Top Bangkok Tours

If you are interested in the former way of life of the Thai people, it’s particularly relevant to see how the ‘Kalongs’ (Canals) evolved and have continued to influence life in Bangkok.

The first ‘Khlong’ dates back to the 16th century, when a canal was dug to shorten the distance between the sea and the then Thai Capital at Ayutthaya. When General Chakri became Rama One in 1782 he moved the Capital from Thonburi to the East side of the River at Bangkok and ordered the digging of a canal across a neck of land, creating an Island for improved defence of the inner City.

Since that time, canals were created throughout the greater City area and used as an efficient means of transport, for goods or people and a lifestyle that evolved around the Khlongs with stilt houses, perched alongside. By the middle 20th century, Bangkok abandoned Boats for Cars and the Canals were filled in to make Roads, with houses built on land.

You can still visit a floating Market today and experience the way of selling and buying fruits, vegetables and souvenirs. It is a chaotic, colourful and noisy experience, but great fun for all the family and something very different to do, in this increasingly modern City.