HISTORICAL MEMORY ALONG THE RIVER OF KINGS ABOARD SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, BANGKOK’S HORIZON CRUISE
Bangkok, June 2018 – Individual or group travellers can relive the magic of cruising along the Chao Phraya River that lies in the history and cultural landmarks located along the river aboard Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok’s Horizon Cruise. The Horizon Cruise takes guests north to witness the spirit of Bangkok and the charm of old Siam by night.
After the fall of Ayutthaya, King Taksin located his new capital on the western banks of the Chao Phraya River in an area known today as Thonburi. After his death, King Rama I found the eastern banks more favourable. He then founded modern Bangkok there and celebrated the occasion by building some of the world's most beguiling temples, such as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. Historical landmarks are located on both sides and can be seen from the legendary Chao Phraya River. In ancient times, rivers and canals were vital for communication, transportation and trade. The River of Kings – as King Rama I named it – is the lifeblood of Bangkok. This river runs through a large portion of Bangkok and showcases an important part of Thailand’s history.
Shangri-La’s nightly cruise provides an exciting way to discover Bangkok’s history along the Chao Phraya River, including the Temple of the Reclining Buddha or Wat Pho, which is regarded as Thailand’s first university and the centre of traditional Thai massage; the Grand Palace – one of the most visited landmarks in Bangkok, which houses the world-renowned Emerald Buddha; the Temple of Dawn or Wat Arun featuring the 82-metre-high Khmer-style pagoda that attracts the first light of the morning with a pearly iridescence; and the Temple of the Golden Bell or Wat Rakhang Kositaram built during the great Ayutthaya period.
Historical and famous attractions include the Royal Thai Navy Convention Hall; Tha Phra Athit, which is well-known to many foreigners because it leads to Kao San Road; Santi Chai Prakarn Pavillion, which commemorates the auspicious occasion of the sixth cycle birthday of His Majesty the King; Rama VIII Bridge; Santa Cruz Church built in 1770 after the fall of Ayutthaya; and Kiang Au Keng Shrine and Guan Yu Shrine, which is dedicated to the ancient Chinese God of War. Both shrines were rebuilt during the reign of King Rama III.
The historical memory along the River of Kings can be enjoyed aboard the Horizon Cruise every evening at 7:30 p.m. from the NEXT2 Pier. Return to the hotel is at 9:30 p.m. This nautical restaurant offers guests an international buffet in a spacious air-conditioned dining cabin or open-air seating on comfortable fore and aft decks while admiring the magnificent scenery by night.
Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok also offers private cruising and special VIP parties aboard the Horizon Cruise for groups of up to 150 people. A selection of dining and cocktail menus is available for all types of private charter events.
Nowadays, although Bangkok has become a modern city, the Chao Phraya River is still charming for visitors who wish to seek a peaceful atmosphere. As the longest river frontage property of a quarter of mile, Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok is ideally situated to share this wonderful historical memory with guests and other visitors to Thailand. For more information and enquiries, please call Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok on (66 2) 236 7777 or e-mail: slbk@shangri-la.com/bangkok.
Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently operates over 100 hotels with a room inventory of over 41,000. Shangri-La hotels are five-star deluxe properties featuring extensive luxury facilities and services. Shangri-La hotels are located in Australia, Canada, mainland China, Fiji, France, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sultanate of Oman, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. The group has a substantial development pipeline with upcoming projects in Australia, Bahrain, mainland China, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia. For more information, please visit www.shangri-la.com.
