Bangkok's Chao Phraya, Venice of the Far East?

Three years ago (July 2013), I went to Bangkok. It was my first time going there, and I couldn’t say it was a vacation. Liverpool FC had a tour in Bangkok, my friends and I caught them there. We stayed at Plaza Athenee Hotel, the same hotel where the players stayed. Well, at that time I still run a groupie’s life.

Of course, I’d also like to see Bangkok as a tourist. But unfortunately, I only have a limited time left because of those LFC things. It’s not possible for me to visit the famous Grand Palace or the temples like Wat Po and Wat Arun. I decided to feel the life of this Thailand’s capital from its famous river, Chao Phraya.



I think the best time to wade the river is in the night. The water color is brown, I guess the view was not so special in a daylight. Actually, people here also use this river to transport from one place to another. You can check this site if you would like to use the service.

A free boat to Asiatique

We took a free boat from Sathorn (Central) Pier with destination to Asiatique. The pier is located next to Saphan Taksin BTS Station, so it’s easy to get there. It’s the only boat that come for free and it will take you directly to Asiatique within around 10 minutes with no stop. This free boat service operates from 4.00 pm till 11.30 pm. There is a specific waiting area for this free boat which is separated from other boat services.

Chao Phraya

At that time, we queued for the free boat at 9.00 pm. Only a few people got in the boat, so we could choose to sit wherever we like. To be honest, I am not into water transportation. I couldn’t swim. But the chance to know how it felt to be in Venice of the far-east, at least decreased my fear. I took the seat next to the window. The boat has open-air windows, so I could feel the wind while feasting my eyes with spectacular night-view of the city from the water. My hand could even touch the water if I wanted to.

The 10 minutes time on the water might not enough to fully experience what the Chao Phraya offered, but for me it’s more than enough. I could continue starring at the river from Asiatique The Riverfront where the boat dropped us. 

Asiatique Riverfront Pathway

At that time, it’s been one year since it was opened after a real estate company redeveloped it from an unused trade warehouse into a large open-air night mall. Open from 5.00 pm until midnight, you can spend your evening shopping, dining, or just strolling around the complex. This complex is divided into four districts. You can do shopping (fashion and gadgets) in the factory district. A place where a few of restaurants line-up along 300 meter river-front pathway, called as the waterfront district. Besides, you can also have a dinner in the town square district where some outdoor events take place. If you’re looking for souvenirs, handicrafts, jewelry, you can go to the chareonkrung district.

Asiatique - The Waterfront District

At the end of the river front pathway, stand the 60 metres ferris-wheel called Asiatique-Sky. It costs 300 THB (for adult) to get on the wheel and enjoy the view of this little Venice from the sky.

At around 10:30 pm, we ended our journey there and took a boat back to Central Pier. 

Do I feel like in Venice? Well, it’s difficult to say ‘yes’. Last time I went to Italy, I didn’t go to Venice. So, I don’t exactly know either how it feels to be in the real Venice. But cruising the Chao Phraya river has given me a bit imagination how life goes in the water city. If you go to Bangkok and only have a limited time just like mine, at least you have to see Chao Phraya.