Bangkok: Cruise along the Chao Phraya River
In the past, Bangkokians usually settled by the Chao Phraya River (River of Kings) and gradually spread into the core of the country.Nowadays, even though Bangkok has become a modern city, you can still see traces of the Early Rattanakosin period such as architecture and traditional ways of life that has remained essentially unchanged over the centuries.
The following magnificent temples and architectural structures can be seen on both sides of the Chao
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Phra Sumeru Fortress Constructed in the reign of King Rama I in 1783.
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The Grand Palace and The Chapel Royal of the Emerald Buddha
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Wat Arun or The Temple of Dawn
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Wat Kanlayanamit Very popular temple among the Thai and Chinese.
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Santa Cruz Cathedral
A Roman Catholic church constructed by the Portuguese.
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Wat Prayurawong Constructed during King Rama III.
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Koh Kret, Nonthaburi Province
Tourists can travel further to Koh Kret, Nonthaburi Province. This is a tiny island in the Chao Phraya River. On it live a community of craftmen famous for their distinctive style of pottery which dates back many centuries. Koh Kret pots are known for their fine, red-black glazed surface and intricate design. The islanders are the descendants of the Mon people, and they have managed to retain the skills of their forefathers.
- Pottery Village
is located along the pathway around the island. There are some huts where visitors are able to see through the pottery making process. Villagers make various kinds of earthen products for daily use such as pots, mortars, and flowerpots. This is the oldest and biggest source of earthenware in Nonthaburi province. In the village, there is the Ancient Mon Pottery Centre where pottery in various style is exhibited.
- Wat Paramai Yikawat
was constructed in Mon style over 200 years ago. King Rama V commanded to renovate the monastery dedicated to his grandmother and to construct Phra Maha Raman Chedi (a chedi in Mon style) to house Buddha relics. The principal Buddha of the monastery is carved with marble in Mon style, so it is also called "Wat Mon" (Mon Temple).
- Wat Phai Lom
is well-known for the magnificent bot (ordination hall) in the Ayutthaya style. Some parts have been changed due to renovation. Behind the bot, there is a chedi in Mon style.
- Wat Sao Thong Thong
houses an old Ayutthaya style chedi and was the first secondary school in Pak Kret.
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Culture & Way of Life
In the past Thai people settled down and established their communities along the rivers. Rivers and canals were the main channel for trading and transportation.
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