Khlong Saen Saeb – The Venice of the East
The traveler who is willing to head off on to the unbeaten path and experience the everyday life of a citizen of Bangkok can glide along the Khlong Saen Saeb. Khlong Saen Saeb is a canal that snakes along the center of Thailand that is used as a means of public transport by an express boat service.
This canal was constructed in 1837 and took 3 years to complete; its main purpose was to be mode of transportation to Cambodia for soldiers and weapons. Stretching over 18km the Khlong Saen Saeb is serviced by 100 boats that accommodate 40 to 50 passengers, reaching a daily mark of 60,000 passengers on any given day. Speed along the canal in a 30 to 40 foot long canoe shaped boat that has a Volkswagen powered engine that shoots up a rooster tail like spray in its aftermath.
Khlong Saen Saeb runs through 4 districts in Bangkok, Prom Prap Sattru Phai, Bang Kapi, Watthana and Huai Khwang. The price range of a ticket varies from 10 to 20 baht depending on your destination and a boat leaves every 15 to 20 minutes. The Khlong Saen Saeb canal transport is a convenient and economical way to do your shopping and site seeing, providing one of the fastest ways to crisscross through Bangkok. On route you will find many temples and interesting simple wooden houses and markets.
Along the 18 kilometer route are many attractions and sites that are worth a visit. A traditional Bangkok market with stalls offering whole sale clothes in Talad Bo Bae lie off Khrung Kasem Road. Visit the famous silk entrepreneur Jim Thompson’s House at the end of BTS National Stadium Station road. Step off beneath Hua Chang Bridge to shop in consumer heaven Siam Paragon.
Located in the heart of the city is the Bangkok Royal President which is a Bangkok serviced apartment. Ideally located close to the river taxis, this Bangkok Sukhumvit hotel offers tranquility in this bustling business center.