Roland Lefevre
Often described as the best way to discover the beauty of Bangkok river cruises come in many forms in the Thai capital. From dinner cruises to canal excursions popular cruise options are as follows.
Perhaps one of the most efficient and hassle free tour option along the Chao Praya River is using the commuter vessels on the river to plan one's own excursion along the River of Kings. Kicking off one's journey by arriving at pier located close to the Saphan Taksin station (reached via BTS Skytrain) visitors can hop on board any one of the many express boats travelling to various stopovers along the river including major tourist sites such as the Wat Pho Temple and Wat Arun. Inexpensive and available all day long the express boats which serve as commuter boats for locals can double as one's own private cruise operator for travellers with a clear idea of hotspots they wish to explore along the Chao Phraya.
Tipped to be the ultimate Bangkok tour experience according to seasoned visitors a dinner cruise along the "River of Kings" is not only a must-have experience for first time visitors but a treasured holiday cruise encounter that may be the highlight of a vacation in Bangkok. Ideal for tourists who are staying in the Thai capital for a limited period or a single night the dinner cruise offers visitors an all-encompassing look at the glittering city by night. Passing some of the city's most notable landmarks and iconic structures the cruise experience also includes a full course Thai dinner meal as well as live music and other entertainment items such as puppetry and dance performances on board the vessel. Available through a variety of tout operators the 2-3 hour excursions also include fireworks displays depending on the cruise organizer.
Converted in to modern cruise vessels river faring boats which were once used as rice barges are another popular option for a cruise in Bangkok's principal body of water. Decorated in traditional fashion the spacious and large rice barges cast a curious sight when observed from the riverbanks as the revamped rice transporting vehicle also makes an attractive cruise vessel on the river.
Another intriguing cruise option available in Bangkok vacationers is a tour of the city's network of canals where the city's famed floating markets and local communities are found living in traditional Thai houses on the fringes of the Chao Praya. As a unique commercial and residential hub in the city a cruise tour of the "klongs" can also serve as a retail experience as tourists can purchase everything from fine silks to a piping hot bowl of noodles by leaning over the deck of the vessel.
Often regarded as the crème de le crème in Bangkok cruise experiences the Bangkok cruise tour itinerary offered by Anantara Cruises is second to none when it comes to luxury river excursions. The private tour operator also operates three day long cruises on its Anantara Dream and Anantara Song vessels which set off from Bangkok past the city's most popular riverside attractions such as the Grand Palace and the Royal Barges Boat House before traveling to the Ayutthaya Thousand Golden Temples in the former state capital. Visitors will stay within the luxurious confines of the spacious vessel where stylish bedrooms and other hotel amenities are available.
