Rice Barge Cruise - Bangkok travel and tourism information : Bangkok travel guide in Thailand

A visit to Bangkok would not be complete without spending some time on the Chao Phraya River. An ideal way to take in the “River of Kings” is to join a tour on an old style wooden rice barge converted to accommodate passengers. Chugging slowly up and down the Chao Phraya lends the visitor a whole different perspective of Thailand’s capital. The river is teeming with boats of all shapes and sizes. On all sides, cross-river ferries, speeding long-tails, river taxis and trains of massive barges pulled by tugboats a fraction of their size haul their cargoes to and fro. English-speaking guides point out all the famous landmarks such as the Temple of the Dawn (Wat Arun), the Oriental Hotel and the Grand Palace. As an added bonus to your languid journey down the lazy river, the barge has a centerpiece table full of the country’s delightful tropical fruits. Rambutans, mangosteens, pineapple, bananas and more are offered for you to sample away to your heart’s content. Soft drinks and Thai whiskey are offered during the cruise without extra charge.