Sight Seeing along the River

Last weekend we did some sight seeing along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. We went to the floating market for lunch, did some shopping at River City Mall, took a dinner boat cruise and then ended the evening at the most incredible sky viewpoint I've seen so far in Bangkok!

To start the day we made our way to the Taksin Pier and rented a boat to take us to the floating market for lunch. They taxied us up the river where you can see all the beautiful sights along the way. This time of year is the end of the rainy season so the water level was very high and the waters were pretty choppy but once we got off the main river and onto the Klongs (small streams) it was fine. We say monitor lizards sunning themselves along the river house patios. Some people have called Bangkok the "Venice of Asia" because of the waterways throughout the city and it certainly reminded me of what Jeff's mom has described to us when she lived in Italy and visited Venice. On the way to the floating market we actually had to go into a lock with 5 other boats, and they lowered us down to another level before traveling on because they have to dam that area of the city during the rainy season or it would cover it! That was really interesting! We were in a tiny little boat! Then, of course, on the way back we had to go back in the lock and be raised back up to the level of the river! It was cool! :)

At the floating market we shopped a bit and then had lunch on the klong. We sat on floating platforms on the klong and the small boats are alongside the platform where they cook all the food! It was amazing! We have to go back when we have more time, the floating market is a huge place and we only spent a few minutes shopping there after lunch.

Back on the river we visited this place, Wat Arun, where we took these pictures. Here is the official website if you are interested in the history. It's soooooooo beautiful! And at night, when it's all lit up and you see it from the dinner cruise, oh, it is so pretty! I've not seen it at sunrise but they say that's the most spectacular view.

http://www.watarun.org/index_en.html




Jeff is concentrating very hard trying to get this picture of us! :) It's funny, our granddaughter, Mia, does this too! So cute! :)

This picture does not do this place justice. All of these tiles were given to Thailand by China. I will show some better close-ups of the dishes and tiles used in building this beautiful temple.