Rivers in Thailand

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Three rivers, three completely different trips

Thailand's three rivers worth travelling for are the Chao Phraya through Bangkok, the Kwai in Kanchanaburi with its wartime history, and the Mekong along the Laos border.

Here is the list of 3 Rivers in Thailand

1. Chao Phraya

Chao Phraya is one of the major rivers of Thailand that goes south to the Gulf of Thailand, along with many tributaries and canals that originate from this river. Chao Phraya, when translated gives ‘River of Kings’, oweing to its length of 372 kilommeters and the purpose it serves. It flows through a major part of country and forms a low alluvial plain in the central region, giving rise to the rich agriculture of the country. It originates at the meeting of Ping and Nan river at Nakhon Sawan.

2. Mae Klong River

Also spelled as meklong river, Mae Klong river covers the western region of the country. It originates at Kanchanaburi at the confluence of two rivers - Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai, flows south and drains into the Gulf of Thailand in Samut Songkhram Province. This 145 km long river is the country’s premier stingray fishing spot for adventure and wildlife enthusiasts. There are hundreds of waterways, canals and tributaries that make their way to different cities from this river.

3. Mekong River

Mekong is a river in south-east Asia that is 7th longest in Asia and 12th longest in the world, with a total length of 4350 km. Known as Mai Nam Khing in Thailand and flowing in the north-east part of the country, it contributes a major share of fish stock in Thailand. It’s influence on Thai culture isn’t much prominent, but since it provides thousands of people their source of living it is one of the important rivers of Thailand.

Rivers are how Thailand was built, and in Bangkok they are still the fastest way across town. Lakes in Thailand covers the reservoirs, floating markets in Bangkok the canal markets, and day trips from Bangkok the route out to Kanchanaburi.

This post was published by Shreya Prasad

FAQs on Rivers in Thailand

What is the best way to experience the Chao Phraya?

The public express boat, not a dinner cruise. It runs the length of central Bangkok for a few baht, stops at most of the riverside temples, and is genuinely faster than a taxi at rush hour.

Why is the River Kwai famous?

For the railway bridge built by Allied prisoners of war and forced labourers under Japanese occupation, and the death railway that ran beside it. Kanchanaburi has the bridge, two war cemeteries and a serious museum.

Can I see the Mekong in Thailand?

Yes, along the north-eastern border. Nong Khai, Chiang Khan and the Golden Triangle at Chiang Saen all sit on it, with Laos on the far bank. It is the least visited of the three and the most rewarding for it.

Are river cruises worth it?

The overnight and multi-day cruises between Bangkok and Ayutthaya are pleasant but expensive. For most trips the public boats, a longtail through the Thonburi canals, or a raft house on the Kwai give more for less.

When is the water highest?

Late in the rainy season, roughly September and October, when the Chao Phraya can flood its banks. The dry months from December give calmer water and better conditions for canal and longtail trips.