Chao Phraya River, Bangkok Waterways. Thailand

Choosing a photo to a new post is a difficult task. But choosing a photo from Thailand to a post is even more difficult. I decided to explore the Chao Phraya River and the importance of the river on the daily life of the Bangkok inhabitants. I fond this photo, taken on the boat, when crossing the river. A cruise along the legendary Chao Phraya River and some canals on the Thon Buri side is the most pleasant way to explore the city once dubbed "Venice of the East" The majestic charm of the Chao Phraya adds perspective to your exploration of the city's premier attractions. Rivers and canals referred to maenam and khlong in Thai have always been vital forms of communication. When the capital of Thailand was moved to Bangkok in 1782 (the beginning of the Rattanakosin period), the capital was laced with canals. In the past, Bangkokians usually settled by the Chao Phraya River and gradually spread into the core of the country. The traces of the Early Rattanakosin period such as architecture and traditional ways of life have been left by the river more than in the inland areas. Besides, waterways at that time were the most important means of transportation and trading as well. Nowadays, even though Bangkok has become a modern city, the Chao Phraya River as well as the canals are still charming for whoever wishes to seek the peaceful atmosphere amidst bustling Bangkok. The river is necessary for everything, but firstly for the traffic of goods and people. In fact the ferry boat public transport system in the river is essential to all. You find them every 500 meters on the riverside. They simply cross the river from one side to the other and ask you the modest fee of 2 Baht per person. On several places along the river you find the "boat people", living permanently in their old and simple boats on the river. The "boat people" are very poor, but it seems that they would not want to live elsewhere. They seem to belong to the river. And the river belongs (partly) to them. Going from one end of the route of the Express Boat towards the other, you will literally pass dozens of Buddhist Temples. But (luckily) still the "ultimate sight" along the Chao Phraya River is a Buddhist Temple: Wat Arun ("The Temple of Dawn"). While travelling along the Chao Phraya River the people are the most excitant. These two young Buddhist boys left the boat with us at Wat Arun. They stillness and determination had impressed me.