The Chao Phraya

Bangkok has often been called the “Venice of the East,” and the reason is right in front of you. The city has always lived in rhythm with water, once crisscrossed by countless canals, or khlongs, and centered around its great river, the Chao Phraya. Sometimes known as the “River of Kings,” it has been vital for centuries—supplying food and water, irrigating the land, and carrying goods up and down the country. Even today, the river remains at the heart of daily life. Slow-moving barges loaded with rice glide along its waters, while passenger ferries and water taxis weave constantly back and forth, often faster than any car stuck in Bangkok’s traffic. So during your stay in Bangkok, let yourself be carried along the Chao Phraya: a cruise or a simple boat ride is one of the most beautiful ways to capture the city’s soul.