The majestic "River of Kings", which cuts Bangkok city in half, nourishes the nation's rice paddies, stretching across the delta lands as far as the eye can see. It also provides a major transportation channel to the people of Bangkok who still depend on the river to transport their merchandise, especially rice, as the many canals in the city (called khlongs) are linked to the rice fields.

For a tourist, a cruise along the mighty Chao Phraya River, and perhaps some canals on the Thon Buri side - be it by long tail boat, converted teak rice barge, or express ferry, is the most pleasant way to explore the city once dubbed "Venice of the East". In fact, most of the major sights in the city are easily accessible from the many piers along the river.

There are many river sightseeing web sites. This is a good one.

http://bangkok.thailandtoday.com/sightseeing/08_g03_chaophraya1.html

"Jim Thompson Thai House Museum"

This remarkable Thai style house was the work of the legendary Jim Thompson, an American who came to Thailand at the end of the Second World War and revived the Thai silk industry. His later disappearance in the Malaysia Cameron Highlands while on holiday in 1967 remains a mystery to this day.

A popular destinations for Bangkok visitors, the house contains one of the best examples of traditional Thai residential architecture. Thompson accomplished this by collecting sections of derelict teak houses, some at least two centuries old, and assembling them into this teak house/museum complex set in a lush garden. He also amassed a breathtaking collection of Southeast Asian art which is displayed throughout the house museum.

For more information, check: http://www.jimthompsonhouse.com/ or http://bangkokmag.infothai.com/thompson.htm