Life along the rivers has become an inseparable part of the Thai lifestyle. Throughout the history of the country, its capitals have been sited near rivers. Ayuthaya, Thonburi, and Bangkok are located on the banks of the same river, the Chao Phraya.

 

People built their homes along the banks, fronting onto the river with a small wooden pier. In the past, the country's economy was nurtured by the river feeding the agrarian culture and serving as a highway for the export trade in rice. Both brought power and wealth to the nation. Traveling by boat along canals and rivers was the most convenient way of getting from one destination to another when roads and railways were few and far between.

 

Not all river travel is commuting and cargo. Today, cruising on the river is still the most pleasant and convenient way to glimpse life style and the historical attractions, which have stood along its banks for centuries. Visitors have every opportunity to explore by water, and tour boats, especially luxuriously converted traditional wooden rice barges, offer dinner cruises along the Chao Phraya as well as longer journeys upriver from Bangkok to Ayuthaya. Nor is it just in Bangkok & Ayuthaya, cruising have been arranged on many beautiful rivers in many provinces such as Sakaekrang River in Uthai Thani, Nakorn Chaisri River in Nakorn Pathom, Mae Klong River in Samutsongkram. You can see in our TEATA member's cruising products.