Exploring Thailand’s waterways
A trip to Thailand in November 2005 created an interest in the waterways of Bangkok -being driven around in a Taxi I could never gets my bearings. I would imagine that using the canals or the Sky Train would avoid not only the traffic jams and but I would get a clearer picture of where everything is in Bangkok.The canals are know as khlongs . Bangkok was known as the Venice of the East because there were so many used for transportation and trading. Today, most of the khlongs of Bangkok have been filled in and converted into streets, but on the Thonburi side of Bangkok (covering areas west of Chao Phraya River) some of the larger klongs remain.Khlong Saen Saeb, in central Bangkok is a route for a boat service that provides public transportation, a necessary alternative to the traffic congested streets in Bangkok.The traditional floating markets are mainly tourist attractions - the most famous one at Damnoen Saduakin the Ratchaburi province.I have been pleasantly surprised by how much information there is on the web and will be better equipped for the next trip.