.jpg)
MENAM CHAO PHRAYA
Chao Phraya River is the soul of Bangkok, the visit in 2000 and 2006 would show a city in the midst of an incredible transformation.
My photo taken from the river at that time feature Wat Arun, the most iconic landmark on the west bank of Bangkok.
Its central prang (spire) stands about 82 meters tall and is encrusted with bits of colorful Chinese porcelain and seashells.
It represent Mount Meru, the center of the universe in Buddhist cosmology. Between my two visit in 2000 & 2006, the river skyline began to change as more modern hotels and luxury residences started appearing, though the temple remained the timeless anchor of the view.
My two visits happened during a pivotal era for Bangkok's riverside.
| Feature | In 2000 | By 2006 |
| Skyline | Mostly dominated by temples and older low-rise buildings. | The "Skyscraper Boom" was in full swing; more modern glass towers were visible. |
| Transport | The BTS Skytrain was brand new (opened late 1999). | The system was well-established, and the MRT (Subway) had opened in 2004. |
| River Life | Traditional "long-tail" boats and heavy rice barges were the main sights. | More organized tourist dinner cruises and "Tourist Boat" services began to flourish. |
| Development | Areas like Charoen Krung were quiet and industrial. | The seeds of the "Creative District" and high-end riverside malls were being planted. |
During this era, traditional floating markets - where vendors sold agricultural products and local food from wooden boats, began transforming into major tourist attractions. Popular riverside and boat snacks during our visits likely included boat noodles, mango stick rice and coconut ice crea.
WAT ARUN
During the period of 2000 - 2006, Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn) remained one of Bangkok's most significant cultural and religious landmarks. Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. It is a 1st class Royal Temple renowned for its towering central spire and intricate floral mosaics made from broken Chinese porcelain.
The temple has existed since the Ayutthaya period (17th century), originally named Wat Makok.
In 1768, King Taksin arrived at the Temple at dawn while fleeing the Burmese army. He renamed it Wat Chaeng and made it his royal temple when he established Thonburi as the capital.
The temple briefly housed the sacred Emerald Buddha before it was moved across the river to its current home at Wat Phra Kaew in 1785.
Hj Zulheimy Maamor
Lembah Keramat, K.L
1/1/2026: 12.56 a.m
