BANGKOK
BANGKOKTOURSBANGKOKTOURSWan Fah Cruises DINNER CRUISE
(Map p 80 ; %0 2222 8679; http://www.wanfah.in.th; cruis-
es 1200B; h7-9pm; river ferry to Tha Si Phraya) De-
parting from the River City Complex, Wan
Fah runs a buxom wooden boat that fl oats
in style with accompanying Thai music and
traditional dance. Dinner options include
a standard or seafood set menu, and hotel
transfer is available.
Yok Yor Restaurant DINNER CRUISE
(Map p 80 ; %0 2439 3477; http://www.yokyor.co.th; din-
ner à la carte plus adult/child 140/70B surcharge;
h8-10pm; river-crossing ferry from Th Sri Phraya)
This long-running fl oating restaurant on the
Thonburi side of the river also runs a daily
dinner cruise, as well as several boats that
can be hired for private functions.
BANG PA-IN & AYUTHAYA CRUISES
A little faster than the days of sailing ships,
river cruises from Bangkok north to the ru-
ins of the former royal capital of Ayuthaya
(p 157 ) take in all the romance of the river.
Most trips include a guided tour of Ay-
uthaya’s ruins with a stop at the summer
palace of Bang Pa In (p 167 ). Normally only
one leg of the journey between Bangkok and
Ayuthaya is aboard a boat, while the return
or departing trip is by bus.
Asian Oasis RIVER CRUISE
(Map p 86 ; %0 2655 6246; http://www.asian-oasis.com;
7th fl oor, Nai Lert Tower, 2/4 Th Witthayu/Wireless
Rd; 2-day trip 6450-10,450B depending on season
& direction) Cruise the Chao Phraya River
aboard a fl eet of restored rice barges with
old-world charm and modern conveniences.
Trips include either an upstream or down-
stream journey to/from Ayuthaya with bus
transfer in the opposite direction.Manohra Cruises RIVER CRUISE
(Map p 56 ; %0 2477 0770; http://www.manohracruises.
com; Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa, Thonburi;
3-day trip 69,000B) The nautical equivalent
of the Eastern & Oriental Express train,
the Manohra Song is a restored teak rice
barge decorated with antiques, Persian
carpets and four luxury sleeping berths.
The trip is a three-day, two-night excur-
sion to Ayuthaya, and the package price is
all-inclusive except for tax and service. The
Manohra Dream, an even more luxurious
boat for a maximum of two couples, is also
available for longer excursions. Bicycle & Segway Tours
Although some cycling tours tackle the city’s
urban neighbourhoods, many take advan-
tage of the nearby lush, undeveloped district
to the south known as Phra Pradaeng (Map
p 56 ), where narrow walkways crisscross ir-
rigation canals that feed small-scale fruit
plantations and simple villages.
To tour the sites of old Bangkok by free
borrowed bicycle, see the boxed text, p 151.Grasshopper Adventures BICYCLE TOURS
(Map p 60 ; %0 2280 0832; http://www.grasshopperadven
tures.com; 57 Th Ratchadamnoen Klang; tours from
750B; h8.30am-6.30pm Mon-Fri; bus 2, 15, 44,
511, klorng taxi Tha Phan Fah) This lauded outfi t
runs a variety of unique bicycle tours in andROLLIN’ ON THE...CANALFor an up-close view of the city’s famed canals, long-tail boats are available for hire at
Tha Chang, Tha Tian, Tha Oriental and Tha Phra Athit. Prices at Tha Chang are the high-
est and allow little room for negotiation, but you stand the least chance of being taken for
a ride or being hit up for tips and other unexpected fees.
Trips explore the Thonburi canals Khlong Bangkok Noi and, further south, Khlong
Bangkok Yai, taking in the Royal Barges National Museum, Wat Arun and a riverside
temple with fi sh feeding. Longer trips diverge into Khlong Mon, between Bangkok Noi
and Bangkok Yai, which off ers more typical canal scenery, including orchid farms. On
weekends, you have the option of visiting the Taling Chan floating market. However
it’s worth pointing out that, to actually disembark and explore any of these sights, the
most common tour of one hour (1000B, up to six people) is simply not enough time and
you’ll most likely need 1½ (1300B) or two hours (1600B). Most operators have set tour
routes, but if you have a specifi c destination in mind, you can request it.
A cheaper alternative is to take the commuter long-tail boat (50B; one hour; h4pm-
7pm) that also departs from Tha Chang, although it’s one-way only and you’ll have to fi nd
your own way back from Bang Yai, located at the distant northern end of Khlong Bangkok
Noi.