11 kilometers south of Mandalay, the unique U Bein Bridge is a beautiful 1.2 kilometer long structure built from teak planks and said to be the longest of its type in the world. In 1857, when the capital moved from nearby Amarapura to Mandalay, the local mayor (named U Bein) salvaged wood from pieces of the dismantled teak palace and reconstructed it into this magnificent bridge.
The bridge’s attraction is not just in the design but that it remains a central part of the community. Each and every day locals and saffron-robed monks use the bridge. You will see them walking their bicycles home along as well as fishermen going about their daily work in its shadow. Views of the bridge are said to be the most impressive at sunset and the best photo opportunities can be found by hiring a boat to get a close up view of the bridge from the water.
In addition to the bridge there is a vibrant market seeing local wares as well as food and souvenirs. You can also sample some of the local food like ...
Taling Chan Floating Market is a small market built on the banks of a local Klong (canal). It was founded in 1987 and has become a part of the local community.
In Thailand markets are part of the fabric of life, from morning fresh food markets to evening markets that seem to cover city blocks, shopping and food are necessities for Thai culture. One of the popular things to do is to take the family to a floating market to eat and shop from the locals.
Taling Chan Floating Market is just a short trip for people from Bangkok to escape the city and enjoy the market. About 30-45 minutes outside of downtown Bangkok it’s an easy trip to experience a great part of Thai culture.
In addition to food people can take boat tours on the canals and see more of the area. Worth a trip for anyone that has a half a day to spend making great memories.
Taling Chan Floating Market - Food, Shopping & Boat Tours - Bangkok Thailand 2025
Wat Chaiyaphrueksamala
Wat Chaiyaphrueksamala Ratchaworawihan วัดชัยพฤกษมาลาราชวรวิหาร known in short as Wat Chaiyaphrueksamala and Wat Chaiyaphruek is a second-class royal Buddhist temple in ratchaworawihan type. It is located beside Khlong Maha Sawat, around the mouth of the canal, where it converges with Khlong Bangkok Noi, northeast of Taling Chan District. Across Khlong Maha Sawat is an area of Tambon Wat Chalo, Bang Kruai District, Nonthaburi Province.
The temple was built during the Ayutthaya period. On founding the new city at Thonburi in 1767, some brick structures of the temple were disassembled and the brick removed for use in the construction of the new city wall.
During the reign of King Rama I (1782–1809), the Crown Prince Chim (later King Rama II) attempted to rebuild this abandoned temple, but the construction was not completed because of the war with Burma. The work was not undertaken again until 1851 when King Rama IV (1851–1868) ...
Wat Worapho (Wat Rakang วัดระฆัง)
Wat Wora Pho is located in the west of Cha Krai Ya (Klong Toh) canal. It is unknown when it was built or by who. Records indicate that Phra Si Sin who later become King Song Tham (1620-1628) was a high ranked monk at this temple. So the temple was built before the reign of King Song Tham.
Formerly. the temple was know as Wat Rakang or the temple of the bell. In the reign of King Borommakot (1732-1758) the name of the temple was changed as Wa Wora Pho. This because of a sacred banyon tree was sent to the king from Ceylon and it was planted at this temple.
The temple design is much different than what is normally seen in Ayutthaya. It’s also near many other sites and worth a short stop to see.
Wat Wara Pho (Wat Rakang วัดระฆัง) - Ayutthaya Historical Park - With Drone Footage - Thailand 2025
