december-2011

B ANGKOK SIGHTSEEING
Tiny boats toot their horns to attract
shoppers , attention as they sell bananas,
dried squid or flowers
Nowhere is Bangkok river life
better represented than in one of the
fl oating markets. The largest is located
at Damnoen Saduak southwest of
Bangkok and is open every morning —
the earlier you get there, the better. A
smaller one is held on weekends only
at Taling Chan.
Tiny boats toot their horns to
attract shoppers’ attention as they sell
bananas, dried squid or fl owers. Others
are equipped with braziers to grill fresh
fi sh and steam noodles. Bargaining is
still the rule for produce or fl owers.
Bangkok has always depended
on the Chao Phraya River for its
transportation, food, fi sh and fresh
air. And the city’s legendary traffi c has
only enhanced the appeal of travel
on the River of Kings. Consider the
proverb “nothing is softer than water,
yet nothing can resist it” as you embark
on your Bangkok river adventure and
leave the crowded streets for good.
Cebu Pacifi c fl ies to Bangkok from Manila
and Clark. www.cebupacifi cair.com
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The fl oating markets at
Damnoen Saduak and
Taling Chan are always
busy, so get there early.
A QUICK GUIDE
TO CRUISE
MODE
Chao Phraya Express Boats run
regular boat services up and down
the river, leaving every 15 minutes or
so. Fares range from THB5 for short
rides to up to THB35, from 6am–
6pm. Tel: +66 (2) 623 6143; www.
chaophrayaexpressboat.com
General information and maps of
Bangkok are available at the offi ce in
Pinklao Bridge on Phra Arthit Road.
Also visit www.bangkoktourist.com
Mitchaophrya Rungraung Co. Ltd. runs
river and canal sightseeing boats daily
at 9am, and includes Royal Barges,
the Temple of Dawn and the Taling
Chan fl oating market on Saturday and
Sunday. One-hour cruise, THB700;
chartered longtail boats, from THB700
per hour. Tel: +66 (2) 225 6179
Piers for major attractions The Grand
Palace and Wat Phra Kaew are near
Tha Chang Pier; Wat Po is closer to Tha
Tien Pier.
Wan Fah dinner cruises leave from
River City Pier at 7pm and return at
9pm. Tel: +66 (2) 222 8679; www.
wanfah.in.th. Stay at the Oriental
Hotel, 48 Oriental Avenue; www.
mandarinoriental.com/bangkok
Wat Po Traditional Massage Have
massages and visit the school, which
is open 8am–6pm daily. One-hour
herbal massage, THB500. www.
watpomassage.com