Chao Phraya

After checking in to the Ibis Siam, a small group of the students boarded a bus at 2pm bound for River City; the starting point for our cruise down the Chao Phraya river.

The Chao Phraya is the major river in Thailand, flowing south for 372km, through Bangkok and into the Gulf of Thailand. It is a major transportation route for a network of river buses, ferries and water taxis, and many people rely on the canal to transport merchandise and rice.

The view from River City

Enjoying a quick drink

Boarding the rice barge

To sum it up, the cruise was incredible. What's more incredible is the fact that a lot of the locals that live by the river are of a low socioeconomic status, yet they all stand at their doorways waving and smiling as rice barges power through the waterways. Most of the cruise, the contrast between the rich and poor was very much apparent; tall buildings loomed in the distance, whilst shacks on stilts remained above extremely dirty water nestled between floating food markets and large temple complexes. I even saw a construction worker pour a bucket of rubble into the river, adding to the existing pollution of tree branches, rubbish, and dead fish. 

A typical river shack

Happy locals

Floating markets

Wat Arun

We had the pleasure of meeting two lovely ladies, who I believe are sisters, in their little boats selling drinks and trinkets. They were all too happy to show of their goods and greeted us all with big beautiful smiles. I purchased a fan and a buddha figure for only 250 THB.

For a short time of our ride back to River City we were aboard a different, bigger boat. Set up was a banquet of fresh Thai fruit, and drinks were offered, including Thai whiskey.

A Thai fruit drink

Fresh fruit

Dinner tonight night marked the official start of the Experiential Program. The bus delivered us in front of some markets, through which we walked to make our way to Chang Pier to be ferried. Across the river was Supatra Riverhouse where we enjoyed a delicious set-menu dinner of traditional Thai food. I love Thai food!

Supatra River House: 266 Soi Wat Rakhang, Bangkok