Our mission was to take our younger sister on a relaxing and stylish trip from the northern city to the capital. She wanted to visit temples and take beautiful photos, so we thought of the scenic Chao Phraya River and Wang Lang Market. Importantly, there are temples like Wat Ratchabophit and many others in the area, which is why this short trip came about.

The journey began at Sathorn Pier, a place we had never been to before. We took the BTS to Taksin Station and walked towards Exit 2, where we saw a crowd of people, both Thai and foreign, heading towards the pier. Upon arrival, we were slightly confused as the ticket booths and tour desks were all mixed together. The vendors seemed to be more focused on calling out to foreign tourists than Thai locals, perhaps because of our appearance. They spoke in various languages, and when we asked where to buy tickets for the boat, they looked surprised and simply said, "Just walk inside, follow the crowd." We did as instructed and saw people being called to board a boat. Unsure if this was the Chao Phraya Express Boat, we boarded anyway and found ourselves surrounded by other foreigners. We decided to sit at the front, right behind the boat driver. The fare for the entire journey was 14 baht. We didn't know the exact starting or ending points, only that we wanted to go to Wang Lang Pier, as suggested by other online reviews.

As we chatted with our younger sister, we couldn't help but admire the breathtaking beauty of the various landmarks lining both banks of the Chao Phraya River. It was an incredibly relaxing experience, and a unique journey for us. We may have passed by the front of famous hotels and landmarks countless times before, but we never realized how stunning the riverside views behind them were. This trip truly opened our eyes to a hidden gem. Additionally, we got a firsthand experience of the bustling water traffic, which, unlike roads, lacks clearly defined lanes, making for a rather chaotic yet fascinating sight.

After a short walk, we arrived at Tha Chang Pier. We boarded a boat to cross the river to Wang Lang Market, which is bustling with vendors selling a variety of goods, from food and souvenirs to everyday items. Before exploring the market, we decided to take a break and refuel with some caffeine. We found a charming café called "Rarmruay," which means "prosperous." The exterior was stylish, and the interior was even more delightful. We couldn't resist trying their signature drink, the Rumruay Frappe, which was both fragrant and delicious. The owner was also very friendly and welcoming.

After recharging with caffeine, we continued our journey to Wat Ratchabophit Sathit Maha Simaram Ratchawaramahawihan to pay respects to Somdet Phra Phutthachan (Toh Prommarangsi). We prayed for blessings by chanting the Chinabunchorn mantra. After finishing the chant, we planted incense sticks in the pot and gilded the statue. Don't forget to sprinkle holy water for good luck. There is also a bell to ring before leaving, so that your reputation will be famous and people will admire you, as they say. Then we took a walk to admire the view of the pier, which has a lot of pigeons. People feed the birds, fish, or release fish, which you can do according to your faith. If you do good deeds with a kind heart, you will receive blessings.

After paying respects to the Buddha and making merit, it was time to spend some money. The prices here are very reasonable, and you can stroll around and shop in the Wang Lang market style, which offers a wide variety of food and goods at prices ranging from cheap to expensive, depending on the quality. We started to feel hungry, and initially wanted to eat Japanese food, but there were too many people. So, we went to have some delicious duck noodles, which you must try. We also had the famous éclairs and Wang Lang bread, as well as a variety of Thai desserts such as fried pork and Kuay Chai from Talad Phlu. We walked around for hours and had a great time.

After a satisfying shopping and dining experience, it's time to capture some stunning and relaxing photos. We take a boat ride back to Tha Maharaj Pier, where we can capture breathtaking views that are a must-see on every visit. The pier offers various picturesque spots, including the iconic Tha Maharaj sign, the vibrant fountain, and the beautifully arranged bicycles displayed against the wall.

Due to the hot weather, travel fatigue, and the large crowds, we had to end our trip before we could see the sunset here. However, I would like to say that the sunset over the water here is truly magnificent, as we witnessed on a previous visit. So, let's find time to visit again and capture the stunning sunset at Tha Maharaj. We will definitely make time to return and capture the sunset over the water again in the future.

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