Around bangkok in 75 baht a day

[fester]

Operator of the skytrain, Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS), has joined hands with Chao Phraya Express Boat (CPEB) to launch a ferry service that offers city residents and foreign visitors a convenient way to explore historical landmarks and tourist attractions in Bangkok.

The newly-launched service is good value for money because for a price of only 75 baht it gives you a day-long ticket that can be used to travel between the 13 piers the boat service connects for any number of time. There is no limit on the number of trips you can make in a day _ and you can get on and off the boat at will.

``Tourists enjoy travelling around Bangkok by boat. It's a pity we didn't come up with the idea earlier,'' Supapan Pichaironarongsongkram, president of CPEB pointed out to Horizons.

Four boats connect 13 piers the CPEB serves between Sathorn and Banglampoo. They leave and arrive punctually. They are manned by seasoned hands and well trained crew to ensure passenger safety. English-speaking guides are also available to assist foreign tourists.

For a price of 75 baht you get a day-long pass, a guidebook and a bottle of drinking water.

``The boat takes you to Rattanakosin Island, the Temple of Dawn, the Grand Palace, Temple of the Reclining Buddha. The One-Day River Pass enables tourists to travel on their own and save money because they don't have to charter the boat,'' Supapan explained.

The boat cruises at a gentle speed to allow tourists to enjoy the scenery. The 120-seat boat is equipped with toilet. The service runs from 9.00 a.m. until 3.00 p.m. The boats leave piers at 30-minute intervals. Conversely, express boat service is also available for those who are short on time.

``The most important thing is that our service is known for its punctuality,'' she added.

The BTS pitched in by linking the tourist boat service to its skytrain network at Saphan Taksin Station. Map and guidebooks are distributed to commuters and tourist passengers.

``We are also trying to promote the new service through television, print media, website, posters and banners,'' Sirilak Srisimaratna, BTS marketing manager said.

Each day some 5,000 foreign tourists use the skytrain to travel around Bangkok and beat the traffic jam on city streets.

This is just the beginning of a long and extensive partnership between the two parties, Sirilak said. Next on the card is a new travel route along the Chao Phraya accompanied by exclusive dining service which should appeal to locals as well as foreigners. ``There are many old communities along the river famous for their traditional delicacies. Thai people love to travel by boat and Banglampoo itself is noted for good food,'' Mrs Supapan said.

Foot massage service at Maharaj Pier for exhausted tourists and revision of the tour itinerary are also planned. A more modern boat service will be added to serve the Royal Barge Museum and it will be extended to the canal.

``This is not just a matter of transportation. The Chao Phraya River is an attraction in itself. The cool breeze coming off the river is very soothing to the senses,'' she concluded.

--2003-05-10