Chao Phraya River, also known as Menam or Mae Nam from the past, is the most significant water course within the Thai territory.

Among the mountains on the northern part of Thailand, the Ping River and Nan River are floating downhill towards the south. At somewhere around the Nakhon Sawan, the water merges as one and keeps running southbound. It splits again at the vicinity of Chainat, the western waterway is called Tha Chin River while the eastern one is the Chao Phraya. The river was referred to as Menam or Mae Nam back in times, in which Me translates into mother and Nam as water in Thai language, pretty accurately depicting the river’s status among the Thai people. From its origin, the river flows across more than 370km before running into the Gulf of Thailand. Bangkok, the Thai capital, sits right on the mouth where the river exits to the vast Pacific Ocean.

The main waterway of Chao Phraya and its various tributaries principally run across the western part of Thailand, an area under the dominance of monsoon from southwest, which causes the massive rainfall during June and September. Upon the area where the water floats by, multiple basins and deltas are formed from the sediments brought down by the stream, which are outstandingly fertile and ideal for growing rice. Thai rice has a slim-shape with pointed ends, and has long been famed for its glowing white shade, unique aroma and softness after cooking around the world. Annually millions of tons of Thai rice are exported to over 60 countries and districts after feeding the local people, making the No.1 rice exporter in the world. The fertile soil and affluent rainfall have rendered the vicinity of the Chao Phraya River the perfect field for growing rice, the most economically-developed and populous area across Thailand, which is exactly why the river is hailed as the mother river of the country.

The Chao Phraya River remains the major way of transportation around Thailand even today. The water courses float through ten provinces of Thailand, all of which are significant and better-developed parts in the country, including Bangkok and Ayutthaya etc. A few companies are operating dozens of long-distance boat routes and inner-city ferries, water taxis, longtails up and down the water system. Besides, the Chao Phraya River is as well one of the most favorable attractions among both the locals and foreign visitors, since it runs by series main attractions of Thailand, such as the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok, Wat Arun, Wat Pho, Wat Saket and the likes. Apart from the myriad temples and monasteries by the river, people also very much enjoy the floating market constructed on the armies of boats on the Chao Phraya River, which is one of the most locals experience and must-visits when in Thailand.