Chao Phraya river information

About

The Chao Phraya  is a major river in Thailand, with its low alluvial river plain marking the mainland of the country.

It begins at the confluence of the Ping and Nan river at Nakhon Sawan (also called Pak Nam Pho) in the Nakhon Sawan province. The Nan and its biggest confluent, the Yom River, flow nearly parallel from Phitsanulok till Chumsaeng in the north of Nakhon Sawan province. The biggest confluent of the Ping is the Wang River which enters near Sam Ngao district in Tak province. The Chao Phraya system drains an area of approximately 160,000 km², of which the largest contribution is the Ping with 35,000 km².

The Chao Phraya runs from north to south for 372 km from the central plains to Bangkok and the Gulf of Thailand. However in Chainat the river splits into the main river course and the Tha Chin river, which then flows parallel to the main river and exits to Gulf of Thailand the about 35 km west of Bangkok in Samut Sakhon. In the low alluvial plain which begins below the Chainat dam many small canals (khlong) split off from the main river, used for the irrigation of the rice paddies.

The cities along the river are Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chainat, Singburi, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Bangkok and Samut Prakan relatively.

On old maps the river is named as Menam or Mae Nam, the Thai word for river. The name Chao Phraya is also a Thai feudal title, which can be translated as General. In the English-language media in Thailand the name is often translated as 'river of kings'.

Notable Bridges

• Rama VI, rail-road bridge of the southern line
• Phra Pin-klao, near Grand Palace
• Rama VIII, a single tower asymmetrical cable-stayed bridge
• Rama IX, semi-symmetric cable-stayed bridge
• Mega Bridge, part of Industrial Ring Road

Transportation

In Bangkok, the Chao Phraya is a major transportation artery for a vast network of ferries and water taxis.

Pic of a old fort on the Chao Phraya river.

Sightseeing

		Canal tour by longtail boat Spend a relaxing day on the Chao Phraya River (River of the King) and the narrow water-ways of suburban Bangkok. We offers 3 routes, 1 -2 hrs. for 1 trip Send request
		Morning Canals Tour Experience and early morning trip along the bustling Chao Phya River and the quit Klongs( canals ) in a long tail boat enjoy scenes of life by the water, Passing by the Temple of the Dawn (Wat Arun ) and cruise past the dock of the Royal Bargs.Hang yeo, long tailed motor boats can be hired to tour the river and klongs More information
		Dinner Cruise & Thai Classical Dancing Pick up 6.00 pm. pick up from the hotel. transfer to the boat Enjoy a superb Asian dinner while slowly drifting along the riverside of the Menam Chao Phya. Whilst dining on a luxury style converted river barge, you will get a first hand impression of the scenic riverlife by night.Treat yourself to a memorable night on board one of Bangkok’s most luxurious restaurant boats..... More information

Food courts & Restaurants

• Yok Yor, The perfect dining place overlooking the Chao Praya River. More information.

• River Bar.

Hotels

Budget

		TONGTARA RIVERVIEW (Chao Phraya River, Charoenkrung Rd) The Tongtara Hotel, standing out up on the bank of the Chaophraya river has captured the sense, heart, and tempo, of its water and legend... More information
		THE ROYAL RIVER (Chao Phraya River, Charansanitwong Rd) The Royal River Hotel is an International first class hotel, located right on the western bank of the Chao Phraya River, or the "River of Kings". Standing in the heart of the old Thai capital with many attractions nearby, we have a total of 436 rooms suites... More information
		RIVER SIDE BANGKOK (Ratwiti Rd. Bangkok) Because  all  our  guests  are  our  most  important  consideration…  we’re  ready  and  waiting  to  treat  you  to  the  most  personalized  and  attentive  service  you  could  ever  imagine  while  you  enjoy  the  beauty  and  tranquility  offered  by  our  private  setting  on  the  banks  of  the  Chao  Phraya. Send request