Boats play an important role in getting around Bangkok. Not only is it an excellent way to experience the city but is the best way of trading unending traffic jams, pollution and noise for cool breezes and interesting river views.
Taking a boat ride in Bangkok is not a difficult thing at all once piers and boat timetables are identified. Five boat lines, defined by the colour of the flags they fly, ply from the piers along the 21 km Chao Phraya River from Nonthaburi in the north of the city centre to Ajburana in the south on a daily basis according to schedules, from 6 in the morning to 6 in the evening. Express boats that call at the main city attractions and link to the BTS Sky Train run from eight piers giving one of the best transport experiences of getting around Bangkok in one day. Hop on hop off options allow for a relaxed and comfortable mode of travel. Boat rides are also a way of getting in touch with some interesting places along the Chao Phraya River such as Thwet a site for fish feeding and releasing to gain merit also provides access to several historic sites. Phra Arthit is well known for its tree shaded lanes, shop houses, boutiques and cafes. Wang Lang is a cheap shopping destination while Tha Chang pier is in an old part of the city with late 19th century shop houses and leafy lanes. Tha Tien pier provides easy access to Wat Pho and Wat Arun while Rajinee pier is the best place to access a very old area of the city and a 24 hour flower and fruit market. Rachawongs pier is one of the main entrance points to Chinatown and from Oriental it is easy to go to the old European enclave. The central pier at Sathorn provides access to a series of international hotels along the river bank. If getting across the river is a problem a short and cheap ferry ride from one of the piers is the best way to do it. There are also 100 Khlong boats that ply an 18 km route along the inner canals and are useful to get around the city during rush hours. A tourist boat service with an on board commentary in English also ply the river from 9.30 am to 4 pm.
Stay at the Metropolitan Bangkok to experience chic and contemporary spaces right in the heart of the city with that certain kind of ‘buzz’ that is hard to replicate. Relax in well appointed, spacious accommodation with the right modern conveniences at this luxury Bangkok hotel and indulge in divine contemporary presentations of traditional Thai and European cuisine that will certainly tickle the taste buds. As a more recent Bangkok luxury hotel on the scene, guests are offered a brand new experience in hospitality.
