Trip along Khlong Bangkok Noi - Khlong Bangyai
A boat service is operated during 6.30 a.m.-11.00 p.m. The boats depart from Tha Chang every half an hour until 11.00 a.m. They leave the pier when there are enough passengers. The boat fare is 30 baht per person. It takes 50 minutes to Bang Yai, a district in Nonthaburi. Attractions along Khlong Bangkok Noi are as follows:

     The Royal Barge National Museum exhibits royal barges and their ornaments used for waterborne state ceremonies which have been held occasionally since the Sukhothai period. During the Ayutthaya period, a procession was held for the royal Kathin ceremony at the end of the rainy season in order to carry the kings to their royal monasteries to offer robes and other monastic paraphernalia to the monks. The museum is open everyday during 9.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m., closed on 31st December - 1st January. Admission fee is 30 baht.

     Wat Suwannaram is a big royal monastery constructed during the reign of King Rama I and was subsequently renovated during the reign of King Rama III. Inside the bot, there are murals depicting the jataka, deities and the Buddha image in Subduing Mara Posture. These works of art of the early Rattanakosin period (19th century) are considered as the best surviving mural painting in Bangkok.

     Wat Si Sudaram or Wat Chi Pakhao was built during the Ayutthaya period and was renovated by King Rama I. The temple houses some interesting buildings including Tam Nak Daeng (a pavilion), Sala Kan Parian (a sermon hall) , and the residence of Sunthon Phu (the greatest poet of the Rattanakosin period). Moreover, visitors can enjoy feeding a number of freshwater fish here.

     Wat Chalo is assumed to have been constructed during the Sukhothai period as some Buddha images in Sukhothai style were found in front of the bot.

     Wat Pho Bang O is a monastery constructed during the reign of King Rama III. The top of the bot was made of wood; mural painting inside the bot was made during the existence of the Nonthaburi school of painting. Wat Bang Oi Chang houses a 200-year-old Buddha sole, which was found by Phra Khru Nawa Kam Koson (the first abbot of this monastery) while travelling in Phitsanuloke province during 1986 A.D.

     Wat Kaeo Fa is an ancient temple located in an open area next to Khlong Bangkok Noi. According to archaeologists, many buildings and art objects here were constructed in the Ayutthaya style; for example; the Ubosot, the Buddha image, the boundary stones, the boundary wall, the chedi behind the bot and the chedi with 12 cornered indented pillar. The monastery later was renovated during the Rattanakosin period.

     Wat Prasat was built during the Late Ayutthaya period. The monastery is well-known for its well-preserved mural painting made by artisans of the Nonthaburi school, and the gable made of carved timber. Visitors who come along by boat have to walk about 2 kilometres through orchards from the pier.

     Wat Amphawan was constructed during the Late Ayutthaya period. This temple houses Ho Trai (a hall for keeping scriptures) which is situated in the middle of a pond. The building was made of wood in magnificent Thai style.

Trip along Klong Bangyai - Khlong Om - Nonthaburi
Nonthaburi After arriving at Bang Yai (a district in Nonthaburi), travellers who expect to continue the trip to Nonthaburi can catch another taxi boat at Wat Sao Thong Hin pier which is situated within a walking distance from Bang Yai pier. The boat service is operated during 4.00 a.m.-8.00 p.m. It takes 15-20 minutes.
The fare is 12 baht/person. Next to Wat Sao Thong Hin, Wat Rat Prakhong Tham has a three-top building which houses a huge reclining Buddha image. Along the route, visitors are able to enjoy the peaceful scenery and waterway life along Khlong Om. Houses along both sides of the canal look very tidy. Almost every house is made of wood in the same style, Colourful flowers are also planted along verandahs by the river. Mit Chao Phraya Express Boat operates another boat trip on Saturdays during 8.30 a.m.-12.30 p.m. through Khlong Bangkok Noi, Bang Kruai, Khlong Om, and stops for sightseeing at the Royal Barge Museum. The trip costs 100 baht/person. For more information, tel: 225-6179, 623-6169

     Wat Sai Floating Market should be visited in the late morning when many boats assemble for selling souvenirs to visitors. Snake Farm, 35 minutes from Wat Sai Floating Market, is another stop for sightseeing and watching a snake show. The farm is open daily from 8.30 a.m.- 5.00 p.m

     Wat Pak Nam is famous for amulets and is always crowded with a number of people who come to make merit during the weekend.

ATTRACTIONS ALONG KHLONG BANG CHUAK NANG

     Wat Ko houses an old viharn (chapel) which was registered as an archaeological site. Orchid Farms grow orchids for sale as cut-flowers.

ATTRACTION ALONG KHLONG CHAK PHRA

     Taling Chan Floating Market is held every weekend. Boats and stalls gather here for selling a variety of food. Chao Phraya Chartered Co. Ltd. operates a daily tour along Khlong Mon - Khlong Bangkok Noi during 2.30-4.30 p.m., leaving the River City Shopping Complex on Charoen Krung Road. The fare is 360 baht per person including fruit and drinks. For more information, tel: 622-7657-61 ext. 111.

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