Flowing through Bangkok into the Gulf of Thailand, the Chao Phraya is a major transportation hub for river buses, cross-river ferries and water taxis, also known as longtails. A visit to Bangkok is not complete without a cruise along Chao Phraya River.
After my mother and I freshened up from Chatuchak Weekend Market, we took the BTS train from Victoria Monument to Saphan Taksin Pier.
A Cruise along Chao Phraya River
At Saphan Taksin Pier, we followed the crowd to the pier. From there, we got ourselves tickets to Ta Thien Pier from where we could visit Wat Arun and Wat Pho. I wanted to see the beauty of Wat Pho. Be prepared to queue up to board the ferry. Even at dusk, this pier was very lively.
On board the boat…
You will pass by 5-stars hotels located along the river. This expensive looking boat is meant to ferry the hotel guests along Chao Phraya River.
Shopping Mall
The monks are either heading to Wat Arun or Wat Pho.
Wat Arun
The view of Wat Arun from the other side of the river.
Wat Arun or Temple of Dawn is one of the most-famous Bangkok landmarks. You can read the history of Wat Arun HERE. Interestingly, King Thaksin made a vow to restore the temple when he passed by the temple at dawn.
As we were coming from the jetty, we passed the Ordination Hall with a Niramitr Buddha image supposedly designed by King Rama II. The front entrance of the Ordination Hall has a roof with a central spire, decorated with colourful ceramic and stuccowork. Previously the ceramics and stuccowork had been used as ballast by boats plying the Bangkok-China route.
There are two demons or temple guardian figures, in front. The white figure is named Sahassa Deja and the green one is known as Thotsakan, the Demon Ravana from Ramayan.