december-2011

Down by the riverside
Cruising the river isn’t all about visiting
temples or sightseeing. Hungry?
Every evening at 7pm, the Wan Fah,
a converted Thai rice barge, begins
its slow cruise along the Chao Phraya
river. Thai music and classical dances
from the Ramayana are performed as
you pass by the Temple of Dawn, Wat
Phra Kaew and the Rama VIII Bridge
— all lit up, golden and sparkling on
the water. For many, viewing these
sights from the perspective of the river,
together with cool breezes and a cold
drink, is the only way to sightsee.
For those who prefer to dine on dry
land, think Oriental Hotel. An attraction
in its own right, the Oriental is ideally
situated in lush gardens and has
become such a Bangkok institution that
it has its own ferryboat pier. Toast the
famous authors who have stayed here
— Somerset Maugham, Joseph Conrad
and Noel Coward — during afternoon
tea at the Author’s Wing Lounge; or
start the day right with a sumptuous
breakfast at the Veranda overlooking
the river.
B ANGKOK SIGHTSEEING
{ 132 }
From top: Hop on a cruise
at any of the piers along
the Chao Phraya river; the
monks take a break too.