Tag: Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort

Appreciating the Beauty of Thailand’s Snakes: A Visit to the Snake Farm in Bangkok

If you’re in Bangkok and are looking to unearth the most unusual experiences in the city, the Snake Farm is one place to visit. It is run by trained caretakers who deal with various snake species including rainbow snakes, green tree snakes, cobras and more. Here is all you need to know about this intriguing initiative before your visit.

Image via needpix

About the Farm

The farm was first opened for public viewing in 1932 and is currently part of the Thai Red Cross Institute in Bangkok. The farm is involved in extracting venom from snakes which is then used for medicinal research and purposes. Additionally, they are committed to creating a more positive attitude towards these creatures through public displays and interactions. Many tourists visit the farm to witness these fascinating creatures, as it is located a short drive away from the city’s hotels like Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort.

Royal Funding

Since its inception, the snake farm has received patronage from the Thai royal family. His Royal Highness Prince Paribatra Sukhumhand was the vice president of the country’s Red Cross Society in the 1920s, and thus created the Simaseng Fund or the ‘Four Snake Fund’. The funding was used to construct the first building in which the farm was held.

Enclosures and Exhibits

The building contains five floors but only the first two are open for public visits. These floors serve as exhibition areas where the 30+ species of snakes are displayed. They also feature large exhibition areas where the process of venom extraction is performed. The second floor contains an interactive museum that provides information on the life cycle of snakes.

The Visitor Experience

Visitors can touch and interact with the snakes under the supervision of the caretakers. They can also witness the process of venom extraction and learn about its importance. Those staying at a nearby Bangkok resort can use the opportunity to visit the farm earlier in the day, before 11 am, when the snakes are most active.

Wondrous Sights By Bangkok Boat Tours – The Mysteries of the Canals

Your trip to Bangkok is not complete without embarking on their famed boat tours along their canals (also called Khlongs). Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting excursion.

History Behind the Canals

The origins of the canal can be traced back to when Bangkok initially became the capital of Thailand, and King Rama I decided he wanted to reside on an island. Eventually, more canals followed, and an entire network was built by the 19th century, stretching for hundreds of kilometres. Although the introduction of cars meant that some canals were covered up and converted to cars, canals remain a core part of Bangkok’s identity.

Best Places to Visit

Khlong Saen Saeb

Amidst the vibrant tapestry of Bangkok’s urban landscape, the Khlong Saen Saeb Canal weaves a dynamic thread, connecting the city’s neighbourhoods, history, and commerce in a way that is uniquely its own. As you step onto the bustling shores of this waterway, you are transported into a realm where tradition and modernity coalesce, offering an intriguing glimpse into the daily life and pulse of the city.

David McKelvey, Khlong Saen Saep Express Boats, Pratu Nam Pier, Bangkok, Thailand, CC BY 2.0

Thonburi 

Nestled along the tranquil banks of the Chao Phraya River, Thonburi stands as a testament to Bangkok’s rich historical tapestry. This charming district, often overshadowed by its bustling counterpart across the river, is a treasure trove of cultural heritage, captivating temples, and a glimpse into the city’s past that whispers tales of grandeur and resilience.

At the heart of Thonburi’s allure lies the resplendent Temple of Dawn, known locally as Wat Arun. This iconic monument, with its towering spires and intricate porcelain adornments, rises majestically against the sky, casting a spellbinding reflection on the gentle ripples of the river below.

What To Look For On Your Tour

Travelling along the Thonburi area is a steep contrast to the bustle and modernity of the city. The Chao Phraya River cruise turns into the canals that are connected to the river and is a short walk from properties such as Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort. You can also get a look into the lives of the locals and how they navigate their daily lives in the city.

See a different side of Bangkok city by biking

Bangkok is a place that has made its mark in the hearts of many travel enthusiasts as a busy and well-commercialized city. However, the city actually holds a lot more than just the skyscrapers and the flourishing businesses. The greenery of this versatile place is just there, a reach away, if only you knew how to access it. For this purpose, a bike ride across the quaint roads of Bangkok that lead into greenery bordered lanes would be ideal. For those who wish to take up a bike rental during their holiday, many Bangkok resorts such as the Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort to name one, are likely to provide bicycle rental services.

Riding through the unseen side of Bangkok will take you through to the lush foliage filled rural areas that resemble ‘hutongs’, a type of narrow street or alley. Tiny roads with hairpin bends will keep you guessing what beautiful scenery awaits you around the next corner. You could either do the exploration of the countryside by yourself, or you could also employ the assistance of a guide who will be able to take you along some of the most hidden parts of Bangkok.

Santi Chai Prakan Park is home to one of the most peaceful and breathtaking riversides of the city. In order to get through to the park, you could cycle through Ratchadamneon Klang road and Khao San road. Once you reach the park you will get the distinctive feeling of having left the bustle of the city behind. When you exit the park and carry on into the suburbs of Bangkok, the change is dramatic and instant. Skyscrapers and traffic give way to little houses, shops and rivers with lanes bordered on both sides by huge trees, and beautiful temples whose architecture stands out among the colourful activity of the rural markets. Strike up a conversation with some of the locals and explore the countryside of this unexpectedly diverse city as you cycle your way through some of the most heartwarming sceneries you will ever come across.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+