Bangkok, home to 6 million people, is a huge city on the Chao Phraya River. The Chao Phraya is a major river in Thailand, with its low alluvial river plain marking the mainland of the country. In Bangkok, the Chao Phraya is a major transportation artery for a vast network of ferries and water taxis, also known as longtails.

One of the best ways to explore the river, old city and the canals is by river ferry. More than 15 boat lines operate on the riverways and canals of the city. The Chao Phraya Express Boat Company serves both local commuters and tourists. It also offers special tourists boats and a weekend river tour boat, as well as making boats available for charter.

From the boat you can see many tourist attractions, like temples, the Grand Palace and the famous floating markets. Among the temples are Wat Kaeo Fa, Wat Hong-rattanaram, Wat Bang Oi Chang and Wat Suwannaram.

There are numerous tours during the day. A dinner tour in the evening gives you the opportunity to dine while watching the lit-up buildings of Bangkok.

Chao Phraya Express Boat
78/24-29 Maharaj Rd.,
Phranakorn, Bangkok 10200
Tel: +66(0) 2623-6001-3, +66(0) 2225-3003, +66(0) 2222-5330
Fax: +66(0) 2225-3002

Wat Pho is one of the largest and oldest wat in Bangkok, has the earliest centre for public education, and is home to more than one thousand Buddha images, as well as one of the largest single Buddha images: the Reclining Buddha. This large Reclining Buddha is one of the top 10 landmarks in Bangkok.

The city’s largest wat has what is perhaps the most unusual representation of the Buddha in Bangkok. The 150-foot sculpture, covered with gold, is so large it fills an entire viharn. Behind the viharn holding the Reclining Buddha is Bangkok’s oldest open university. The temple is considered Thailand’s first public university.

Wat Po is also home to one of the earliest Thai massage schools; a 30-minute Thai massage here costs a reasonable 220B.

Hours Daily 8am-5pm; massages offered until 6pm
Location Maharaj Rd., near the river (about 1km/ 2/3 mile south of the Grand Palace)
Transportation A short walk or taxi from Tha Thien pier
Phone 02222-0933
Prices 20B admission
Website www.watpho.com

The National Museum, the largest museum in Southeast Asia, is a short walk of the Grand Palace. It is the country’s central treasury of art and archaeology. The museum is located in the former palace of the vice king, next to the Sanam Luang.

The museum was built as part of the Grand Palace complex when the capital of Siam was moved from Thonburi to Bangkok in 1782. It covers a broad range of subjects, like historical surveys and religious sculpture displays. The buildings were originally constructed in 1782 as the palace of Rama I’s viceroy, Prince Wang Na. Rama V turned it into a museum in 1884.

To see the entire collection, start with the Thai History and the Prehistoric Galleries in the first building. At the history wing are some real treasures like King Ramakamhaeng’s inscribed stone pillar (the oldest record of Thai writing), King Taksin’s throne and the Rama V section. The Red House was originally the living quarters of the sister of King Rama I, Princess Sri Sudarak.

In the central exhibits hall, there are collections of traditional musical instruments from Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Indonesia, as well as ceramics, clothing and textiles, woodcarving, royal regalia, and Chinese art and weaponry. The Fine art and sculpture buildings cover every Southeast Asian art period and style, from Dvaravati to Ratanakosin.

Hours: Wed-Sun 9am-3:30pm. Free English-language tours Wed and Thurs 9:30am.
Location Na Phra That Rd, About 1km/ 2/3 mile north of the Grand Palace
Phone 02224-1333
Prices Admission 40B
Website http://www.thailandmuseum.com