Riverside

 Riverside

Chao Phraya's riverside is one of the most charming and scenic areas of Bangkok. The eastern and western banks of the majestic river are home to Bangkok's best-known historic landmarks, such as the Wat Arun, Wat Pho and the Grand Palace complex. Chao Phraya River has always had an important role in the history, culture and economic development of Thailand. Nowadays as in ancient times, the river is regarded as one of Bangkok's main transport arteries for commuters and tourists, with several ferries, tourist boats, water taxis and long-tails flowing over its waters. Usually, the river boats are widely used by Thais and tourists to move along the riverside districts of Rattanakosin and Thonburi to reach work place, tourist attractions or recreational places like typical restaurants or markets. The navigation along the river with a ferry or a cruise boat is also a great opportunity for tourists to enjoy the charm of Bangkok's riverside from a different point of view. Several companies offer dinner on cruises, on the Chao Phraya. Some of them use large and modern boats; others offer romantic evening cruises with antique teakwood rice barges nicely refurbished. Sathorn Central Pier, close to Taksin Bridge in southern Rattanakosin Island, is the interchange station between the Bangkok's Skytrain and the boat service of Chao Phraya Express Boat. The Saphan Taksin BTS Station of Silom Line is adjacent to the pier. The shipping company, in addition to its ferry service, offers to Bangkok's visitors a special tourist boat service, with comfortable and large boats and English speaking Tour Guides on board to recommend tourist attraction throughout the trip. The boats run daily between 09.30 and 19.30, with departures every 30 minutes, and the daily ticket, One Day River Pass, costs only 150 THB and is valid for unlimited travel throughout the day of issue. Close to the pier are also placed two Bangkok's most famous hotels, the luxurious Shangri-La and Lebua at State Tower. As well as an all-suite luxury hotel, the iconic State Tower building is home to Lebua Sky Bar the most famous rooftop bar in the city. Other prestigious hotels are located along the riverbanks, as The Peninsula Bangkok, Millennium Hilton Hotel and Anantara Riverside Resort, most of them offer free boat service from Sathorn Central Pier. The usual free service is also offered by the two best shopping opportunities along the river, ie, Asiatique the Riverfront and River City Bangkok. Asiatique is the first and the largest night-lifestyle venue riverfront in Asia, which has combined the elements of the Thai history and the modern lifestyle in a fabulous way, under the concept of Festival Market and Living Museum. Asiatique is both a large night bazaar and a shopping mall, as well as an entertainment venue with several attractions. Open since December 1984, the iconic four-storey building of River City is one of most well-known landmarks on the Chao Phraya riverbank. The mall is mainly focused on Asian arts and antiques, although there is also a good range of fashion boutiques, handicrafts shops and restaurants, all featuring outdoor terraces overlooking riverside. More