Bang Pakong River, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand

4David B 5:00 PM Jul 27, 2017

Riverside Lunch
The Bang Pakong River is one of the major rivers flowing through Thailand's Central Basin. It originates in Prachinburi Province, and flows through Chachoengsao Province, before emptying into the Gulf of Thailand at the Bay of Bangkok. Its watershed is about 17,000 square kilometers and it powers a large power station near its mouth. The Bang Pakong is home to the threatened Irrawaddy dolphins, and to protect them many local fishermen have been persuaded by authorities to stop shrimp fishing. Many of the fishermen have modified their boats for tourist "dolphin watching", but it is a seasonal affair. I saw the Bang Pakong River in Chachoengsao, where it flows through the city. At one point there is a grand promenade along the river bank which includes pavilions where you can sit and watch the river flowing towards the sea. A little further along are two or three restaurants built on pontoons on the side of the river, making them excellent places to enjoy lunch or dinner.