Thailand: Bangkok - A city of contrasts, the waterways

I maintain that Bangkok is still the  "Venice of the East", albeit greatly 'tarnished' and in desperate need of a makeover...... Many of the canals that have existed a century ago, have either become little more than waste grounds or have been converted into roadways for the ever increasing thirsty motor vehicle.
Yet canals remain, though, apart from the Khlong Saen Seap, little used and no longer form the life blood of thie city. Here are some of my favourite locations:

Khlong Law

Close to the Grand Palace & Ministry of Defense Building

 

The Saphan Hok

The bridge was initially made of wood with a lift-able walkway to allow boats to pass by.

Six such bridges were built between the reigns of King Rama IV & King Rama V,

both in Bangkok and Thon Buri. The full name for these bridges was

'Saphan Hok Baeb Wilanda' meaning  Holland-style....

Today, none remain except this 'replica' rebuilt using period photographs.

Reminds me of Amsterdam........

A quiet leafy corner.....

This Khlong has a pleasant rest stop.....

This tree is covered with Chinese shrines

Khlong Wat Thethida

hung with ornaments.....

Close-up

 

A peaceful backwater....

'Local houses' on the Khlong Saen Seap

Passenger boat on the Khlong Saen Seap

Central World Tower in the middle background....

These are two out of eight stone murals on the

small bridge that crosses the Khlong Saen Seap

near Mahakan Fort, close to the Old City

 

Along the Khlong Ong Ang........

The entrance to Khlong Krun Kasem on the Chao Phraya River