One of the best things to do if you want to see Bangkok from a different vantage point is to take a boat tour of the many canals. West of the Chaophraya River the concrete jungle of Bangkok is replaced with trees and old style houses surrounding the many canals that criss cross the area. From a boat you can see the many temples, markets and houses that have been built over the generations. Life moves at a completely different pace and it’s a fantastic part of Thailand.
As well as the canals the area is honeycombed by small alleys and streets lined with small businesses, houses and markets. It’s part of the city that is not see by most tourists.
Starting at Bang Wa Pier we see life along the canals and part of the history of Thonburi and the old route of the Chaophraya River.
Exploring the Canals and Alleyways of Thonburi Thailand - Part 1
Wat Suthiwararam is a temple that is over 250 years old. This temple was originally called "Wat Khae" which is located next to the Chao Phraya River in lower Bangkok.
Later in the early Rattanakosin period was also called "Lao Temple or Wat Lao" because this area was the location for the Lao community that immigrated to Bangkok. The temple received the Royal Wisungkhamsima in 1881 during the reign of King Chulalongkorn.
It is assumed that it was built in the Thonburi period. It is considered a family temple in Songkhla.
Today, the temple has looks much different than when it was abandoned. Wat Sutthiwararam has renovated the chapel to make it more beautiful.
Behind the chapel is a large Buddha image named "Phra Phutthasiri Sutthisawat", often referred to as "Luang Pho Phra Yai" which beside this Luang Pho Phra Yai also has the image of Thao Wessuwan the Great and Thao Kuvera the Great Phraya Yak that resides at the left and right side of Luang Pho Phra Yai.
The area around the chapel which has ...
Wat Khun Saen (วัดขุนแสน)
This deserted temple is located on U-Thong Road, west of the Hua Ror market. Its present day boundary extends right to the base of the road. One of its chedi stops right before the pavement begins and card have curve around it.
As a restored ruin, Wat Khun Saen has many of its structures remaining. Its highlight is that It has been expanded over the years, which creates the unique appearance of a small chedi being consumed by a larger one. The view from the chedi’s western side shows how these temples were sometimes expanded over preexisting structures. On site there is the basic foundation of a sermon hall, which includes pieces of Buddha images and some sema stones. Portions of a wall can be seen surrounding the monastery.
Traces of several small chedi can also be seen on the premises, including the one located right next to U-Thong Road. There are a number of large and interesting Bodhi trees that provide shade as well as an interesting site growni g into the ...
Port FC vs Ayutthaya FC 2025
The opening match of the 2025 Thai League season between Port FC and Ayutthaya United took place on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at 6:30 PM local time at PAT Stadium.
The match was part of the first matchday of the Thai League 1 season. Port FC hosted Ayutthaya United, marking the start of their league campaign.
Port FC are looking at improving from their 5th place finish last year while Ayutthaya has been promoted this year from the lower division.
As always the crowd and environment at PAT stadium makes it for a great night out with a bit of football tossed in for an added bonus.
Port FC vs Ayutthaya United - Home Opener August 17, 2025 - Bangkok Thailand
