The Chao Phraya River renaissance is highlighting all things to see along the waterway; historic attractions, art, local life and food. Here, the concierge team at The Peninsula Bangkok offers ten reasons to fall in love with this charming Chao Phraya River, the River of Kings.
1. An Epic Heritage; Historic Grand Palace and Temple of Dawn
The Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha is the cultural, historical, and religious heart of Bangkok. Temple of the Emerald Buddha is home to the holiest and most important object in the nation. The Emerald Buddha is the country’s palladium. Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), visiting this remarkable and highly recognisable site at sunset or sunrise is a truly awe-inspiring experience. The Temple is a classic Prang structure of Ayutthaya style, built as a representation of Mount Meru, home of the Khmer gods. It is a favourite amongst Bangkok’s many temples. The one hour cruise experience will take our guest up the river to see the Grand Palace and Wat Arung along with delicious canape and cocktails.
2. Art and Culture
Over the past years, art scene around the Chao Phraya and Charoenkrung neighbourhood has seen a rise of art galleries opening. Each unique and different, the galleries are a response to growing interest in art by both local and international artists. Our guests can enjoy special privilege to access The River City, Asia’s premier art and antiques centre hosting national and international exhibitions and also a digital art museum, and also participating in a monthly gallery hopping by our hotel’s partner The Bangkok River Partners. A complimentary shuttle boat from hotel to the River City is provided for our guests.
At The Peninsula Bangkok, guests are also invited to explore ‘Artist in Residence programme which is designed to support emerging artists, while also providing guests with access to culturally representative art pieces.
3. Creative district and street art
Creative District. Bangkok's blooming Creative District is set to be the center of creative Bangkokians' universe. The creative district has seen a rise in the number of artists and innovative entities moving in through street arts. Our guests are recommended to start the walk to explore the Creative district by taking hotel’s shuttle boat to River City.
Street Art – Ong Ang Canal. Some of Thailand’s best-known street artists participated in the Ong Ang Canal project that joins Rattanakosin and Chinatown. The canal refurbishment programme includes new canal walls, paved canal sidewalk and even solar powered ferries for public transport. The murals capture the essence of old town Bangkok, portraying characters associated with the neighbourhood on walls both sides of the canal.
Talat Noi. This is a classic Bangkok neighborhood – small alleys, old shophouses, and aging residents that remain true to themselves. Along the river, in an area sandwiched between Chinatown and Bang Rak, stands a charismatic neighborhood that is living through its golden years.
4. Shopping
Shopping along the river offers our guests both the indoor and outdoor experience. The sparkling one-stop-shop ICONSIAM is a mini-world in itself where guest can find everything you need including Sooksiam, a place that presents the cultural heritage of each of the four main geographic regions of Thailand, capturing their arts, handicrafts, performing arts and local wisdom. Venture onto the bustling streets to find boutique stores selling unique items by Charoenkrung street. A complimentary shuttle boast from the hotel to ICONSIAM or the Peninsula Pier to Charoenkrung street is provided for our guests.
5. Trending restaurants, bars and café
From fine dining to street food, eateries on the Chao Phraya River constantly surprise and tantalise taste buds. Crossing the rivers or taking a few steps walk, guests can discover hidden or secret bars, restaurants and trending café offer creative cocktails, unique foods, live music, and more.
6. River Cruise
The dine on board river cruise scene has evolved. Guests can enjoy more variety of dining cruise from upscale Thai set menu to sumptuous buffets serving Thai and International cuisine are guaranteed for guest to enjoy an evening by the river.
7. Footprint from the past – a canal tour by long tail boat
Exclusively designed to offer our guests' unique and unprecedented access to historical, cultural and local lifestyle experiences in each of our destinations, The Peninsula Academy offers a collection of bespoke programmes for both adults and children. Explore Bangkok, as never before with the style, elegance and sophistication that only The Peninsula can provide.
8. Bicycle tour
Undiscovered places rich in stories lie where cars cannot go near the hotel’s neighbourhood. Urban planning has lead to Bangkok having many mega-blocks, with much of unseen culture and history tucked away in the middle of them. Many older local communities have been built with troks or alleys that fit only pedestrians, bicycles, and motorcycles, resulting in amazing structures and stories hidden away from eyes on main roads.
9. Bangkok Way of River Life
Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River is the heart of the capital. Steeped in history, the ‘river of kings’ has been the meeting point of east and west for centuries. Today, it ranks amongst the world’s best waterfront destinations. Surprising to even the ardent traveller, there is a treasure trove of things to do along Bangkok River.
10. Wellness
Give in to the luxurious serenity and caring staff of some of the world’s best spas and treatment centres. Spa treatment may be offered in areas of Bangkok, but guest can discover a true rejuvenation by the river amongst the many luxury spa.