Chao Phraya River

Chao Phraya river /also known as Mother of Waters or River of Kings/ is the most important water artery in Thailand. With length of 370 km /230 miles/ Chao Phraya runs from North to South and it starts from the confluence of the Ping and Nan rivers and mouths into the Gulf of Thailand. The river passes through the heart of Bangkok and plays a major role for transportation. Vast network of canals /khlongs/ exist around the banks of Chao Phraya river which are used for irrigation. Nowadays there is a trend for decreasing the use of the canals for irrigation and the main reason is that they are getting more and more dirtier.

This is not valid for tourism of course. You can make your own Chao Phraya river cruise along virtually any part of the river. As the river is subject to relatively many floodings and droughts, the people living nearby the banks has adapted to this by building traditional Thai stilt houses which are an interesting attraction. It will be one great adventure to see the never-ending rambling life of the local Thai people. You can even hire your own guide who can bring you to the most picturesque places in Thailand. In addition you can try canal cruises, dinner cruises or just take the water-taxi or the ferry in Bangkok to feel the real Thai life as it is.