Chao Phraya River Cruise

A journey to Bangkok, Thailand is not complete without a tour of the Chao Phraya River. In Thai the river is called, 'Maenam Chao Phraya'.

It was the 17th of March and we arrived at the River jetty early as we wanted good seats for the boat cruise. The pier was surrounded by a promenade of cafes and restaurants packed with tourists. As we boarded the cruise ship a local Thai dance troupe performed their routine very similar to traditional Indian dance.

The ship had two floors; the first was air-conditioned while the top floor was open. We wanted the best experience and took seat on the second floor, cooled by fans and open to the sights, sounds, and sweet smell of the Chao Phraya River.

Soon a live band playing contemporary Thai and English music began their performance. As the ship left the docks, the night life around the river came to light. We saw traditionally designed wooden water houses next to multi-storied commercial buildings. The fisherman’s wharf was right next to an amusement park complete with a Ferris wheel. Several brass and gold Buddha statutes were visible from the boat.

Dinner was a sumptuous buffet of Thai and Continental food. Afterwards the cruise came to end and we boarded our van back to the hotel, weary and exhausted, looking for a good nights' rest after soaking in one of Bangkok’s cultural past times.


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