River Cruising

Thailand ‘s rivers and canals or “klongs” offer a truly spectacular way of cruises are available, enabling visitors to see out-of-the-way sights and to experience the traditional way of life still followed in rural areas of the Kingdom.

A great introduction to river and canal cruising are the long-tail boats that ply these waterways. The best place to hire one of these vessels the pier next to the Oriental Hotel, known as Tha Oriental. Others include Tha Chang, Tha Si Phraya and Tha Saphan Phut, all located on or near the Chao Phraya River which runs through the centre of Bangkok. The Boat Tour Centre at the River City Complex next to the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel, Bangkok has an efficient booking desk and reasonable rates. Alternatively visitors can catch the regular long-tail boat services that ply the Chao Phraya River. Fares are as low as ten baht for certain sections.

Places to visit include Ko Kret Island with its Mon community and local pottery, and Suan Thip restaurant, north of Bangkok, which has delightful Thai-style gardens and villas.

One of the most popular river cruises is undoubtedly to the former capital of Ayutthaya, some 80 kilometres north of Bangkok. This takes in picturesque river scenery in central Thailand and usually includes a stop at the former royal residency of Bang Pa-In, Several Bangkok hotels, such as the Oriental and the Shangri-La, operate their own air-conditioned passenger cruises for this particular trip; visitors can normally choose to go one-way by boat and return by bu