All A-quiver On The River

River Cruises. Only got a few hours? Slap on some sunblock and zip around Khlong Bangkok Yai on a longtail boat for a fascinating look at tropical waterfront living, but avoid the snake farm. Locate nice Mr Boatman at the private pier at the Mandarin Oriental (see Accom) who will aid you in securing a vessel (walk through the hotel gardens, out to the terrace, but don’t look manky, or you won’t get past the watchful foyer staff). Or, go luxe on overnight trips to the glorious ancient ruins of Ayutthaya aboard Manohra Cruises / manohracruises.com / whipping around on one of their meticulously restored rice barges. Or, choose a customised day trip or longer three-day journeys with Thai River Cruises / thairivercruises.com. About 55 mins each way, allow 5 hrs for the round trip incl. lunch.