When I arrived in Bangkok, I immediately knew that I wanted to explore the city in a very special way. Off the beaten track and the busy streets, I decided to take a boat trip along the river canals. Without question one of the best decisions of my trip.
a destroyed house in the water
longtail-boat driver with heavy engine
longtail-boat driver have fun
old man in front of his house
two mans sitting on a concrete block and preparing fishing stuff
Without a private boat trip through the small side channels of the river, I would never have had the chance to discover the hidden treasures of Bangkok. So I set off and found myself in a traditional longtail boat, ready to immerse myself in the world of the locals.
a house is submerged in the water
a house in the water
a man sitting on a wall next to a river and fishing
a river with houses and buildings on it
a woman is standing on a dock with a boat
The boat trip began at the edge of the imposing Chao Phraya River, where the hustle and bustle of the city ends at the locks and the quiet, yet equally fascinating world of the river channels begins. With an experienced driver at the helm, we gently glided into these hidden lifelines of the city. Once there, I immediately realised that I would get a unique insight into the lives of real Thais.
a wierd construction on the river
kind a shop next to the water
an old abandoned building
thai people living
young thai smoking and phones
young thai in front of house smiling
smashed down house in the river
As I moved through the canals, I could observe how people really live here. The scenery ranged from run-down, time-worn buildings that seemed to be sinking into the river to charming houses that were literally right on the water's edge. It was as if the people here lived in perfect harmony with the water, and I couldn't help but admire their adaptability.
thais hang out the rubbish to be collected from water-side
young thai in water repairs something
young thai with fishing equipment
During our leisurely ride, I was able to witness the daily life of the locals. Some of them used the not really clear water of the river for their daily personal hygiene, while others unpacked their fishing gear to pull fresh fish out of the river. It was impressive to see how they synchronised themselves with the rhythms of the water and enjoyed their life on the riverbank.
thai people next to the water chillin
an old thai friendly waving and smoking
What made this boat trip really special was the closeness I had to the locals. It was not a typical tourist attraction, but a real opportunity to connect with the people and hear their stories. I could feel how proud they were of their lives, despite the often humble living conditions. Their respect for nature and their love for water were inspiring.
constructors working on the water
and old thai men cruising with his boat on the river
The boat trip through the river canals of Bangkok was not only a journey into the hearts of real Thais, but also a journey into the history and culture of this fascinating city. Along the canals, I came across historic temples and palaces majestically enthroned on the banks. These sacred sites were a testament to the deep spiritual connection rooted in Thai culture.
two cute dogs taking a bath in the river
two cute dogs taking a bath in the river
our longtailboat-driver
our longtailboat-driver
my bro and our tour-guide we booked for 2 days
our longtailboat-driver
ordering beer from a water merchant by boat.
enjoying the boat cruise with our new friends from bangkok and the united states.
Overall, my boat trip along the river channels of Bangkok was an unforgettable experience that changed my view of the city forever. It not only gave me an insight into the authentic life of the Thais, but also deepened my respect for their way of life. Bangkok may be known for its hustle and bustle and modernity, but hidden in the river channels is a world that is just as exciting and impressive. It was a journey that took me into the hearts of real Thais and I will remember it forever.