Bangkok is not the "real" name for the capital of Thailand. The actual name for the city known as Bangkok is very long, about 100 words, and is locally shortened to the first two words: "Krung Thep"; but the long name refers to it as a city of angels.
By Mark Street
Published: November, 2005
Ha, ha… it’s not Los Angeles, but another city of angels — Bangkok, Thailand.
Bangkok is not the real name for the capital of Thailand. The actual name for the city known as Bangkok is very long, about 100 words, and is locally shortened to the first two words: Krung Thep; but the long name refers to it as a city of angels.
Krung Thep is a large metropolis of roughly eight million people. It was originally centered along the banks of the Chao Phraya River, but has sprawled out much further. At one time, canals were numerous, almost Venetian, but in modern Krung Thep many have been filled-in, either intentionally or from lack of maintenance and sediment build-up.
However, even in this current state, water travel still provides a vital and important method of commuter transport and also tourist experiences.
River Ferries
First, the Chao Phraya River, itself, is comparable to the Mississippi River in width and runs roughly north to south in a sometimes meandering route. The river has heavy traffic comprised of barges, smaller cruise ships, water taxis, tourist boats, and commuter ferries. The largest of the ferries is the Chao Phraya Express.
In the metropolitan area there are about 30 ferry stops along the river, often alternating one side to the other. The ferries run every 10 to15 minutes with stops divided into three payment zones. Fares range from US $0.25 to US $0.60, depending on zones traveled.
At the southern end of central Krung Thep, the Chao Phraya connects with the elevated rail at Saphan Taksin station. Throughout central Krung Thep, the ferries stop at piers that double as transportation hubs and open-air markets.
The ferries are fast and efficient, and most tourists would find taking a trip of about 20 minutes will take them to most destinations along the central city.
Canals
There are also several canals (called khong) in Krung Thep, and exploring them by boat would take quite a bit of time.
One portion of a route that tourists will find useful is a major east-west canal that runs from near Wat Saket (Golden Mountain) near Siam Square/MBK. The western terminus for the ferry is about three blocks from Golden Mountain. A ride from there to the platform stop near Siam Square departs every 10 minutes, costs roughly US $0.20 and takes 10 to 15 minutes. Compare this to an air conditioned bus running on the parallel street: the bus departs every 20 minutes, costs roughly US $0.35, and takes about 25 minutes for the journey.
Good to note, there are ferry companies, including Chao Phraya that offer boat tours on the larger waterways. These are half-day or day-long trips through the city to nearby fruit plantations or, in some cases, water markets (a farmer’s market on the water). There are also day-long excursions up the Chao Phraya River to historic sites and former capitals.
Some ferry companies offer night time trips along the Chao Phraya River, which offer views from the water of the city lights, including modern office buildings, ancient temples and palaces.
More information on touring the waterways in Thailand’s city of angels can be found online:
www.bangkoktourist.com/ ; http://bangkok.sawadee.com/expressboat.htm; http://thailandforvisitors.com/central/bangkok/bkk-boat.html
All photos by Mark Street
