Chao Phraya river guide Tourist Boat

Travel Guide

Hop On Here, Hop Off There.

On the River, Hop Anywhere.

CHAO PHRAYA TOURIST BOAT

Contents

About the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat

Introduction Welcome to Bangkok, the City of Angels, and welcome to the River of Kings, the Chao Phraya River.

This handy guide is for Chao Phraya Tourist Boat travellers and introduces you to the main attractions to be found at the numerous piers along this historic waterway .

From the magnificent Temple of Dawn to the fascinating Museum of Siam and from the vibrant flower market to the spectacular Grand Palace, this guide tells you what to see, where to go and, perhaps most importantly, how to get there using the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat. It’s also packed with useful information, travel tips, departure times and where to try some delicious Thai delicacies.

Table of Contents

2

About the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat Sathorn (Central) Pier Oriental Pier River City Bangkok Pier Ratchawongse Pier Pakkhlong Taladd Pier (Yodpiman Pier) Tha WatTien ArunPier Pier Tha Maharaj Pier Wang Lang Pier Phra Athit Pier Map Timetable

3 4 6 7 10 13 16 18 21 23 31 32

Useful Numbers Chao Phraya Tourist Boat Call Center

02-866-3163-64 Tourist Police / Tourist Service Center

1155

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Hotline

1555

Bangkok Taxi Call Center

1681 1661

Established in September 1971, the Chao Phraya Express Boat Co., Ltd. is Bangkok’s biggest public water transportation provider with a total fleet size of 65 boats carrying around 35,000 to 40,000 passengers a day or 13.5 million passengers per year.

The Chao Phraya Tourist Boat service provides tourists with the opportunity to see Bangkok from a whole new perspective. With one-day tickets, tourists can easily travel from pier to pier without having to worry about purchasing boat tickets or getting lost.

Routing & Piers The Chao Phraya Tourist Boat services eight piers, which in turn give access to Bangkok’s most famous tourist attractions.

The journey starts from the Sathorn (Central) Pier adjacent to BTS Saphan Taksin Station and proceeds up the river, stopping at seven different piers before returning back to Sathorn (Central) Pier on the same route.

Service Condition Unlimited rides on the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat from Sathorn (Central) Pier to Pha Arthit Pier on the stamped date only.

3

Sathorn (Central) Pier

Sathorn (Central) Pier

Jieow Eng Bieow Shrine

Wat Yannawa

4

Sirocco

Jieow Eng Bieow Shrine

Wat Yannawa

Lebua Hotel at State Tower

The shrine was erected 150 years ago, though the exact history of its construction is a little unclear. One story tells that it was built to commemorate 108 Chinese merchants who set sail from Siam to Vietnam to trade, only to be mistaken for pirates and killed. When their relatives found out, they traveled to Vietnam to invite those souls back home to stay at the purpose built shrine. Another legend claims that the 108 souls who perished were actually Chinese monks. Whatever the true tale, those travelling by water still come here to make offerings and pray for a safe passage to their destination.

To get there: Walk from the pier towards the BTS and the shrine is situated on your left hand side.

Known as the “Boat Temple,” Wat Yannawa was originally built in the early 19th century during the Ayutthaya Period and called Wat Kok Krabue.

When King Rama III ordered the temple to be renovated, it was renamed after the new pagoda resembling a Chinese fishing junk, reminding Thais of the ships that promoted trade and prosperity and brought many Chinese immigrants to the country.

To get there: From Sathorn (Central) Pier walk to Charoen Krung Road.

Turn right and walk around 100 meters. It’s between Soi 52 and 54 on your right hand side. Open daily 8am-9pm.

Sirocco (63/F of The Dome, Lebua Hotel at State Tower) is one of the world’s highest alfresco restaurants and bars.

Offering Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and sundowner cocktails, it had a starring role in the hit US movie The Hangover II. It’s worth the dizzying journey up in the lift (and the high prices) for the breathtaking views over the city and the river from the vertiginous sky bar. Please note no flip flops, vest tops or shorts allowed and it’s really not for those who suffer from vertigo!

To get there: Walk from the Sathorn (Central) Pier to Charoen Krung Road and turn right until you reach the junction with Silom Road. The hotel sits on the right hand corner of the intersection. Open daily 6pm-1am (last order at 11:30pm). 02-624-9999. www.lebua.com

Thai Treats: There are three famous grilled duck with rice restaurants in this area: Saenyod, Prajak and Charoenviang. The easiest one to get to is Prajak. Walk from Sathorn (Central) Pier then turn left and cross Chareon Krung Road.

Turn left again and the shop-house restaurant is on your right.

5

The Oriental Pier

N1

Mandarin Oriental Hotel

6

Assumption Cathedral

Mandarin Oriental Hotel

Assumption Cathedral

One of Bangkok’s most luxurious hotels also boasts the richest history. Since it first opened its doors in 1879, it has played host to various famous guests from David Beckham and Michael Jackson to the Prince and Princess of Wales. It’s particularly famed for literary visitors like Somerset Maugham, Joseph Conrad and Noel Coward. They are remembered in the original Author’s Wing, where today’s guests can still enjoy high tea in the beautiful colonial style lounge.

To get there: The hotel is at the pier.

Contact 02-659-9000 or visit www. mandarinoriental.com/bangkok

Bangkok’s principal Roman Catholic Church was designed by a French architect in 1909 and survived heavy allied bombing during World War II. As well as the Romanesque church, the area is also home to three other leading Catholic institutions: Assumption College, Assumption Convent and Assumption Suksa.

To get there: Walk about 80 meters from the pier and turn right into a little alley. At the end of the alley you will come to a courtyard and the cathedral.

River City Bangkok Pier

Holy Rosary Church

Siam Commercial Bank

Holy Rosary Church

Siam Commercial Bank

Standing out amid glittering Buddhist temples, the simple clean spire and muted cream colors of the Holy Rosary Church are a reminder of the trade between Portugal and Siam in the 18th century. The church was built in 1786, four years after Bangkok was founded, on land given to the Portuguese by King Rama I. It is one of the city’s oldest places of Christian worship.

To get there: Turn left at the exit from the pier, walk past River City, and head into Soi Wanit 2 for about 80 meters. The church is on your left.

Open Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:30pm.

02-266-4849

Prince Mahisara Rachaharuthai, a brother of the then-monarch, King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), started Thailand’s banking sector in 1906 with this, the country’s first local bank.

Originally the bank’s book club, it now operates as a branch of Siam Commercial Bank, and is notable for its classic European-style architecture.

To get there: Turn left at the exit from the pier, walk past River City, and head into Soi Wanit 2. The bank is located on the left hand side. Open 9:30am-3:30pm.

7

River City Bangkok Pier

River City Bangkok Pier

Wat Traimit Wittayaram

River City Bangkok

River City Bangkok Located right on the riverbank, this high-end shopping mall is a great spot to hunt for unique souvenirs, antiques and art.

It’s also home to a number of top restaurants and coffee shops, as well as the main departure point for many of the popular nighttime cruising tours.

To get there: Turn left from the pier and walk past the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel. Open daily 10am-10pm. 02-237-0077. www.rivercitybangkok.com 8

Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel

Wat Traimit Wittayaram

Recently renovated, this five-star property boasts 726 rooms and two pools. Those who enjoy dinner with a view and a breeze should check out their riverside restaurant, Sambal, which serves up an intriguing mix of Southeast Asian dishes.

To get there: Located right next to the pier.

02-266-0123. www.royalorchidsheraton.com

Home to the world’s largest golden Buddha image, the three-meter, five-ton Phra Buddha Maha Suwanna Patimakorn, this white marble temple is seen as the gateway to Chinatown. After paying your respects at the temple, don’t miss the Yaowarat Chinatown Heritage Center, which offers a fascinating insight into the neighborhood and a history of Bangkok’s early Chinese immigrants.

To get there: Walk to Charoen Krung Road. Cross the road and keep walking until you pass Charoen Krung Soi 27. The temple and Center are in the next road.

The walk is around 30 minutes. Save some time by jumping in a taxi or tuk-tuk. Open daily 8am-5pm.

Millennium Hilton Hotel It’s hard to miss this towering structure with its UFO-like crown. The luxury hotel offers amazing river views from the 32nd-floor ThreeSixty Lounge, as well as traditional and contemporary Thai dance and theater at their Thai restaurant, Maya.

To get there: Take a cross-river ferry or use the hotel’s private ferry from Sathorn (Central) Pier.

02-442-2000.

Thai Treats: Take a ferry to Klong San Pier opposite Si Phraya Pier to experience Bangkok’s vibrant street food scene.

Don’t miss one of most famous shops in town, Bua Loy Khai Khem (Block E 5/2 081-6975971, open daily 1pm-7pm.) Prices for their delicious desserts start from B15.

9

Ratchawongse Pier

Ratchawongse Pier

N5

Wat Mangkon Kamalawat

10

N5

Chinatown

Wat Mangkon Kamalawat

Chinatown (Yaowaraj)

Built in 1871 during the reign of King Rama V, it was the first, and remains the most, Chinese temple in Bangkok—the center of important festivals such as Chinese New Year and the annual Vegetarian festival in September-October. The temple, whose name means “dragon lotus,” bustles with worshippers amid heady scents of incense smoke from the ever-burning oil lamps. Offering oil is believed to provide a smooth journey into the afterlife and to fuel the fire of the present life. The temple contains Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian shrines, representing the diverse religious heritage of Chinatown.

To get there: From Ratchawongse Pier, walk up Ratchawongse Road and turn right on to Charoen Krung Road. Continue walking until you reach Mangkon Road, then turn left and walk 100 meters.

Open daily 6am-6pm. 02-222-3975.

The first place many Chinese immigrants settled on arrival in Bangkok, this remains the center of Bangkok’s Thai-Chinese population and continues to be a thriving business quarter and trading neighborhood. The path of the central Yaowaraj Road, which bisects the area, is said to resemble a dragon’s curvy body, making it an auspicious location for business. From the healing herbs and spices of traditional medicine stores to the ancient tea shops and open-front restaurant, there are plentiful glimpses of traditional Thai-Chinese culture. If you can, come at night to sample the sights, sounds and delicious food.

To get there: Walk along Ratchawongse Road for 500 meters to reach the intersection of Yaowaraj Road.

Thai Treats: From the pier, walk straight on Ratchawong Road. On your left hand side as you arrive at the T-junction, you’ll find Som Tum Ratchawong. Try the papaya salad and other northeastern dishes at wallet-friendly prices.

Song Wat Rd. Open daily 7am-7pm.

11

Ratchawongse Pier

Phahurat (Indian) Market

12

N5

Sampheng Market

Phahurat (Indian) Market

Sampheng Market

Better known as Thailand’s Little India, this market is home to all manner of fabrics in every conceivable pattern and color. The site originally belonged to King Rama V’s daughter, Princess Bahurada Manimaya, but was given to the community when she passed away. The road was named after her before the neighborhood became home to Sikh immigrants who established it as a thriving textile trading center.

To get there: Walk straight along Ratchawongse Road for 350 meters.

Turn left on to Soi Wanit 1 and continue walking straight into Trok Hua Med until you hit Phahurat Road.

Open Tue-Sun 9:30am-4pm.

Sampheng Market initially started in the reign of King Rama I and was the first trading center for the earliest Chinese immigrants. Today it is the oldest and biggest wholesale market in Bangkok. Visitors can see traders go about their business among the narrow lanes while shopping for pretty much anything, from Chinese medicine to clothes and toys to kitchen tools—all at super cheap wholesale prices.

To get there: Turn left on to Soi Shun Lee and then right onto Ratchawongse Road. Walk for another five minutes until you reach Soi Wanit 1, where you will see the busy market on your right.

Open daily 2am-5pm.

Yodpiman Pier N 6/1 (Yodpiman pier)

Yodpiman River Walk

Flower Market

Flower Market (Pak Klong Talad) Originally a fish market during the King Rama I period, it began to solely focus on flowers when the fish traders moved elsewhere during the reign of King Rama V. Today, Pak Khlong Talat is the largest wholesale flower market in Bangkok, and is home to every type of flower imaginable. If you can, the best time to come is between 2-4 am, when that day’s deliveries arrive and retailers from all over town come to pick the very best bunches.

To get there: From the pier, turn left and walk along the river until you reach 7-Eleven. Turn right onto the start of Chakrapetch Road, where the market is situated. Open 24 hours.

Flower Market

Yodpiman River Walk Opened in December 2014, Yodpiman Riverwalk, behind Pak Khlong Talad (Flower Market), is a shopping mall contained in a 300-meter walkway that runs alongside the river. It's home to around 50 restaurants and shops with excellent views of Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn).

To get there: Turn left after off from the pier then walk straight until reaching Yodpiman market where Yodpiman River Walk will appear on your left.

13

Pakkhlong Taladd Pier N 6/1 (Yodpiman pier)

Museum of Siam

Museum of Siam

Museum of Siam The Museum of Siam might be set in a former palace, but it is a very modern interpretation of a museum. Its interactive, audio visual-driven exhibition entitled “The Story of Thailand” traces the history of the country from Southeast Asia’s ancient empires up until the present day, focusing on the region’s changing cultural, religious and political landscape. Regularly rotating exhibitions and events also take place.

To get there: From Pak Khlong Talat Pier, walk straight to Maharaj Road, turn left and walk along the road for 500 meters until crossing the bridge then turn right for 300 meters. The museum is on your left. Open TueSun 10am-6pm. Tickets: B50 for students over 15; B100 for Thai adults; B300 for foreigners. 02-2252777. www.museumsiam.com

14

Eat: Farm to Table, Organic Cafe offers food and snacks prepared with organic ingredients directly from the owner’s farm in Chiang Rai. Don’t forget to try the cafe’s homemade ice cream.

179 Asadang Rd., 02-115-2625. Open daily 10am-8pm. www. facebook.com/ FarmToTableOrganicCafe

15

ThaArun Tien Pier Wat

ThaArun Tien Pier Wat

N8

Wat Pho

16

Wat Arun

N8

Tha Tien Market

Wat Pho

Wat Arun

Tha Tien Market

Located next to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho is one of the oldest, largest and definitely most significant temples in Bangkok. The royal monastery is perhaps best known for the 46-meter-long Reclining Buddha housed in its Ordination Hall. Wat Pho has also traditionally been a place of education, especially for Thai medicine and massage. Visitors can still enjoy a Thai traditional massage at the school located in the grounds.

To get there: From Tha Tien Pier, walk straight to the main road, Maharaj Road, and turn right. The temple is on your left.

Visitors must wear polite dress. Shorts and short sleeves are not allowed. B100 entrance fee. Open daily 6am-5pm.

One of the most symbolic landmarks in Bangkok, the majestic prang (or Khmerstyle tower) of the Temple of Dawn dominates the skyline on the Nonthaburi bank of the Chao Phraya River.

Construction first began in the reign of King Rama II (1809-1824) and was completed by King Rama III (1824-1851).

The central tower is 76 meters high and decorated by thousands of tiny seashells and pieces of Chinese porcelain depicting protective demons and monkeys. Arun means “morning” and the temple is best viewed at dawn or sunset from the opposite river bank. B50 entrance fee.

To get there: Take a ferry from Tha Tien Pier across the river to Tha Rue Wat Arun Pier. Ferries run from 5am-11pm. The fee is 2 Baht.

Tha Tien was originally called Thay Wang Market (the market behind the palace), and was a big trading, transport and cultural center during the late 18th century. A major fire saw the area get its new name (tien means “leveled to the ground”) and it suffered a decline in importance. Nowadays, Tha Tien Market is famous for dry fish and seafood stalls, and the chance to see its numerous traditional Rattanakosinperiod shop-houses, many of which are now home to quaint cafes and restaurants.

To get there: From Tha Tien Pier, walk around 50 meters and then turn right. The entrance of the market is located along Maharaj Road. Open daily 8am-5pm.

Eat: Sala Rattanakosin’s riverside restaurant serves traditional Thai dishes both indoors and outdoors with scenic view of Wat Arun. Don’t miss their alfresco rooftop bar to make the most of the view.

39 Maharat Rd., 02-622-1388. www.salarattanakosin. com

17

Tha Maharaj Pier

Tha Maharaj Pier

The Grand Palace

18

Tha Maharaj

Bangkok National Museum

The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew

Tha Maharaj

Bangkok National Museum

Construction of this stunning Bangkok landmark began in 1782 when King Rama I decided to move the capital’s center from across the river in Thonburi. It has served as the official royal residence since the first kings of the current Chakri Dynasty. Highlights include the Chakri Mahaprasat Hall, Dusit Mahaprasat Hall and Wat Phra Kaew. The most important building in the temple grounds is the ordination hall, or ubosot, which houses the Emerald Buddha (Phra Kaew Morakot), Thailand’s most revered religious icon.

Don’t miss the exquisite mural paintings on the walls of the corridor enclosing the palace area, which depict the classic story of Ramayana (or Ramakhien).

To get there: Go straight through Phra Chan Alley and turn right at the end to Na Phra That Road. The palace stands at the end of the road. No sleeveless shirts, shorts, miniskirts or flip-flops. Appropriate clothes are available for rent. Tickets for the palace and the temple are B500 (foreigners). Open daily (weekdays only) 8:30am-3:30pm. Free tours in English are available at 10am, 10:30am, 1:30pm and 2:00pm. www. palaces.thai.net

Tha Maharaj, located on the road next to the palace’s west wall, is a new open-air riverside mall that comprises seven different colonial-style buildings. Apart from various riverside eateries, it’s also home to arts and culture centers that hold colorful events. Maharaj Road was built in the early Rattanakosin era (1782-present), and has since developed into a network of shop-houses as well as a vivid market. Tha Maharaj’s long walkway stretching along the river has been designed to connect people with the area’s history of river transportation, allowing boats to float directly up to the shop fronts.

To get there: The mall is right beside Tha Maharaj Pier.

Formerly part of Wang Na Palace, these ornate pavilions have been home to the royal collection of King Rama IV and other objects of historical interest since 1926.

The museum houses three permanent exhibitions: the gallery of Thai history starting from the Sukothai period, the Archaeological and Art History Collections and the Decorative Arts and Ethnological Gallery.

To get there: Go straight through Phra Chan Alley and turn left at the end to Na Phra That Alley. Go straight for 200 meters. Open Wed-Sun 9am-4pm.

Closed holidays. Tickets: B30 for Thais; B250 for foreigners. Tours in English available at 9:30am on Wed and Thu. 02-224-1333. www.nationalmuseums. finearts.go.th

Silpa Bhirasri National Museum: Created to remember Silpa Bhirasri the Italianborn sculptor, known as the father of modern Thai art, one section contains his sculptures and artifacts while the other contains pieces by the leading artists he inspired. Open Mon-Fri 8am-4pm, The Fine Arts Department, Silpakorn University, Na Pra Lan Rd., 02-2223-6162.

19

Tha Maharaj Pier

City Pillar Shrine

City Pillar Shrine The original city pillar was built when Bangkok became Thailand’s capital in 1782. It was constructed based on the Brahmin belief that the establishment of the pillar in a favorable position would bring the city good fortune.

After the original pillar fell into disrepair, King Rama IV had a new one made from teak and Javanese Cassia wood, and had an accompanying shrine constructed to house both the new and old pillars.

To get there: Go straight until you reach Maharaj Road.

Turn right and walk until you reach Nah Pralan Road in front of Grand Palace. Turn left, go straight past the intersection and you’ll be on Lak Mueng Road. The City Pillar Shrine is on your left. Open daily 5:30am-7:30pm.

20

Thonburi Railway Station Pier

N 11

The Royal Barge Museum

The Royal Barge Museum Bangkok used to be known as the Venice of the East thanks to its extensive network of klong (canals). The royal barges, used

by Thailand’s monarchy for centuries, are carved out of giant pieces of teak, gilded with gold and feature prows depicting different mythical creatures. Each one needs up to 50 rowers to propel it through the water. The museum, which opened to the public in 1974, features eight barges still used today in ceremonial events like the Royal Barge Procession.

To get there: Walk straight from the pier to Arunamarin Road. Turn right and cross the bridge. Turn right and follow the signs to the museum. Open daily 9am-5pm.

02-424-0004. Tickets: B20 for Thais; B100 for foreigners.

Eat: Supatra River House Since 1998, the former residence of Khunying Supatra Singholaga, a leading Thai business lady, has been serving classic Thai and seafood dishes. Situated on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River, the view of the Grand Palace from the terrace of this charming Thai house is very special. As is the food, which offers a la carte or set menu options of authentic Thai favorites from spicy shrimp paste to stir-fried sea crab with black pepper. The venue also plays host to regular cultural performances featuring traditional dance and music.

To get there: From Wang Lang Pier, turn left onto Soi Wat Rakang. Walk 600 meters and it’s on your left. Free boat transfers from Maharaj Pier. Open daily 11:30am-2pm, 5:3011pm. 02-441-0305. www.supatrariverhouse.net

21

N 11 Thonburi Railway Station Pier

Siriraj Bimuksthan Museum

Siriraj Bimuksthan Museum

Siriraj Bimuksthan Museum The four buildings of the old Bangkok Noi train station are now a museum exhibiting 4D films on the history of Thai medicine, Siriraj Hospital and medical science in Thailand, as well as the history of the train station. There are five more museums dedicated to medical study within Siriraj Hospital.

To get there: Enter Siriraj hospital and turn right. Walk along the riverside till you find a long brick building. This is the museum. Open Wed-Mon 10am-5pm.

Tickets: B200 for foreigner. B80 for Thai.

B25 Baht for Children. 02-419-2601

22

Wang Lang Market

Wang Lang Market Steps from Wang Lang Pier, the market is a perennial favorite among office workers and locals looking for trendy street fashion at the best prices. It’s also handily compact with everything crammed into a series of narrow alleys. If brand new and secondhand shoes, clothes, bags and accessories aren’t your thing, there’s also excellent Thai food and desserts.

To get there: As you step off the boat at Wang Lang Pier. Open daily 10am- 5pm.

Phra Athit Pier

N 13

Phra Sumane Fort

Phra Sumane Fort

Banglumpoo Market

The lesser-known Phra Arthit Road has a more laidback vibe than Khao San. Formerly a center of politics and art, it now boasts numerous restaurants, cute cafes and hip bars in beautiful old shop-houses that retain many period details like wooden shutters. It’s also home to Phra Sumane Fort. King Rama I constructed the stocky citadel overlooking the river to protect the city from invasion. The area around the fort is now Suan Santichaiprakarn park, a popular destination for those looking to escape the crowds. The park plays host to regular events, including the Bangkok Theater Festival every November.

To get there: From the pier, walk straight to the main road. The first road you see is Phra Arthit. Phra Sumane Fort is on the left.

Formerly a major trading center, the bustling market atmosphere remains thanks to the amazing array of street food—try the traditional pastry of patong ko savoey or the noodle based jira yentafo. The area was originally famous for the many fireflies that lived in the Lumpoo trees that grew in the area.

To get there: Follow the directions to Khao San Road and then explore the adjacent streets.

23

Phra Athit Pier

Khao San Road

24

Phra Athit Pier

N 13

Banglumpoo Market

Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall

Phra Arthit Road

Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall

N 13

National Theatre

Khao San Road

Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall

National Theatre

Established almost 150 years ago, Khao San Road was originally the site of a milled rice (khaosan) market. Nowadays, it’s a popular destination to shop and hang out for tourists thanks to street stalls, cheap guesthouses, cafes and laidback bars and clubs. From hair braiding to funky tees to secondhand books, it’s a backpacker’s heaven that’s gathered popularity among young locals as a place to come and enjoy a bohemian vibe while watching the tourists party.

To get there: From the pier, walk to Phra Arthit Road and turn left. Follow the road past Phra Sumane Fort and continue another 500 meters to the intersection with Chakrabongse Road. Cross Chakrabongse Road then turn right. Walk about 500 meters and Khao San Road is on your left.

Also known as Nitasrattanakosin, this impressive building was renovated in 2008 to help fulfil King Rama V’s original objective of creating Thailand’s very own version of the Champ Elysees on Rachadamnoen Road. The exhibition center traces the history of the city from the late 18th century to the present day. Don’t miss the stunning view over the Old City from the rooftop.

To get there: Exit Phra Arthit Pier then turn left. Go past Phra Sumane Fort on your left then walk along Phra Sumane Road for about 1.3km. Turn right at the intersection of Rachadamnoen Glarng Road and the hall is around 100 meters down on the other side of the street. Open Tue-Fri 11am-8pm; Sat-Sun 10am-8pm. B800 for adults ; B30 for children.

02- 621-0044.

The first official national theater of Thailand was built in 1961 after Silpakorn Theater, traditionally used for Thai cultural performances, burnt down. The National Theater typically showcases Thai Khon (masked dance) and other cultural performances.

To get there: Turn right at Phra Arthit Road and walk along the river before going under Pinklao Bridge. Turn left at Rachini Road and walk towards Sanam Luang.

Turn right and the National Theatre is on the right. Open Mon-Fri 9am-4pm. Bookings and enquiries at 02-224-1342.

EAT: Babble & Rum and Venice Vanich Babble & Rum serves good cocktails with river views while Venice Vanich has a solid menu of Thai favorites.

To get there: Walk from the pier until you reach Phra Athit Road.

Turn right and head straight for 300 meters. Opens daily 11am-10:30pm.

25

Trip A ( One hour , Can travel every day ) Chao Phraya River and you will be closed touch with Thai life at Bangkok Yai canal, enjoy feeding fish at Mon canals. The most beautiful view of Temple of Dawn on the bank of river of the king.

Trip B ( Two hours , Can travel every day ) Cruise along to Chao Phraya River and visit Temple of Dawn and Bangkok Yai canal, enjoy feeding fish at Wat Srisudaram. Pass through to Bangkok noi canal visit The Royal Barges Museum.

Trip C ( Two hours , Can travel only on weekends ) Sightseeing Chao Phraya River and Bangkok Noi canal, visit the Royal Barges Museum and enjoy feeding fish at Wat Srisudaram, Pass Thai House to Chak Phra canal and visit the Thonburi floating market.