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Bangkok by boat an exciting option for Songkran Staying in Bangkok over the Songkran holidays can actually be a lot of fun. If you're looking to add a little spice to your outdoor activities, why not try a river cruise operated by the Chao Phraya Express Boat Co Ltd. It could be a golden opportunity to experience Bangkok from a new perspective. The route connects people to nine major piers that serve as gateways to interesting historical spots and communal life in this vibrant "City of Angels". A one-day river pass priced 100 baht gives visitors unlimited trips in a single day. Passengers are allowed to board any boat operated by the company between Sathorn and Phra Athit piers. Visitors are given a guide book about attractions along the Chao Phraya or the "River of Kings" backed by a bilingual guide and commentary describing the landmarks situated in the vicinity of each pier and how to access them. I decided to try out the boat service myself, even though it was a sweltering afternoon. I set out on my excursion from the Central pier next to the BTS Skytrain terminal at Taksin Bridge. Boats leave every 30 minutes so one doesn't have to wait too long. Passengers joining me on the trip were not just tourists, but office workers and students keen to beat the traffic jam on Bangkok roads. Some places of interest along the river's banks include Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn), Santa Cruz Church, the Memorial Bridge and numerous historical buildings. My tour guide, Kanataniya Boonpang, suggested that I sit through the ride to Phra Athit pier and on the return leg get off at piers near which the attractions I had set out to visit were located. As my ticket allowed me the freedom to get on and off at any pier, I listened to her carefully as she proceeded to explain how much of Thai history could be traced to the banks of the Chao Phraya River, although lately the river has known to become contaminated and emanate foul odour occasionally. For Songkran, Kanataniya suggested that I disembark at Phra Athit pier and join the revelry on Khao San Road. The backpackers' paradise attracts hundreds of Thais and foreigners who come armed with their water guns and pistols to celebrate the water festival. If you are planning to join the fun, be prepared to be soaked to the bone. Not a long distance from there is Phra Sumane Fort, a hexagonal concrete structure topped with a pointed roof. At the dawn of the Rattanakosin period (1782) there were 14 forts around the city's perimeter. Today, just two survive. Also in the vicinity is Bang Lamphu market, a buzzing community where all types of goods and food can be purchased. However, visitors should be reminded that due to the long Songkran holidays a number of places could remain closed. There is however a good chance of hawkers and street vendors opening for business later in the day. The Ratchawong pier connects you to Yaowaraj (Chinatown) and Pahurat (Little India). I found that a promenade along the century-old community of both Chinese and Indian immigrants a highly educational experience. On my way to Sampheng market- a notable wholesale and retail garment centre - I observed a number of old Sino-Portuguese buildings, some renovated recently which gave them a polished look. Yaowaraj is one of the oldest Chinatowns in the world. The charm of Yaowaraj can be seen from its interesting Thai-Chinese cultural heritage, a colourful trading street with fanciful wares and mouth-watering food outlets. A hop-skip-and-jump from Yaowaraj is Pahurat (Little India). Besides amazing food and great shopping, I found Pahurat - home to the second largest Sikh temple outside India - a majestic site. Visitors are welcome, irrespective of their religious leanings. Here, you could easily feel as if you were in Delhi or any other Indian city. The pier at the late Princess Mother Memorial Park, which is the fourth stop on the route, is also worth checking out. The Princess Mother spent her childhood there. HM the King renovated the old buildings and they have been turned into a museum. To get there, walk past the Kuan Oo Shrine. After 15 metres turn left and then right at the corner of the park and continue for another 10 metres. The entrance to the park is on your right. The sun was setting by the time I took the last boat back to Sathon pier - the wonderful experience still fresh in my mind. For more information, call Chao Phraya Boat Express at 02-623-6001-3 ext 100, 106. |