Visitors in search of a luxury hotel along the Chao Praya River should stay at the Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa. Offering guests the best in contemporary amenities in a stylish setting this elegant rest is undoubtedly one of the finest 5 star hotels in Bangkok.
Like the Hudson River flows across the Big Apple and the Thames crisscrosses London, Chao Praya holds the distinct honor of being Bangkok’s great divider. As an urban river that cuts across the myriad districts of this bustling Asian metropolis ,the Chao Praya River, known as the “River of Kings” is a chief highlight for visitors touring the Thai capital’s most coveted points of interest.
Named the River Of Kings by King Rama I the Chao Praya River is Bangkok’s lifeline in both financial and cultural terms. More than 50,000 people travel across the river on any given day with ferries and river boats serving as the chief modes of transport as 5 public boat lines function in the massive body of water lined with Klongs or canals. Fringed by 34 piers the Chao Praya River is best explored on a river cruise that showcases the many cultural highlights that occupy its banks and the intriguing communities that inhabit its confines.
One of the many iconic structures that line the Chao Praya River includes The Grand Palace. As the residence of the Thai monarchy the Grand Palace is a larger than life landmark that is a symbol of Thai heritage. The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, also known as Wat Pho is also found on the banks of the river as is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and Wat Arun, also called the Temple of Dawn.
Another must-see point of interest on a tour along the river includes the Royal Barges Museum which is a massive warehouse showcasing 8 beautifully restored barges that were constructed for the use of the Thai monarch. Displaying classic Thai motifs and intricate details the great skill of Thai craftsmen is on show at this museum where royal river faring barges are housed.
The floating markets and the river communities that occupy the canals of the river are equally intriguing while those who wish to experience the river from a different vantage point can opt for a dinner cruise which explores Bangkok’s River of Kings by night.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+
