Otter's Tales: Bangkok's Historic River

Tuesday, July 24, 2018

Bangkok's Historic River

Each week we post a link to an article in Bangkok 101 - https://www.bangkok101.com/ - and today we have chosen an article written by Luc Citrinot – ‘Historic River’ - https://www.bangkok101.com/historic-bangkok-nov-2017/

“… there’s a need to preserve their environment – and make the larger public aware of the river’s living heritage.”

If you are visiting Bangkok it is a great idea to take a trip along the Chao Phraya River – there is so much to see there.

Here is a list of places that the article focuses on

Wat Kalayanamit Woramahawihan - https://goo.gl/maps/Wi72Pzccwi22 - built during the reign of King Rama III, and contains the largest Buddha image sculpted during his reign.

Near here is the Kuan An Keng Shrine - https://goo.gl/maps/oFrpMo1V2st - a small Chinese temple with superb wood carvings

Wat Prayoon - https://www.watprayoon.com/main.php - is also near here - https://goo.gl/maps/MMvC6zKbdbw - which has a UNESCO heritage award

On the opposite side of the river are the two Catholic Churches; Saint Francis Xavier Church and the Immaculate Conception Church - https://goo.gl/maps/JmAT6ooCddF2, Bangkok’s oldest church.

Near here is the curious Wat Rachathiwat - https://goo.gl/maps/dybdPFmXcG82 - a Wat built in Khmer style with French architecture and inspiring Italian painting.

Slightly in land is Wat Bowonniwet - https://goo.gl/maps/3gkggBQ6b8Q2 - with some of the original city wall in the entrance.

Then there are the last two military forts left – Phra Sumen Fort - https://goo.gl/maps/oQ52B9LAcUD2 - and Mahakan Fort - https://goo.gl/maps/MVVgazHDuvp. There was a community living here but they were recently evicted.