Chao Phraya River

For centuries people have lived along the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Thailand?s major river which flows through Bangkok before spilling into the Gulf of Thailand. Likewise its tributaries and connected klongs (canals) many of which date centuries back to the Khmer Empire. Consequently, a trip up the river that powered a backwater settlement towards becoming the national capital, explores outlying neighbourhoods of Bangkok and traditional villages beyond.


In addition to major cultural sites such as the magnificent ?Temple of the Dawn? (officially named Wat Arun) a trip on the Chao Phraya with Anantara rises above the mainstream, making stops to experience lesser-known folk traditions, such as drum-making skills at Ekkarat village. Beyond the tourist-crowded floating markets visited by so many, there is Bang Nam Pheung, known as the ?green lung of Bangkok?. This vegetation-draped loop of the Chao Phraya hides a real local market where villagers barter and shop and there is exquisite food to try from myriad stalls.