Once you book a room in a riverside hotel in Bangkok, you are one step away from having the vacation of a lifetime. Riverside in this instance is the Chao Phraya River which is often seen as the heartbeat of Thailand, let alone Bangkok. Visitors to the river never cease to be awestruck by its power and beauty as it gives life to millions of people in the surrounding area. This river is the reason why Bangkok thrived centuries ago and why it is now one of the world’s ‘must see’ cities. Although Bangkok is as modern as any city in the world, visitors can also see elements of the past as they walk through the streets or sail down the Chao Phraya on a riverboat.
Wat Arun
When you choose a riverside hotel in Bangkok, you are just minutes away from some of the world’s greatest tourist attractions. Number one on many people’s lists is Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn).You can find this temple on the west side of the river. The temple’s name comes from a historical tale which told the story of King Taksin’s fight against the ruling Ayutthaya Empire. According to the history books, Taksin arrived at Wat Arun at dawn. He had the temple renovated later on when he won power and it is now one of the most magnificent sights in all of Thailand. The temple keeps watch over the river and also has a 70 meter high spire which is covered in stunning porcelain and colored glass decorations.
Chao Phraya
After checking into a riverside hotel in Bangkok such as the Praya Palazzo, you must see ‘old Thailand’ and one of the best ways to do this is by taking a cruise down the Chao Phraya River which is just minutes away from the Palazzo. Thanks to the river and the various waterways which make Bangkok famous, the city was once known as the Venice of the East. An estimated 50,000 people still use the ferries that cover the river every single day. A quick trip down the river will show you the startling mix of architecture in the city, from 19th century European civic buildings to humble huts that look centuries old to magnificent skyscrapers that tower over the land.
Loi Krathong
Booking a riverside hotel in Bangkok also allows you to remain close to the numerous festivals that bring the people of the city together. One such occasion is the Loi Krathong festival which is celebrated annually. The exact date of the festival varies but it usually falls in November each year. Participants perform a ritual on the banks of the Chao Phraya which involves placing floral floats in the river and allowing them to float away. The word ‘Loi’ has the literal meaning ‘to float’ while the Krathong is the boat which contains flowers, candles, coins and all manner of other objects. Male guests in riverside hotels in Bangkok will be interested to know that there is also a beauty contest at the festival! If you want to see the entire city, you need to book a riverside hotel in Bangkok because the Chao Phraya is truly the life and soul of Thailand.