Riparian retro:A cruise along the Chao Phraya and adjacent canals features historic temples that gives a fascinating glimpse of how our forebears lived

The country owes many facets of its cultural heritage to this vital artery, around which villages and towns have sprung up, their populations erecting a host of temples and conducting commerce via a network of tributary rivers and canals, waterways being the main mode of transportation until the advent of sealed roads.

As the influence wielded by the Kingdom of Sukhothai waned in the mid-14th century, the centre of power shifted south to Ayutthaya, the city which would be the seat of Siamese monarchs for four centuries until its destruction by Burmese armies in 1767 necessitated the construction of a new capital in Thon Buri.

Since there is no better way of getting an idea of what life was like back in the days when our ancestors' existence revolved around rivers and canals, I decided one recent bright Sunday morning to take to the water myself, joining a trip organised by Siam Vision (Siamtas) which is an active group of culture enthusiasts. What I initially presumed would be a lazy day out requiring the minimum of exertion turned out to be a multi-flavoured journey back in time providing me with awe-inspiring insights into our country's history and traditional riparian lifestyles.

The highlights of our itinerary were four ancient canalside temples dating back to the Ayutthaya period. Starting at the pier under Phra Pin Klao Bridge, we cruised leisurely southward for a while then entered Klong Dao Khanong and made our first stop at the junction with Klong Dan, site of no less than three places of worship: Wat Bang Khunthian Nok, Wat Bang Khunthian Klang and Wat Bang Khunthian Nai.

The second stop was at Wat Nang Ratchaworavihan, a temple farther along on the banks of the same canal. From there our boat re-entered the Chao Phraya via Klong Bangkok Yai before making its way into Klong Bangkok Noi. This scenic route led us to the province of Nonthaburi, where we wrapped up the day's excursion with visits to Wat Pho Bang-o and Wat Bang Oy Chang in Bang Kruai district.

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Writer: PATSINEE KRANLERT
Published: 20/08/2009 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: Horizons

Ref:Bangkokbiznews.com