Bangkok Khlongs - Canals

There are many Khlongs in Bangkok, which derive from the Chao Phraya River, the main river of Thailand shaped by four other rivers and from which have been created the main canals of the city: the Taling Chan, the Bangkok Noi, the Bangkok Yai and the Bang Ramat. These canals then split in other little waterways giving tourists the idea of actually being in Venice – there is even a few gondolas! The waterways were created for western countries business purposes and as a protection against the Burmese invasion, but then became the place, where many Thai people come to live. During the centuries, Thai people discovered that canals where easily accessible by boats, so they were travelling from the suburbs of the city to the capital centre by boat. Some were actually living in the boats, selling food or other traditional goods, directly from the boat on the river. As a tourist, you can still enjoy a placid ride on one of the canals and relax while you admire Bangkok from its Khlongs.