Fascinating Chao Phraya cruise
Seven harsh summers back, I had zipped around Bangkok for the first time to discover the charm of the land of Siam and immerse in the festive spirit of Songkran that marks the advent of Thai New Year. We had a chance to cruise the Chao Phraya river that forms the lifeline of Bangkok city and has some great heritage sights of Bangkok.
Wat Arun on the banks of Chao Phraya
We boarded the ferry service from Shangrila Hotel and the cruise was a sight to behold. An hour long cruise unfolded the panoramic beauty of Bangkok city and the number of luxury haunts overlooking the Chao Phraya river provided some great scenic views. There are five-star haunts like Mandarin Oriental and Hotel Sheraton on the banks of the river.
A view of Mandarin Oriental
One can get immersed in the cultural significant sights of the city that stand on the river banks There is Wat Arun on the left bank and towards the right bank of the river is Wat Pho, the 400-year-old shrine that has the famed gold-plated statue of Reclining Buddha. Done up in Thai style, the shrine came up during the reign of King Rama III. One can get to have a glance of the numerous water taxis that ply on the river till late night.
No comments:
Post a Comment