A cruise along Chao Phraya River at night is one of the best scenic river cruise in the world. Many interesting sights along Chao Phraya have been lit up and given you and opportunity to open up fresh vistas impossible to experience in the day time. Several restaurants and hotels along the river provide several cruises to choose from. Pretty much all of them will be dinner cruises and most of them will run a trip from Krungthon Bridge at the north end to Rama IX Bridge and back. The dinner cruise will start around 19:00 or 20:00 and take between 2-3 hours to finish. To get on board, there is a service fee of 70 Baht a person. Meal Prices are normal with no extra charge. You probably end up paying between 300-500 Baht a person for the meal. Some of the cruises with have a Food Set which will cost you at least 600 Baht a person. I don't recommend this kind of cruises unless you absolutely have no idea what so ever on how to order Thai food. We have picked a 'River Side Bangkok Dinner Cruise' located right at the north end of the cruise's route, Krungthon Bridge. The place is a bit obscure. Call the restaurants and ask for the direction from where you stay. River Side Bangkok operates a largest dinner cruises on Chao Phraya River. With a length, from bow to stern, of 64 m. and 12 m. beam, port to starboard, the cruise can accommodate up to 800 passengers and guests. The air-conditioned lower deck has a 400 seats capacity as does the open air rooftop terrace where guests are treated to startling cityscape and riverside views. This dinner cruise has its own kitchen so foods can be ordered at any time. Unlike other dinner cruises which foods have to be ordered at least an hour before leaving the pier. … [Read more...]
One Night in the Old City
With half an hour to spare ahead of the schedule, I decided to walk to the old fort not far away. 'Phra Sumen Fort' has been renovated recently with the extension of the new river-front public park schedulded to open on the King's birthday, December the 5th. The park has a riverside plaza that is obsecured from the street outside and the pavilion. The whole park including the fort is lit up nicely when the night has come. Sitting at the plaza, looking at the river and watching the boats come and go right in front of my eyes with the complimentary of the river's cool breeze made me feel surprisingly serene and never wanted to leave. I became enjoyed and sank myself deep into all the peaceful moment happening around me. People already came here to enjoy the scenic of the park's riverside even though the barricade is still on with the sign 'No Entry Under Construction'. Time was 18:30, I had to leave the park although I felt not to but my friends probably already waiting for me at the nearby riverside restaurant. 'Ton Po' is always one of my favorite restaurant by the river. The restaurant once had a wide terrace right on the river with a panoramic view of Chao Phraya river but have to make way to the city's newest project, the riverside walk way. Under construction and scheduled to open soon, this riverside promenade extends from 'Bangkok Tourist Bureau' next to the 'Pin Klao Bridge' to 'Phra Sumen Fort'. Right now, the promenade and a temporary pier has blockek some of the view but not the cool breeze from the river. It made me felt asleep while enjoying the dining. The restaurant was wellknown for the original flavour of the Thai's foods. We ordered two of the restaurant favourite menu, 'Tom Khlong Plaa Salid Bai Makhaam Awn' -- a spicy gurami soup with mixed herb and young tamarind leaves and 'Haw Moke … [Read more...]
Khaosan Road Part 2
Where else around Rattanakosin area that's gonna be much cooler than this lively street. Khaosan road opens probably 24 hours a day and provides inexpensive accommodations, foods and fun for tourists. Jammed pack with travelers from around the world, make this street looks like a foreign community of the present day Rattanakosin... Now, I will continue with the place which is called " the historical center". This place has many interesting things for you to take a look. Starting from the west end of Khaosan road, on the north-west corner is a [1] 'CHANASONGKRAM POLICE STATION' to assure a safety for both travelers and Bangkokians in the area. Right in front of the police station, there is a 'TOURIST SERVICE CENTER' opened 24 hrs. Across the street from the police station at the southwest corner is [2] 'GULLIVER'S TRAVELER'S TAVERN'. This tavern has two ways to get in, one is by the corner with a Tuk Tuk hanging on the wall over the entrance. The place is opened between 11:30-04:00 with 2 pool tables and 16 TVs broadcast programs from cable company. Happy hour are 17:00-20:00 and 23:00-02:00 with 16 kinds of drinks priced at 49 Baht. Once inside, the interior is well decorated as a sport bar with tons of sport's memorabilias. Walking along on the southside of the street, there is the first currency exchange by [XC] 'BANKTHAI'. On the Khaosan road alone, there are 11 currency exchanges from 8 difference banks lying from one end to another to serve tourists who are in the need for cash. Their opening hours are appoximately between 09:00-19:00. Also as ubiquitous as exchange facilities are internet cafes. Here travelers can find the best rate in town to get connected to their friends and families abroad the cyber way. Else where, the charge can be as high as 5 baht a minute compared to only 1 baht a minute at Khaosan … [Read more...]
