Khlong, Thailand

A Canal tour is a “must do” for those who like to see the traditional Thai ways of living and get a special feeling of the country which can only be obtained by taking a canal tour. The Khlong Canal is one of Thai’s unique symbols which is actually a network of canals on the central plain of the country. Local residents started to build their first canals hundreds of years ago. Those waterways made sailing across the country possible. The canals are connected by the Mae Khlong, the Chao Phraya and the Tha Chin Rivers and a number of their tributaries.

For many hundreds of years tiny meandering canals were the only clear way to get to some other parts of the country. With the shipping and water development the Khlong canals have gradually lost their original economic importance. Eventually, it was decided to fill some canals in. It was namely tourism that saved charming canals from the complete destruction.

Narrow rivers passing through the territory of towns and beautiful natural areas have begun to attract the attention of tourists. So it was agreed to keep a part of canals. Today boat rides through the canals are a popular tourist activity. Pleasure craft and wood boats are found cruising through the Khlong Canals every day. In Thailand it is common to find colourful water markets along the way. Some of the canals are often used for holding sporting events. Experienced travellers say that the most picturesque canals are in the surroundings of Bangkok, so this city has gained the name "Venice of the East" not without a reason. Next - Gota kanal