The Chao Phraya River is vast and fast flowing. A
cruise along the River is well recommended including one either to or
from Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya was in the 16 and 17 Centuries a major
international trading city.
In 1522 the then King of Siam instigated
the shortening of the River to the sea by cutting a canal heading
directly South to avoid the meaning river. This canal was cut from
where Thammasat University is today [ north of the Grand Palace ] to
Wat Arun. The original meandering portion of the River then shrunk in
size as the new canal expanded with the flow and volume of fast
water to become the giant section it is today.
The original section of
the River is now called '' Bangkoknoi ''. Bangkoknoi has character
and charm and is a gentle place where traditional Thai suburbs and
markets developed and remain to this day. A tour is recommended and at
the same time one should also visit Wat Srisudaram and Wat Suwannaram.
We recommend a guide as otherwise you will find many parts hard to find, you may get lost and you will waste valuable time and not see everything.
