Chao Phraya River and Bangkok Waterways Cruise including Wat Arun

Cruise by motor boat along the fascinating waterways of Bangkok - Thailand's exotic and colorful capital. Experience a taste of life along the Chao Phraya River and its canals - a fascinating look at another world of Thai local life. Highlights include the Temple of Dawn, Wat Arun, and a visit the Royal Barge museum.

Cruise by a motorized boat along the Chao Phraya River and canals on the West side of Bangkok to experience the life along the river and canals. This is an intriguing area of Bangkok, especially the Orchid area, that few ever see.

Your cruise along Bangkok's Chao Phraya river will stop at the Temple of Dawn, or Wat Arun, which is one of the city's most famous landmarks. Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya river, Wat Arun is among the most famous of the more than 400 Buddhist temples and monasteries in the city. The most attractive structure in this temple is the 260 feet high pagoda, or Phra Prang, which is completely covered with pieces of multi-colored glass and Chinese porcelain. If time permits we will walk to the upper levels where you will take in a panoramic view of the surrounding city.
Cruising on you will stop at the Royal Barge Museum, where nine of the most important barges are housed in this national museum, including Suphannahongsa and Narai Song Suban Rama IX. The tradition of royal barges dates back to Ayutthaya times, when they were used to transport the Kings in various ceremonies and processions. These barges were rebuilt by the early Chakri kings in Bangkok to the original specifications. Most were badly damaged during World War II. However, the present King not only had them all restored to their former glory, but revived the ancient tradition of a water-borne Royal Kathin Procession to present robes to monks at the end of the Buddhist Rains Retreat.

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