The khlongs are the canals that run through Bangkok, where boats sit quietly at the piers. This network gave Bangkok the nickname “Venice of the East”.
Many of the original canals have been filled in, but many khlongs survive, giving the capital a romantic, languid atmosphere. A boat ride along one of them is a good way to see this side of the city.
More about Bangkok Khlongs – Canals
Bangkok’s khlongs branch off the Chao Phraya River, the main river of Thailand, which is formed by four other rivers. The main canals of the city are the Taling Chan, the Bangkok Noi, the Bangkok Yai and the Bang Ramat, and they split into smaller waterways. Some were dug for transport and as protection against Burmese invasion, and many Thai people came to live along them.
Over the centuries, people travelled from the suburbs to the centre of the city by boat. Some even lived on their boats, selling food and other goods directly from the water. As a visitor, you can still enjoy a quiet ride on one of the canals and see Bangkok from its khlongs.