THONBURI Insight Bangkok

 

  This small area of winding canals had a brief moment of glory as the country's capital in the 19 th century : the royal connection left behind a legacy of exquisite temples in a placid landscape and a lifestyle defined by the canals and the river



     Insight Bangkok's original heart and veins is the mighty Chao Phraya River and the canals work of waterway for several waterborne tours, which show how entwined the city and its riverine life was indeed still is. It's a very different world to the sights inland and provides a more tangible view of Bagkok's humble origins.

      Thonburi

  Established by King Taksin after the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767, Thonburi served as Thailand third capital for 15 years prior to Bangkok establishment in 1782. Taksin spent most of his reign conquering factions of rebels after his reign to embellish his city. Thonburi, as many residents understand, means "Town of Riches" It was not until 1971 that Thonburi was combined as a part of Bangkok Metropolis. It can be reached by numerous bridges, the oldest of which is Memorial Bridge (or Phra Buddha Yodfa Bridge).

       While Thonburi is short on major tourist attractions and only has a few high-end hotels, it has a more easy-going atmosphere than frenetic Bangkok across the Chao Phraya River. Bereft of the gleaming tower blocks of downtown Bangkok, life in this residential half of the capital primarily revolves around the network of canals and the river 

       The Canals worth exploring include khlong Bangkok Noi, which winds into Khlong bangkok Yai downstream, as well as connecting to Khlong Om upstream. Once floating markets at Wat Sai and Laling chan have become little more than tourist souvenir stops these days. The further down the canals you venture, the narrower and calmer the waterway become. With rickety teak houses, vendors selling produce from boats, fishermen dangling rods out of windows and kids frolicking in the water, the sights along Thonburi canals are reminiscent of a more peaceful bygone era.

Canal and River Cruising

     The major canals are serviced by public longtail boats. But as services can be erratic at certain times of the day -- most commuters travel into the city in the mornings and return in the afternoons --- it might be better to hire you own private longtail boat for a more leisurely exploration of the canals.

      Getting from pier to pier along the Chao Phraya River is best served by the Chao Phraya Express boats, which operate from the southern out skirts up to Nonthaburi in the north. For shuttling from one side of the river to the other, make use of the cheap cross-river ferries : these can be boarded at the many jetties that also service the chao Phraya Express boats.