Venice of Bangkok

Bangkok's history has evolved along the banks of the Chao Phraya River and its adjoining canals. It may no longer be the "Venice of the East" described by early visitors, but the waterways still breathe life into the city.
Winding its way through the heart of the city, the river continues to play an important part in daily life. Every day you see commuters, saffron robed monks and school children speeding by on fast river taxis, overtaking the heavily laden rice barges making their sedate journey upriver.
For visitors the river provides contrasts of old and new, with many of Bangkok's most revered temples standing alongside warehouses, old wooden houses, new residential blocks and prestigious five star hotels. On the Thonburi side of the river (the original site of Thailand's capital), a network of canals (khlongs), largely unaffected by modern development, still connect the city to the suburbs. And on the Rattanakosin side it is possible to catch river taxis along Klong Saen Saep, a dirty but important transport artery that cuts through the heart of the modern city.
Bangkok's waterways are well worth taking a few hours to explore. And there are many ways to do it, ranging from river cruises and klong tours to public river taxis and dinner cruises. See our Waterway Tips below for ideas.
Chaophraya River Cruising the Chao Phraya River, Experiencing the Glory of Siam Royal Barges National Museum In the past, Thailand was an agricultural society with settled communities growing beside the waterways. The river was the m important avenue of communication, and boats were the standard form of transport for everyone the Royal Barges as well as artifacts and accessories used I the ceremony. Suphannahong Royal Barge: The prow of the barges vas sculpted in a mythological swan figure, and the vessel was completed in the reign of King Rama VI. This is the highest class of Royal barge, and is was awarded the Sea Heritage Medal from the World Ships Organisation of Great Britain in 1981. Anantanagaraj Royal Barge: The prow of this barge is carved in the form of a seven-head naga. It is use to carry the Buddha image or Phra Krathin, the monks' robes offered during the festival. , Anekchartputchong Royal Barge: This was built in the reign of King Rama V, and is the one Royal barge to be coloured pink. Address: Arun Amorin Road Siriraj Sub-District Bangkoknoi District Bangkok 10700 Phone:(662) 424-0004 Openning Hours: Daily 9 am-5 pm Closed: Dec 31 Jan 1 Admission Fee: Thai 20 THB, Foreigner 100 THB,  Students in uniform free of charge Royal Memorial to King Puttayodfa (Rama I) This was built at the behest of King Rama VIII on the occasion of the city's 150th anniversary together with the Puttayodfa Bridge (Memorail Bridge) across the Chao Phraya River. HRH Prince Naris designed the memorial, and Prof. Silpa Bhirasri sculpted the figure and cast it in bronze. In front of the monument is a concrete wall with a marble plaque bearing the legend, "Pathom Borommaratcha Chakri Wong" (Founder of the Chakri Dynasty) together with a carved depiction of elephants. Address: Foot of Memorial Bridge Bangkok side Tri Phet Road Phra Borommaharatchawang Sub-District Phra Nakhon District Bus: 3 4 5 6 7Kor 8 10 19 21 37 40 42 43 53 56 82 Air-con Bus: 3 5 6 73 Pier: 1 Chao Phraya Express Boat: Memorial Bridge Opening Hours: Daily 24 hrs. Admission Fee: Free Admission Thammasat University After the change of government in 1932, Thammasat University was founded to service the new political system governing the country. On June 27, 1934, the day King Rama VIII gave a temporary constitution to the Thai people, the University of Jurisprudence and Politics was founded with Dr. Pridi Banomyong (Luang Pradit Manutham) as a rector. In its first period, the university was known as 'a "knowledge market." It did not receive a state budget, and charged low tuition fees which were used for the university's expenses. The name was later changed to Thammasat University for political reasons. Dome Building: The symbol of the university, this was originally four old military buildings. The architect for the conversion was Jitsen Aphaiyawong, who built a roof joining the four buildings and crowning it with a spire. Now only two buildings remain. Underneath the roof is a clock, which makes this building the university's clock tower. The room beneath the clock was formerly the office of Dr. Pridi Banomyong,who founded the university. Address: Na Phrathat Road Phra Borommaharatchawan Sub-District Phra Nakhon District Bangkok 10200 Phone: (662) 221-6111-20 Fax: (662) 224-8099 Opening Hours:  Mon-Fri 8:30 am-4 pm Closed:Sat Sun Public Hols. Admission Free: Free  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Bangkok Klong (Canals) Rivers and canals referred to maenam and khlong in Thai have always been vital forms of communication. When the capital of Thailand was moved to Bangkok in 1782 (the beginning of the Rattanakosin peri... ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Special Thanks info & photos : www.bangkoktourist.com