BANGKOK FIVE STAR HOTELS

Wat Arun, locally known as Wat Chaeng, is situated on the west (Thonburi) bank of the Chao Phraya River. It is believed that after fighting his way out of Ayutthaya, which was besigned by a Burmese army at the time, King Taksin arrived at this temple just as dawn was breaking.

He later had the temple renovated and renamed it Wat Chaeng, the Temple of the Dawn. During his reign (Thonburi Period), Wat Chaeng was the chief temple, and it once enshrined the Emerald Buddha and another important Buddha image, the Phra Bang, both of which had been removed from Vientiane.

The temple has flourished throughout the Rattanakosin Period. The beauty of the architecture and the fine craftsmanship declare its status as a temple of the first grade and one of the most outstanding temples in Thailand. The spire (prang) of Wat Arun on the bank of Chao Phraya River is one of Bangkok’s world-famous landmarks. It has an imposing spire (prang) over 70 metres high, beautifully decorated with tiny pieces of coloured glass and Chinese porcelain placed delicately into intricate patterns. Although it is known as the Temple of the Dawn, it’s absolutely stunning at sunset, particularly when lit up at night.

Open: 08:00 -17:30
Location: Wat Arun is located on the west side of Chao Praya River (opposite Tha Thien Pier), Riverside

A visit to Bangkok would not be complete without exploring the riverside for a taste of life in the Thai capital long before mobile phones, cable TV and microwave popcorn became all the buzz. Day or night, the riverside provides plentiful picture-perfect photo opportunities with its many historical landmarks and hidden charms.

The Chao Phraya is also the star attraction in the city during important events like Songkran (the Thai New Year, celebrated in April), the annual Loy Krathong Festival in November, and the very rare Royal Barge Procession - the most recent one held in June 2006 to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej. On New Year’s Eve, riverside hotels take turns to outdo each other with spectacular fireworks that light up the sky well into the new year.

A day spent at Bangkok’s riverside is like taking a journey back into time. Many of Bangkok’s most famous attractions are located along the river banks, the likes of the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun), the splendid Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), as well as Wat Pho, Bangkok’s oldest temple.

Other historical landmarks and attractions dotting the river banks are the Wat Sai and Taling Chan Floating Markets, the Thonburi Snake Farm, and The Royal Barges National Museum not far from Phra Pin Klao Bridge. Talking about bridges… The construction of the Memorial Bridge in 1932 marked an important step in Bangkok’s history, as it opened up major development on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya. Other noteworthy bridges to look out for are the Rama XIII and Phra Chao Taksin bridges.

Take A Tour
Exploring the riverside area by boat is by far the most practical - and most charming experience at the same time. The Chao Phraya Express Boat Service has several stops along the river, the most important ones located at Saphan Taksin Pier (where there is also a Skytrain station with the same name) and at the Rivercity Pier.

At both of these there are also information kiosks where you can opt for a river tour, or even hire your own private tailboat. For information about river tours, trips to the floating markets and to make a reservation for the finest dinner cruises on offer, head to our Tours section.

Blessed by a cool breeze, the Riverside offers a scenic change to Bangkok’s inner-city stuffiness. It’s a great place for a sundowner, a romantic dinner cruise, a relaxing lunch, or for afternoon tea.

Alongside the old temples, warehouses, wooden houses and old buildings you’ll find classy hotels serving wonderful buffet lunches and sublime afternoon tea. You’ll also find local restaurants perched on old wooden piers serving seafood platters, floating restaurants and smart places to eat in Thai houses along the river banks.

Dinner Cruises
Every visitor to the capital should try a dinner cruise. After a long day of shopping or sightseeing, cruising down the river on an old teak rice barge in the cool of the evening is incredibly relaxing. As you float past Bangkok’s old temples beautifully lit up against the night sky, add a bottle of wine and an excellent candlelit dinner, and it’s an experience you won’t forget. Wat Arun temple at sunset, in particular, is spectacular.

Several riverside hotels operate cruises which leave at sunset or early evening. Loy Nava, a genuine old rice barge, offers a great traditional Thai atmosphere and a set dinner choice which includes vegetarian options. Have a look at our Dinner Cruises section for details.

Hotel Dining
Some of Bangkok’s most famous and award-winning hotels are scattered along the river banks - the likes of the Shangri-La, The Peninsula Bangkok, Millennium Hilton, Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Marriot Resort & Spa and The Oriental Hotel. All offer a smattering of equally wonderful restaurants in both outdoor and indoor settings, be it Thai, Asian, Seafood or International cuisine. Many also offer a free ferry service from the piers by The Oriental and River City. Their buffets are great value, allowing you to enjoy all the aforementioned cuisines at the same time. Often, traditional Thai music and dancing is on the menu too.

For a very English afternoon tea, head for the Author’s lounge at the Oriental Hotel. Traditional scones, clotted cream and a great choice of teas, but sit outside on the terrace instead to watch the boats (and Bangkok life) go by. You can also find afternoon tea in the lobby-lounge of the Shangri-La Hotel between 15:00 to 18:00. On Sundays they have a wonderful ‘high tea buffet’ with over 40 delicious items to sample.

Independent and authentic Thai riverside eateries are also plentiful. Thai restaurant Yok Yor (three branches: Soi Somdej Chaowpraya 17, Klong San 762 Lard Yar and 84/4 Sirinthorn Rd) comes highly recommended. As does Khinlom Chom Sa Phan (11/6 Samsen Soi 3), a large but charming outdoor affair where a mostly Thai clientele savours steamboats of seabass and live music while overlooking Rama VIII bridge.

Bangkok’s riverside is where its historic roots lie; the traditional heartland of this magical city with origins that read like an epic novel - complete with fallen and rising Kingdoms, heroes and traitors. One of the most fascinating and scenic areas of Bangkok, the riverside reflects a constantly changing scene day and night; water-taxis ferrying commuters and heavily laden rice barges chugging upstream, set against a backdrop of glittering temples and palaces, historical landmarks and luxury, five-star hotels. Despite some condominiums and corporate towers that have risen from the river banks over the past decade or so, the area has retained its unique identity, exclusiveness and seductive charm.

Bangkok became the capital of Thailand in the tumultuous years following the Burmese sacking of the former Siamese capital of Ayutthaya in 1767. Originally established on the western bank of the Chao Phraya River (known as Thonburi), the capital was later moved to the eastern side (Old City or Rattanakosin). As a result, the Thonburi side is much less developed. A series of ‘khlongs’ (canals) branch off into local neighborhoods where communities still live above the water, and where life takes place on the waterline. On the other side, too, many of the ‘khlongs’ that formerly formed a major transportation network still exist - the reason Bangkok was dubbed ‘The Venice of the East’ by early explorers. Even today it is still possible to catch a water taxi from the center of the city to the riverside.

River Of Kings
Flowing south from the highlands on the country’s northern border to the Gulf of Thailand near Bangkok, the Chao Phraya River - or ‘River of Kings’ - is some 365 km (225 miles) long and is Thailand’s principal river. Throughout many centuries is has been both the country’s and city’s lifeblood, used for transportation, agriculture and providing in the day-to-day needs and livelihood of the people living along the water’s edge. There are several islands in the Chao Phraya too, most notably Ko Kret, home to the minority Mon community who are renowned for their pottery skills, and believed to have been the first inhabitants of the Bangkok area.

During the day, the riverside offers plentiful exciting exploration opportunities and, by night, a romantic dinner cruise along the river with its many beautifully illuminated historical highlights rates among one of the most memorable experiences you can possibly have in Bangkok.