One of the most fascinating areas of Bangkok, the riverside reflects a constantly changing scene with taxi boats gently transporting passengers, rice barges being towed laden with goods and local trading boats, against a backdrop of glittering temples and modern warehouses. The riverside area also contains some of Bangkok's most prestigious hotels, from The Mandarin Oriental - consistently voted "Best Hotel in the World" to the Shangri-La, and the Sheraton. Good value first class hotels like the Menam, established before the real estate boom are also located this area.
Close by is Sanam Luang - the political capital of Bangkok which has many historic landmarks and buildings, including the Grand Palace. The area remains relatively free of modern architecture and gives a better feel for "old Bangkok."
