Bangkok – the City of Angels. While chaotic from the outside, this sprawling metropolis is a haven for cultural discovery. On your next visit, take the opportunity to view the city from a new perspective, one from its vibrant waterways. From architectural masterpieces to historical icons, there’s no better way to traverse a landscape with history dating back to the 15th century. Learn more in this week’s blog.

Trip through Bangkok canals down the Chao Phraya river on longtail boat

There is no doubting the sheer abundance and variety of sights, sounds, smells and flavours that Bangkok had to offer. From the serenity of temples to the bustle of markets, Bangkok truly is a feast for the senses that demands exploring. While the concept of urban planning may seem to have taken a back seat at times, there is a method to its madness. Just ask a local where to find something specific and they can point you in the right direction, but Bangkok always has a trick up its sleeve, meaning a surprise can be waiting around every corner.

Aerial view of Bangkok city with Chao Phraya river during sunset

While many are keen to dig in and seek all that’s on offer, many others are put off by the thought of blaring car horns and choking smog. Fortunately, there is a better way to explore this metropolis of hidden gems, one that takes you away from the chaos of the streets to the swift smoothness of its vibrant waterways.

Wat Arun is a Buddhist temple in Bangkok, Thailand

As you take the stairs down from the street, you can’t help but feel you’re turning the clock back to a much simpler time and this is exactly what you are doing. The huff and puff of battle up on the road is superseded by a feeling of symbiosis between boat and city, somehow subterranean in its simple efficiency. Perhaps your gliding scythe through the city will be borne of a desire to save time, perhaps the journey itself will be its own destination; the beauty of the experience is that both are possible, and indeed lead into each other.

Canal Boat passing by Khlong Mahanak River in Bangkok nearby Wat Saket Ratcha Wora Maha Wihan (Wat Phu Khao Thong, Golden Mount temple), a popular Bangkok tourist attraction.

The route winds its way from the more familiar sights and attractions of the old town, through the gleaming heart of the modern city all the way past trendy Thonglor to the majesty of Wat Sriboonruang in the east. On the way you will see the city from a point of view that no other form of transport can afford you, witnessing sights and sounds that would otherwise pass you by. Dedicated explorers will be pleased to know that the first boat leaves as the sun is taking its first peek over the horizon, and the last will serve you long after the sunlight is replaced by the sodium and neon of the night.

Scenic views from the Anantara Song Lounge area.

Guests staying at Anantara Vacation Club at Riverside Bangkok can indulge in their own private tour via longtail boat or travel in luxury with a custom Anantara Cruise (pictured above) by inquiring at the check-in desk. Alternatively, catch the complimentary boat shuttle from the resort’s pier to Saphan Taksin, where a large variety of tours can be arranged to tour Bangkok’s vibrant waterways. For those in the market for a dinner to remember, the dinner cruise offered by Manohra Cruises is certainly one not to be missed!