By Pauline Go
The major river of Thailand is the Chao Phraya. It has low alluvial soil which marks the plains of Thailand. Chao Phraya originates from the meeting point of two other rivers Ping and Nan. The main tributary to Nan River is the Yom River.
Wang River is another river which flows in northern Thailand and this is 335 miles long. It originates from Ping River.
The longest river in Thailand is the Chi River which is 765 km but the water flow is very low. It runs through the Yasothon province of Thailand.
Chao Phraya runs for 372 km from Bangkok to the Gulf of Thailand. It bifurcates into two in a place called Chainat. The main portion of the river, known as the Chin River, flows parallel to Chao Phraya and ends in the Gulf. It is called by many names. In Chainat, it is called Makhamthao river and when it passes through Suphanburi, it is called Suphan. It becomes Nakhon Chaisi river when it enters Nakhon Pathon and after that it is known as Tha Chin river when it reaches the mouth of Samut Sakhon. Many canals are diverted from Chin River and the water from the canals is used for irrigation.
Nonthaburi Uthai Thani, , Singburi, Nakhon Sawan, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya and Chainat Pathum Thani are the cities along the flowing river. Nakhon Sawan is the city where the two major rivers Nan and Ping meet. Ang Thong is an agricultural land and Chao Phraya and Noi River meet in this city.
http://www.ushouldvisit.com/Alpena-Vacation-Getaway.html
Showing posts with label Chao Phraya. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chao Phraya. Show all posts
2007/10/25
2007/08/09
Guide to Bangkok nightlife
by Andy Burrows
First time in Bangkok? Fret not. Here's a guide on how to spend the most of your night in this glittering city. Nightlife in Bangkok is so electrifying you will want to come back again for more.
Finding a trendy place to dine and wine in style is a great way to start your evening. Bangkok is home to a couple of rooftop venues where you can enjoy sweeping views of the city and the exquisite Chao Phraya River. The most famous, open-air spots include the Sky Bar (Sirocco) on Silom road (tel: +66 2 624 9999) on the 64th floor of State Tower and Moon Bar (Vertigo) (tel: +66 2 679 1200) on the 61st floor of Banyan Tree Hotel, on Sathorn road.
But if it starts pouring down, stay safe and dry at Three Sixty at Millennium Hilton Hotel (tel: +66 2 442 2000), the newest rooftop venue in Bangkok offering breathtaking 360° views. Three Sixty is roofed so you don't need good weather to have a good time.
Get yourself a map of Bangkok before planning the rest of your evening. Famous among party-goers of all ages and tastes, Sukhumvit is the longest and perhaps the hippest road in Bangkok, boasting a variety of nightlife venues. It is on this happening road where you can find Nana Plaza on Sukhumvit soi 4 and soi Cowboy, off Sukhumvit soi 23, the notorious zones of dodgy go-go bars.
Hanky-panky business aside, Sukhumvit is also home to many hip clubs, pubs and bars including the white and stylish Bed Supperclub on Sukhumvit soi 11 (tel: +66 2 651 3557) and Q Bar (+66 2 252-3274), also on the same soi, well-known among tourists, expats and locals, offering a full range of Cuba cigars.
While most of you might only want to mingle with the same crowds you have back home, but some want to try something different. Visiting local venues is an eye-opening experience. You can see for yourself what locals do when they go out. Try Escudo on Sukhumvit soi 55 (tel: +66 2 381 0866) and Escobar on Sukhumvit s63 (tel: +66 2 711 6565) and observe the world of Ferrari boys and daddy's little girls flashing platinum cards.
At the centre of any Bangkok map, and another area worth exploring is the heart of Bangkok, home to two popular areas, Siam and Silom. Check out CM2 (tel: +66 2 209 8888) at Novotel Siam Square where live band plays on the main area and hip-hop tunes buzz out from the Boom Room. This place is usually secretly swarmed by 'business' girls and their customers. If you don't plan to have anything to do with them, it's still fun to watch them working their magic.
More discreet is Silom soi 2 (Patpong) where various go-go bars dot the area. Watch out for the guys who usually shove a menu of shows at you in an aggressive manner.
Located in the old town, Khao San road always makes it to the top of the list of tourist-friendly favourites, and it's the centre of the Bangkok map for all backpackers. This area is packed with a dizzying array of clubs, pubs and bars. Grab a can of Singha beer and watch the world you are familiar with go by at one of many bars including Buddy Beer (tel: +66 2 629 4477) equipped with pool tables, Brick Bar (tel: +66 2 629 4477), or Silk Bar (tel: +66 2 281 9981).
If you aren't exactly into crazy clubbing and drinking until dawn, try Bangkok's many cultural treats that take place in the evening. Siam Niramit is unarguably the most famous among tourists, featuring a refined 80-miniute show about Thailand (or Siam). The awesome performance combines fascinating stories of Siam in the past, Thai spiritual beliefs and some practical Buddhist lessons with splendid visual and sound effects as well as spectacular costumes. The show is on everyday at 20:00 at the Ratchadda Grand Theatre (tel: +66 2 649 9222).
No matter what you are looking for to have a good time in Bangkok when the sun goes down, you will find it. If one night in Bangkok doesn't make the world your oyster, nothing else probably would. Remember, you can easily get lost and Bangkok is a big place so study your map carefully before an evening out.
goarticles.com
First time in Bangkok? Fret not. Here's a guide on how to spend the most of your night in this glittering city. Nightlife in Bangkok is so electrifying you will want to come back again for more.
Finding a trendy place to dine and wine in style is a great way to start your evening. Bangkok is home to a couple of rooftop venues where you can enjoy sweeping views of the city and the exquisite Chao Phraya River. The most famous, open-air spots include the Sky Bar (Sirocco) on Silom road (tel: +66 2 624 9999) on the 64th floor of State Tower and Moon Bar (Vertigo) (tel: +66 2 679 1200) on the 61st floor of Banyan Tree Hotel, on Sathorn road.
But if it starts pouring down, stay safe and dry at Three Sixty at Millennium Hilton Hotel (tel: +66 2 442 2000), the newest rooftop venue in Bangkok offering breathtaking 360° views. Three Sixty is roofed so you don't need good weather to have a good time.
Get yourself a map of Bangkok before planning the rest of your evening. Famous among party-goers of all ages and tastes, Sukhumvit is the longest and perhaps the hippest road in Bangkok, boasting a variety of nightlife venues. It is on this happening road where you can find Nana Plaza on Sukhumvit soi 4 and soi Cowboy, off Sukhumvit soi 23, the notorious zones of dodgy go-go bars.
Hanky-panky business aside, Sukhumvit is also home to many hip clubs, pubs and bars including the white and stylish Bed Supperclub on Sukhumvit soi 11 (tel: +66 2 651 3557) and Q Bar (+66 2 252-3274), also on the same soi, well-known among tourists, expats and locals, offering a full range of Cuba cigars.
While most of you might only want to mingle with the same crowds you have back home, but some want to try something different. Visiting local venues is an eye-opening experience. You can see for yourself what locals do when they go out. Try Escudo on Sukhumvit soi 55 (tel: +66 2 381 0866) and Escobar on Sukhumvit s63 (tel: +66 2 711 6565) and observe the world of Ferrari boys and daddy's little girls flashing platinum cards.
At the centre of any Bangkok map, and another area worth exploring is the heart of Bangkok, home to two popular areas, Siam and Silom. Check out CM2 (tel: +66 2 209 8888) at Novotel Siam Square where live band plays on the main area and hip-hop tunes buzz out from the Boom Room. This place is usually secretly swarmed by 'business' girls and their customers. If you don't plan to have anything to do with them, it's still fun to watch them working their magic.
More discreet is Silom soi 2 (Patpong) where various go-go bars dot the area. Watch out for the guys who usually shove a menu of shows at you in an aggressive manner.
Located in the old town, Khao San road always makes it to the top of the list of tourist-friendly favourites, and it's the centre of the Bangkok map for all backpackers. This area is packed with a dizzying array of clubs, pubs and bars. Grab a can of Singha beer and watch the world you are familiar with go by at one of many bars including Buddy Beer (tel: +66 2 629 4477) equipped with pool tables, Brick Bar (tel: +66 2 629 4477), or Silk Bar (tel: +66 2 281 9981).
If you aren't exactly into crazy clubbing and drinking until dawn, try Bangkok's many cultural treats that take place in the evening. Siam Niramit is unarguably the most famous among tourists, featuring a refined 80-miniute show about Thailand (or Siam). The awesome performance combines fascinating stories of Siam in the past, Thai spiritual beliefs and some practical Buddhist lessons with splendid visual and sound effects as well as spectacular costumes. The show is on everyday at 20:00 at the Ratchadda Grand Theatre (tel: +66 2 649 9222).
No matter what you are looking for to have a good time in Bangkok when the sun goes down, you will find it. If one night in Bangkok doesn't make the world your oyster, nothing else probably would. Remember, you can easily get lost and Bangkok is a big place so study your map carefully before an evening out.
goarticles.com
2007/08/07
Amazing Bangkok - The Capital Of Thailand
by Pauline Go
Bangkok is the largest and most populated city in Thailand. It is also the capital of Thailand. It used to be known as Krung Thep in Thai. Bangkok is situated on the east bank of the river Chao Phraya.
The original name Krung Thep has been in use for more than two century. The name Bangkok is used for foreigners and visitors and is only restricted to a particular district of the city.
There are three royal palaces in Bangkok. There are many historical places around and in the city. It was the capital for two kingdoms, namely Krung Thep and, for a short while, Thorn Buri. The reclining Buddha, temple of the huge Golden Buddha, historical sculptures are situated along the banks of the river Chao Phraya.
Bangkok has always attracted tourists, and this is the reason a lot of foreigners are found to have settled in this beautiful city. Many of them have found jobs and then there are others you have started their own businesses to earn a livelihood. There are still others who have come from expensive western countries to spend out their retirement living a cheap, easy and comfortable life in this hospitable city.
The nightlife offers variety of entertainment for the people and is considered to be one of the key attractions of Bangkok. There are clubs and cafes for the wealthy, bars and pubs for those on a budget. A street in the Phra Nakhon district, known as Khao San Road, is considered to be the first international street where all kind of people from various part of the world can be seen.
Earlier Bangkok used to have a network of canals known as khlongs and these were used by people to transport them from one place to another. Now most canals have been converted into roads. However, there are still a few canals which can be seen but unfortunately most of them are not clean.
thailandbuddy.com
2007/08/06
Where to go wining and dining in Bangkok
by Andy Burrows
First-time visitors might find Bangkok a bit overwhelming, especially when finding a nice place to dine. A dizzying array of Bangkok restaurants is located around town, with all kinds of food imaginable. Most of the upscale places usually have an extensive menu of drinks so you can sip a glass of wine and dine on good food at the same time.
Praised for their remarkable services, sumptuous food and jaw-dropping views of the city and the bewitching Chao Phraya River, Sirocco (tel: +66 2 624 9999) on the 64th floor of the State Tower on Silom road and Vertigo (tel: +66 2 679 1200) on the 61st floor of Banyan Tree Hotel on Sathorn road are definitely two of the best rooftop venues in Bangkok.
Serving first-class Mediterranean and Italian cuisines respectively, Sirocco and Vertigo are always booked up so it's a good idea to give them a call to reserve your table and secure your ultimate dining experience. Eating in Bangkok Rooftop bars are also available at these two venues, offering a wide range of very yummy but pricy cocktails and imported wines. If these places sound like they might burn a hole in your pocket, there are plenty of less expensive choices among Bangkok's bars and pubs.
Thai cuisine is definitely a must try once you are in Thailand. Although you might claim to have tasted Thai dishes before in your home country, there's nothing quite as fun as seeing your friend sweat like a pig after a spoonful of authentic, spicy tom yam kung in a Bangkok restaurant. Of course, you can always ask the cook to tone down the spiciness.
Typical Thai dishes can be found in every single local Bangkok restaurant across the city. However, those wishing to dine on Thai cuisine in an elegant style should try Baan Khanitha (tel: +66 2 675 4200) and Blue Elephant Cooking School & Restaurant (tel: +66 2 673 9353), both featuring royal, mild and garnished Thai dishes in a remarkable, upscale atmosphere.
Bangkok also has a full range of other Asian venues including Japanese, Chinese and Indian restaurants where you can eat. Japanese food lovers should try Tsu (tel: +66 2 656 7700) at JW Marriott Hotel and Keyaki at the Pan Pacific Hotel (tel: +66 2 632 9000), serving real Japanese food and fresh sashimi. Dim sum and other Chinese dishes can be found at the China House at the Oriental Hotel (tel: +66 2 659 9000) and at Bai Yun at the Banyan Tree Hotel (tel: +66 2 679 1200).
For those into spices and curries, Indus on Sukhumvit 26 (tel: +66 2 258 4900) and Royal Indian in the old town (tel: +66 2 221 6565) have an array of Indian dishes to please your palate, while live Indian music, silver-star services and scrumptious authentic Indian grub can be found at Rang Mahal at Rembrandt Hotel (tel: +66 2 261 7100) and Tandoor at Holiday Inn Hotel (tel: +66 2 238 4300).
Steak fans can also find a plenty of steakhouses in Bangkok however there are only a few worth trying. The most well-known for their mouthwatering yet pricy steaks is New York Steakhouse at JW Marriot Hotel (tel: +66 2 656 7700). For a family-styled steakhouse, try Great American Rib (tel: +66 2 258 5942) for its homey atmosphere and yummy ribs.
Italian cuisine is quite famous among locals and as a result, you can find Italian venues everywhere in the city. Some of the most notable ones include the 11-year-old Gianni Ristorante (tel: +66 2 252 1619) and Biscotti (tel: +66 2 255 5443) at the Four Seasons Hotel for their authentic Italian dishes with a creative twist. Meanwhile, Scoozi Pizzeria (tel: +66 2 391 5113) and Bella Napoli (tel: +66 2 259 0405) are famed for their pizzas and pastas.
If you want to find French food at a Bangkok restaurant, your best bet is to try one of the French eateries in the larger hotels. Bangkok's old favourite is Le Normandie at the Oriental Bangkok Hotel (tel: +66 2 659 9000), while Le Vendôme (tel: +66 2 662 0530) on Sukhumvit 31 is a renowned newcomer and possibly the only good French venue not situated in a hotel. A few fine German restaurants are scattered around Bangkok. Bei Otto (tel: +66 2 262 0892), the oldest German restaurant in Bangkok, serves a wide range of German beers, bakery items and yummy German grub. Bangkok's bars
Even though most restaurants aren't open into the early hours to serve starving party animals, you can always find countless street vendors with their mouthwatering street treats including BBQ chicken, meatballs and kebabs along Sukhumvit and Silom roads. Soi Nana (Sukhumvit soi 4) is very famous for its variety of tasty kebabs.
With a number of restaurants around town, no tourists will ever go hungry in Bangkok. You also don't have to worry too much about your weight as there are so many things to do in Bangkok that you will burn your calories in a flash. By activities, we mean shopping, of course!
goarticles.com
First-time visitors might find Bangkok a bit overwhelming, especially when finding a nice place to dine. A dizzying array of Bangkok restaurants is located around town, with all kinds of food imaginable. Most of the upscale places usually have an extensive menu of drinks so you can sip a glass of wine and dine on good food at the same time.
Praised for their remarkable services, sumptuous food and jaw-dropping views of the city and the bewitching Chao Phraya River, Sirocco (tel: +66 2 624 9999) on the 64th floor of the State Tower on Silom road and Vertigo (tel: +66 2 679 1200) on the 61st floor of Banyan Tree Hotel on Sathorn road are definitely two of the best rooftop venues in Bangkok.
Serving first-class Mediterranean and Italian cuisines respectively, Sirocco and Vertigo are always booked up so it's a good idea to give them a call to reserve your table and secure your ultimate dining experience. Eating in Bangkok Rooftop bars are also available at these two venues, offering a wide range of very yummy but pricy cocktails and imported wines. If these places sound like they might burn a hole in your pocket, there are plenty of less expensive choices among Bangkok's bars and pubs.
Thai cuisine is definitely a must try once you are in Thailand. Although you might claim to have tasted Thai dishes before in your home country, there's nothing quite as fun as seeing your friend sweat like a pig after a spoonful of authentic, spicy tom yam kung in a Bangkok restaurant. Of course, you can always ask the cook to tone down the spiciness.
Typical Thai dishes can be found in every single local Bangkok restaurant across the city. However, those wishing to dine on Thai cuisine in an elegant style should try Baan Khanitha (tel: +66 2 675 4200) and Blue Elephant Cooking School & Restaurant (tel: +66 2 673 9353), both featuring royal, mild and garnished Thai dishes in a remarkable, upscale atmosphere.
Bangkok also has a full range of other Asian venues including Japanese, Chinese and Indian restaurants where you can eat. Japanese food lovers should try Tsu (tel: +66 2 656 7700) at JW Marriott Hotel and Keyaki at the Pan Pacific Hotel (tel: +66 2 632 9000), serving real Japanese food and fresh sashimi. Dim sum and other Chinese dishes can be found at the China House at the Oriental Hotel (tel: +66 2 659 9000) and at Bai Yun at the Banyan Tree Hotel (tel: +66 2 679 1200).
For those into spices and curries, Indus on Sukhumvit 26 (tel: +66 2 258 4900) and Royal Indian in the old town (tel: +66 2 221 6565) have an array of Indian dishes to please your palate, while live Indian music, silver-star services and scrumptious authentic Indian grub can be found at Rang Mahal at Rembrandt Hotel (tel: +66 2 261 7100) and Tandoor at Holiday Inn Hotel (tel: +66 2 238 4300).
Steak fans can also find a plenty of steakhouses in Bangkok however there are only a few worth trying. The most well-known for their mouthwatering yet pricy steaks is New York Steakhouse at JW Marriot Hotel (tel: +66 2 656 7700). For a family-styled steakhouse, try Great American Rib (tel: +66 2 258 5942) for its homey atmosphere and yummy ribs.
Italian cuisine is quite famous among locals and as a result, you can find Italian venues everywhere in the city. Some of the most notable ones include the 11-year-old Gianni Ristorante (tel: +66 2 252 1619) and Biscotti (tel: +66 2 255 5443) at the Four Seasons Hotel for their authentic Italian dishes with a creative twist. Meanwhile, Scoozi Pizzeria (tel: +66 2 391 5113) and Bella Napoli (tel: +66 2 259 0405) are famed for their pizzas and pastas.
If you want to find French food at a Bangkok restaurant, your best bet is to try one of the French eateries in the larger hotels. Bangkok's old favourite is Le Normandie at the Oriental Bangkok Hotel (tel: +66 2 659 9000), while Le Vendôme (tel: +66 2 662 0530) on Sukhumvit 31 is a renowned newcomer and possibly the only good French venue not situated in a hotel. A few fine German restaurants are scattered around Bangkok. Bei Otto (tel: +66 2 262 0892), the oldest German restaurant in Bangkok, serves a wide range of German beers, bakery items and yummy German grub. Bangkok's bars
Even though most restaurants aren't open into the early hours to serve starving party animals, you can always find countless street vendors with their mouthwatering street treats including BBQ chicken, meatballs and kebabs along Sukhumvit and Silom roads. Soi Nana (Sukhumvit soi 4) is very famous for its variety of tasty kebabs.
With a number of restaurants around town, no tourists will ever go hungry in Bangkok. You also don't have to worry too much about your weight as there are so many things to do in Bangkok that you will burn your calories in a flash. By activities, we mean shopping, of course!
goarticles.com
2007/07/31
The Loy Krathong Festival - lighting up the Chao Phraya
by Eric Lim
The Loy Krathong Festival is one of the most colorful Thai festivals celebrated nationwide. Processions of beautiful girls dressed in traditional costumes carry floral floats that are floated on rivers and lakes. Each province has its special features in celebrating this annual Festival of Lights.
In Bangkok the highlight of the Loy Krathong Festival was a procession of boats from the Royal Thai Navy decorated with various designs and lights presented by various organizations held nightly from 13 - 16 November 2005.
It was a spectacular floating kaleidoscope flickering in the night along the Chao Phraya River from the Taksin Bridge to King Rama VIII Bridge against a backdrop of historical monuments lighted up for the occasion.
The Loy Krathong tradition
What's the significance of this festival beyond the color and pageantry?
The Loy Krathong Festival is a 13th century Sukhothai tradition of Brahmin origin, adapted to Buddhism, to give thanks to the Goddess of water and to seek forgiveness for past misdeeds.
This tradition is particularly strong in agricultural societies where the river gives life and sustenance in a close bond between Man and Nature. To the millions of farmers dependant on its source of water, the Chao Phraya is the river of life.
Held on the 15th night of the new moon in the twelve-month of the Thai calendar, the Loy Krathong Festival usually falls in the third or fourth week of November.
The Loy Krathong ritual
In the ritual, the person kneels by the water, says a prayer, makes a wish, asks for forgiveness and floats (loy) off the lighted krathong. Courting couples float off a krathong together under the full moon and watch as the krathong drifts towards the fulfillment of their dreams.
Making the krathong
Made entirely from natural material, traditional krathongs consist of a small slice of banana trunk to serve as the float, which is decorated with banana leaves, multi-colored orchids, lotus and bright yellow marigolds, a candle and three joss sticks.
In the old days, sharpened wooden slivers are used to pin the leaves. Nails and staples have replaced these today. It's customary to leave some coins and a strain of your hair in the krathong to bring in good fortune and carry away the bad.
Merrymaking on Loy Krathong night
Locally the Loy Krathong Festival is celebrated at various locations near the Chao Phraya River, which are buzzing with activity, heightening as one reaches the riverbanks.
Roads to the piers are filled with vendors and buskers as crowds patiently inch their way to the banks packed with people of all ages. Many queue for boats to float their krathongs mid-stream. The celebration goes on for the whole night with more people arriving in the early hours.
Protecting the environment
Cleaning up the rivers and canals after the festival is a formidable task. On 17 November 2005, the morning after, it took 4,000 cleaners to retrieve 1.2 million krathongs in Bangkok alone!
The City administration discourages the use of Styrofoam, as these are non-biodegradable. The more enterprising have baked bread in the shape of krathongs that are consumed by fishe
Towards a better tomorrow
As fireworks burst overhead lighting the dark Bangkok skies, another Loy Krathong Festival comes to an end. Meanwhile the krathongs drift along the Chao Phraya carrying with them the hopes of thousands wishing for a better tomorrow.
If you're in Bangkok during the next Loy Krathong Festival, view the festivities at any of the Chao Phraya river piers. For a panoramic view, stay at one of the riverside hotels or take a river cruise by night.
goarticles.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
