Boats are an often neglected form of travel in Thailand, much to many a visitor’s loss.  In Bangkok, public ferries and other boats use the Chao Phaya River as their thoroughfare, thus avoiding Bangkok’s frequently congested streets.  They are very cheap and stop next to some of the country’s most famous sites, such as Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn) and the Grand Palace.

In addition to the world famous cruises of Phang Nga Bay in Phuket and Krabi, a number of boats of different styles carry tourists up and down the Mekong River between the Golden Triangle and the ancient capital of Laos, Luang Prabang.