The River of Kings… 
At one time
the very life blood of Bangkok, the majestic Chao Phraya River
and all the various canals and waterways gave rise to the city’s former worldwide
reputation as being “The Venice of the East”. Since the founding of
Siam’s new capital in 1782 by King
Rama I, to the people of Bangkok
the Chao Phraya
River has been a source of protection,
trade, food, fun and worship. Although many of the riverside’s traditional Thai
wooden houses have been replaced by modern skyscrapers and hotels, to all Thai
people the Chao Phraya
River will forever be the
river of life. Either on it or by it, a little of the city’s very own CPR
will breathe fresh life into party weary limbs and provide a chilled out journey
into history, so for those of you whom are up for a day of messing about on the
water, here are a few highlights of river life to check out while cruising down
the heart of Bangkok. Zone A Located
in the north, the tiny island of Koh Kret
is where Bangkok’s
Mon community settled during the reign of King Tak-Sin. Sights to see are Wat
Paramaiyikawas (Temple),
Wat Chimplee (Temple),
Wat Klong Kret (Temple),
The Ceramics Centre, and Khanom
Wan Canal
(Dessert Canal). Zone B Beginning
at the Wat Chalemphrakiat Worawihan, heading south along the river other sights
to see are Nonthaburi Provincial Government House, Wat Khemapirataram (Temple),
The Rama VI Bridge, Wat Rachathiwas Worawihan (Temple), Bang Khunphrom
Palace, and the Phra Sumen
Fortress. 
Zone
C A short journey west along Bangkok Noi
Canal sights to see are the
Royal Barge Museum,
Wat Suwannaram Ratchaworawihan (Temple),
Baan-bu Village, Thonburi Railway Station, and
Wat Srisudaram Worawihan (Temple). Zone
D Continuing south along the main river visitors
will see Ratcha Woradit Pier and Rachakij Winijchai Throne, Wat Arun (Temple of
Dawn), Wat Kallayanamitr Woramahawihan (Temple), Santa Cruz Church (Catholic),
Phra Buddhayodfah Bridge, and Sullaka Sathon (Former Taxation House). Zone
E Located south west of the main river along
Sanam Chai Canal you can see Wat Nang-Nong Worawihan (Temple), Wat Raja Orasaram
Ratchaworawihan (Temple), Wat Sai, (Temple), Wat Nang Shee Shotikoram (Temple
of Nuns), and Wat Nang Ratchaworawihan (Nang Temple). Zone
F A short journey south west of the main
river along Bangkok Yai Canal visitors will see Wat Hong Rattanaram Ratchaworawihan
(Temple), Wat Moliokkayaram Ratchaworawihan (Temple), Wat Intaram Worawihan, Charoen
Mosque, and The Old Palace. 
So,
whether you decide on one of the leisurely evening dinner cruises, or purchase
a day river pass entitling you to unlimited travel between Nonthaburi in the north
(Zone A) to Thonburi in the south (Zone F), or even would simply like to travel
to one of Thailand’s former capitals, Ayutthaya, by boat, a visitor’s trip to
the Kingdom would not be complete without a journey along “The River of Kings”.
Enjoy. And remember… Keepitreal. Other Keepitreal articles: Happy
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trekkin' :
The
River of Kings : One Tequilla
"I
have lived and worked in Asia for 15 years. I've had the pleasure to view and
experience many wonderful sights and meet and work with all manner of race and
religions. From Mumbai to Melbourne I've found no other country or people that
could persuade me to live anywhere else than here in Thailand." keepitrealbkk@yahoo.com
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