Roger Gary
The Chao Phraya River flows through Bangkok and makes up the city's riverside. It showcases so many attractions, temples and markets. Find below some of the must visit places during your trip.
The Grand Palace and the temple inside the palace, Wat Phra Keaw are possibly the most spectacular attractions in all of Bangkok. The palace was built in 1782 and has been the home of Thai royalty, attracting millions of visitors annually. The temple features Phra Kaew Morakot or Emerald Buddha, which was carved from a single block of emerald. Anantara Cruises, Thailand offers an amazing and comfortable Chao Phraya cruise experience that will set you up to enjoy the Bangkok Riverside like never before.
This iconic temple enjoys a lot of prominence thanks to its gorgeous riverside location and uniquely designed pagoda that rises over the river. One of Bangkok's popular temples, Wat Arun is also known as 'Temple of Dawn' and offers amazing views of the river and surrounding areas from atop.
Bangkok is crisscrossed with a number of canals or 'khlongs', that were once integral to the city's transportation system. A private cruise takes you alongside secluded streets, waterside homes, quaint markets and beautiful, untouched temples. For an adventure, and if it is not your first visit, try exploring on your own by hopping on to a commuter boat and finding your way around.
Located on the banks of the river, this night market/mall complex showcases a range of attractions. Asiatique features an array of local and foreign fashion brands, street food stalls, fine dining spots, beer gardens and wine bars all vaguely segregated into regions. Another mesmerizing highlight is the Ferris wheel that towers over the region.
Feast your eyes on some of the most spectacular canal boats ever at Bangkok's Royal Barges Museum. The boats are immaculately carved out of huge slabs of teak and are decorated beautifully with mythical creatures. Most of the boats feature shades of blue, red and gold. You can also get valuable insights into how this form of transport evolved in Bangkok.
Check out Thailand's national sport, 'Muay Thai' or kickboxing via memorable theatrical performances at Asiatique. This well-choreographed 90-minute show features an amazing plot that takes you on a wild ride through ancient Siam to present day Bangkok with an array of fighting moves. You will be surprised to know that, although a show, there is nothing fake about the fight performances.
Often overshadowed by the glamour of Wat Arun, this awe-inspiring temple structure boasts a tranquil and quiet setting. This underrated attraction features a massive golden seated Buddha statue inside the main building.
