It is Bangkok’s vast network of canals better known as Khlongs that has earned its name the “Venice of the East”. The Khlong Saen Saeb is perhaps the favourite of travellers from amongst these canals which allows them to get about the traffic congested parts of the city with so much ease and without hassle. Long-tailed boats glide about its waters with so much grace that it is a fascinating sight to watch as well as to travel along, enjoying the vistas of the city.

Built with the purpose of transporting soldier and weapons to Cambodia during the conflict between Siam and Annam about Cambodia, the Khlong Saen Saeb was built under the patronage of King Rama III. The construction of the canal, which started in 1837, concluded three years later and was a mesmerising sight back in the day, filled with blooming lotuses floating about the water. However now, the canal, having become a mode of public transportation, does not have the gentle lotuses that it once used to have. Nevertheless, the canal still remains to be an attractive place, which lures in quite a number of travellers and locals alike.

Starting from Mahanak canal or Khlong Mahanak, the Khlong Saen Saeb runs around the Mahakan Fortress in Bangkok, concluding in the Bang Pa Kong River in Chachoengsao. The Khlong makes for an ideal means of transport, which could be effectively used to explore the city as it conveniently avoids the heavy traffic while making sure it makes its stops at all the must-see attractions in town. Making its way between Pom Prap Sattru Phai and Bang Kapi districts in Bangkok, the Saen Saeb ferry features two lines which interchange at Pratunam at which passengers are required to change boats.

Along the way, one can visit the The Golden Mount Temple, Wat Ratchanada, Democracy monument, Jim Thompson’s House and other attractions in the old city area while also indulging in some shopping at the Bo Bae clothing wholesalers market, Siam Square, Siam Paragon, Siam Discovery, MBK, Pratunam Market, Platinum Fashion Mall, Panthip IT Mall, Central World and Gaysorn.

If looking for Bangkok serviced accommodation while indulging on this adventure, the Citadines Sukhumvit 16 Bangkok is a recommended Bangkok apartment hotel that is preferred by many. Centrally located with plentiful luxuries, one can get about Bangkok with ease from here while coming back to rest one’s limbs at this opulent lodging.

Nigel Walters is a travel writer, who writes under the pen name, Free Spirit. His content is based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life.

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