Khlong Saen Saeb

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Bridge "Saphan Chaloem La 56" at Phaya Thai Road over Khlong Saen Saep, built in 1908 by King Chulalongkorn.

Khlong Saen Saeb (in Thai: คลองแสนแสบ, also known as Saen Saep) is a canal (Khlong) in central Thailand, connecting the Chao Phraya River to Prachin Buri and Chachoengsao. A portion of the canal is used for public transport by an express boat service in Bangkok.

[edit] History

The Saen Saep canal was built by the order of King Rama III during the conflict between Annam about Cambodia to establish a water transport for soldiers and weapons to Cambodia. The construction started in 1837 and was finished three years after. ^[1]

The Saen Saep starts from Mahanak canal or Khlong Mahanak (Thai: คลองมหานาค) around Mahakan Fortress (Thai: ป้อมมหากาฬ) in Bangkok. In Chachoengsao it terminates into the Bang Pa Kong River.

[edit] Public transportation

An express boat service operates on the Saen Saep, providing fast, inexpensive transportation in traffic-congested central Bangkok. The service has a checkered reputation, due to the polluted water in the khlong and the haphazard nature in which the service is operated.

The 18 km route is served by 100 boats of 40-50 seats, and operates 5:30am to 8:30pm daily. Prices are 8 to 18 baht, depending on distance travelled. The service carries about 60,000 passengers per day. It is run by a company called Family Transport.

[edit] Route

The service runs between Pom Prap Sattru Phai and Bang Kapi districts in Bangkok. At Pratu Nam pier in Pathum Wan\Ratchathewi districts is an interchange, where passengers must change boats. Boats go past Watthana and Huai Khwang districts, running parallel to Petchaburi Road.

[edit] Piers

1. Phan Fa Lilat - terminal, near Golden Mount and other attractions.
2. Bo Bae Market - a large garment market.
3. Charoen Phon
4. Hua Chang - near MBK Center and Bangkok Skytrain National Stadium station and Siam station.
5. Pratu Nam - interchange, near Pratu Nam garment district, Central World Plaza and Pantip Plaza.
6. Chid Lom - near Central Chidlom.
7. Witthayu (Wireless Road) - near British Embassy.
8. Nana Nuea (Sukhumvit Soi 3) - near Bumrungrad Hospital, "Little Africa" neighborhood.
9. Saphan Asok - near Bangkok Metro Phetchaburi station and Embassy of Japan.
10. Prasan Mit - at Srinakharinwirot University (Prasarn Mitr Campus).
11. Ital-Thai Tower
12. Wat Mai Chonglom - near Royal City Avenue (RCA).
13. Thong Lor - a trendy street with many boutique shopping malls.
14. Charn Issara - at Charn Issara 2 Building.
15. Klong Tan - near busy intersection of Petchaburi, Ramkhamhaeng, Rama IX and Phra Khanong roads, with Bangkok Skytrain (BTS) shuttle-bus service.
16. The Mall 3 - The Mall Ramkhamhaeng, near Rama IX Road intersection.
17. Ram Khamhaeng 29
18. Wat Thep Lila - Soi Ram Khamheang 39
19. Ramkhamhaeng - Opposite Ramkhamhaeng University.
20. Wat Klang
21. The Mall Bang Kapi - The Mall Bangkapi on Lat Phrao Road.
22. Bang Kapi - Bang Kapi district office and market.
23. Wat Si Bunrueang - terminal pier, near National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA).

[edit] Reference

1. ^ Shigeharu Tanabe: Historical Geography of the Canal System in the Chao Phraya Delta. In: Journal Of The Siam Society, Vol. 65 Part 2, The Siam Society, Bangkok 1977.

[edit] External links

• The ferry system at 2bangkok
• Disoriented.net - Blog entry on riding the canal boat service.
• Of Khlongs and losing shoes - Another blog entry on riding the canal boat service.

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