Khlong Saen Saeb
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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.
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[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
- Main article: Khlong Saen Saeb Express Boat
An express boat service operates on the Saen Saeb, 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.
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 between the northern line, which terminates at Golden Mount, and the southern line which terminates at NIDA, where passengers must change boats. Boats go past Watthana and Huai Khwang districts, running parallel to Petchaburi Road.
[edit] References
- ^ 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.
- Footpaths along Khlong Saen Saeb - Blog on walking along the canal footpaths in Bangkok.
