. However it seemed to be crowded and the boat man informed us that there would be an entry fee of 150 Baht/Person. We decided it was not worth it and decided to continue.

We could see a big statue of the “Buddha” along the way. It seems to be WIP (Work In progress) still.








After a right turn, we entered the River Chao Phraya again. After passing a few meters, we came across the most stunning temple.
It is called “Wat Arun” or the “Temple of Dawn”. The similarity between the Thai words and our Sanskrit words is amazing. But those details some other time.

We did not enter this temple, but its exteriors itself will keep you gazing.
If time permits, I plan to go inside the “Wat Arun”. Let’s see how things turn out.
After this, it was the end of the ride and we stepped down at the “Tha Chang Pier”. We had a can of coke here. We were yet to visit the “Kings Palace” or “Grand Palace” ( as it is called here) for which we had started this trip. AS we got out of the pier, we took wrong turn and went to the back side of the “Wat Pho” which is near the Grand palace. The Emerald Buddha Temple ( Wat Phra Kaew) looks like made up from Gold.

At least it gives such an impression. We did not enter the temple. The entry fee of 250 Baht seemed to be too much for us. And we were happy with whatever we saw from outside. The Grand Palace is just near this temple.

We saw it from outside. I don’t have any snap of this palace to show. It Looks like some of the part of this palace is used as the government offices as well.

The sun was getting to us by this time and we decided to wind up the trip. On the way back we hired a taxi.

One thing you can notice in Bangkok. His Majestry The King is worshipped by all the people alike. You will find the Calendars with Kings Photo in almost every shop.
All the main squares and Roads etc. have a big portrait of the King. The government offices have a big life size photo at the entrance. The same can be seen by some of snaps.

And finally the ‘Tuk Tuk’, which is a favorite mode of travel of the ‘Farangs’ (Thai word , probably for a foreigner). Its easily recognizable by the unique sound it makes.
Thats all for now. Waiting for the visit to 'Ayuthaya' now.