There
is a saying, “you shouldn't miss the Seine when in Paris, the
Thames when in London, and the Chao Phraya when visiting Bangkok.”
There
are several options for a sightseeing trip along the Chao Phraya
River – some might prefer a morning trip on a speedy long-tail boat
over an afternoon tour on a slowing-moving rice barge, and vice
versa. But surely, no one would refuse an evening dining and
sightseeing on a luxurious cruise boat when in Bangkok. The Grand
Chaophraya is our cruiser today. She is a two-deck dinner
cruise boat with a 500-passenger capacity. Step on
board and prepare to be awe-struck by the grand lobby and its opulent
modern Thai décor. The lower cabin is fitted out with plush
Asian-style furnishings and hardwood decks. The 220-seat dining room
is conveniently air-conditioned but the open upper deck is livelier
and features a spectacular view of Bangkok by night.
Historical
Sites and Scenic Temples
Shimmering
temples, historical sites and some exquisite architecture line the
banks. Don’t worry if you don’t know what is what, because each
table has a handy map with pictures explaining each of the
attractions. In chronological order we pass Wat Pratum Khong Ka, Wat
Kanlayanamrit, the Royal Thai Navy Headquarter Buildings, Wat Arun,
Wat Pho, the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Keaw (the Emerald Buddha
temple), Phra Sumen Fort and the Rama VIII Bridge.
