370989 5 Location 544768 <p>Canal (khlong) transport is the chosen method of getting to work and back home for some 60,000 thousand Thais. They don't take the boat for fun but do so because it is a very efficient, inexpensive and fast way to commute. But for tourists, taking a commuter canal boat can not only be a great way to get from A to B, it can also be great fun. Don't be put off by reviewers who say it is too dangerous. Sure, the water is filthy and the boats come into and leave the piers at quite a lick, so it's not suitable if you are carrying luggage or you are unsteady on your feet. But if you keep your wits about you it's safe enough, and well-worth the effort. You will see a side of Bangkok not possible by any other means of transport.</p><p>The main artery of the inner city commuter canal system is called Klong Saen Saap and runs from The Golden Mount (Poo Cow Tong) all the way to Bangkapi, a distance of some 18 kilometres. There are 23 stops on the route, many of them at road bridges. So if, for example you are staying in Cow Saan Rd, and you want to go to Jim Thomson's House get on the boat at Golden Mount and get off at Charoen Phon; if you want to do some shopping or catch a movie get off at Hua Chang (near Siam Bridge) and take a short stroll to some of the city's main shopping malls such as MBK, Paragon or Siam Centre. If you want to get to Sukhumvit Rd stay on the boat for another couple of stops; if you want to go to the Eastern Bus Station (Ekamai) ask the ticketman or a fellow passenger to tell you when you get to Prasan Mit, etc.</p><p>On your way you will sometimes see people swimming (believe it or not!), you will see into the shacks of the khlong people, some will wave to you, while others will go quietly about their chores, washing clothes, cooking, watching TV, feeding their children.</p><p>Be warned: The service starts quite early in the morning but shuts down at 8pm.</p> 2007-04-14T22:21:03-07:00 1235222529 2007-01-28T16:00:00-08:00 0 -9223372036854775790 229902 4288890 370989 0 0.213779226315333 2007-01-27T16:00:00-08:00 Published 100.0 2007-04-14T22:24:58-07:00 80700 0