Things to Do in Bangkok Riverside

A visit to Bangkok would not be complete without exploring the riverside for a taste of life in the Thai capital long before skytrains and smartphones. Day or night, the riverside provides plentiful picture-perfect photo opportunities with its many historical landmarks and hidden charms. The Chao Phraya River is also the star attraction in the city during important events like Songkran (the Thai New Year) in April, the Loy Krathong Festival in November, and the very rare Royal Barge Procession. On New Year's Eve, riverside hotels take turns to outdo each other with spectacular fireworks that light up the sky well into the new year.

A day spent at Bangkok's riverside is like taking a journey back into time. Many of Bangkok's most famous attractions are located along the river banks, like the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun), the splendid Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), as well as Wat Pho, Bangkok's oldest temple.