Mimicking the gondola dotted canals of Venice is the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok in Thailand. Fondly known as the Venice of the East, the waterways in Bangkok provide a pleasant and welcome distraction to the eternally busy and buzzing streets of the city. What better way to explore the multitude of attractions in the capital city than by embarking on a river Cruise in Bangkok which will provide travellers with the opportunity to see major tourist sites such as the iconic Temple of the Dawn, the Royal Barges Boat House and the Grand Palace. While tourists often opt to use the Chao Phraya River Express Boat to get from pier to pier, a more relaxed and infinitely more comfortable choice is opting for Anantara Cruises, Thailand.
Known as the River of Kings, the Chao Phraya River serenely passes Wat Arun, the King Rama I Monument, Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the Santa Cruz Church, the 24 hour flower and fruit market known as Pak Khlong Talad, and of course, the Grand Palace. Aboard a luxurious rice barge, tourists can embark on a memorable tour of the River, catching a glimpse or two of these attractions and disembark to explore monasteries, markets and crafts centres. Another cruise that can be booked by patrons is the ‘Anantara Dream’ which is a cruise that begins in Bangkok and sets sail along the Chao Phraya River until Ayutthaya, a World Heritage Site recognised by UNESCO, and returns to the capital.
The rice barge is complete with lavish and luxurious accommodation ideal for relaxation during your journey while spacious dining areas and decks ensure that you have the best view of the waters at all times. Complete with a personal chef, the most delicious meals will be prepared and patrons will be treated to a variety of Thai dishes during their tour. A river cruise, therefore, is undoubtedly one of the best ways to explore the sights of the city.
Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.
