Thailand: Bangkok - A city of contrasts, River bound

Continuing my latest series of photographs of Bangkok, the following concentrate on the Chao Phraya River.... With recent heavy rains during much of October in the north of the country, the waters of the river were particularly high, with scenes of flooding up and down the river, including parts of the metropolitan area.
Although the rains have abated, many areas close to the river bank retain their sand bag defences......

Long-Tail boats waiting near the Grand Palace

 

A near flooded Spirit House......

Local lads taking a dip.....

I really like this house....

A mixture of the old and the new....

 

This one, too....

New homes for the "middle classes"........

Fishing is very popular as the river is full of good size cish....

This Crane takes a free ride down-stream....

"Central World" Tower in the heart of Bangkok's shopping district 

seen here from the river.....

......as is "Baiyoke Tower, Thailand's highest building.

 

Outside a Sino-Thai Temple

Rama VI Bridge

This iron bridge was the first bridge to traverse the river Chao Phraya. Construction began in December 1922 in the reign of King Rama VI and took three years to complete, officially opening on January 1st 1927. The bridge was seriously damaged by American bombers during the Second World War, was repaired between 1950-1953 by a British company and officially reopened by King Bhumibol, Rama IX in December 1953. With a total length of 441.44 meters this is Thailand's longest railway bridge.

Phra Suman Fort was constructed in 1783 to fortify the old city of Bangkok

A fine residence.....

A monk awaits for the Chao Phraya River boat......