Khlong

This article is about คลอง, the Thai term for canal. For โคลง, the form of Thai poetry, see Thai poetry.
Floating market of Damnoen Saduak, Ratchaburi Province

A khlong (also commonly spelled klong; Thai: คลอง (Pronunciation)) is a canal on the central plain of Thailand. These canals are spawned by the Chao Phraya, the Tha Chin, the Mae Klong Rivers, and their tributaries. The Thai word khlong is not limited to artificial canals. Many smaller rivers are referred to as "khlong", followed by the name of the stream.

Khlong in Bangkok

Historically, the Thai capital Bangkok was crisscrossed by khlongs, and so gained the nickname, Venice of the East.[1] Khlongs were used for transportation and for floating markets, but also for sewage disposal. Today, most of the khlongs of Bangkok have been filled in, although the Thonburi side of Bangkok (covering areas west of Chao Phraya River) still retains several of its larger khlongs.

Central Bangkok has the Khlong Saen Saeb, which is a route for a boat service that remains a vital public transportation function in the traffic-congested capital.

Floating markets

Traditional floating markets now exist mainly as tourist attractions, the most famous one at Damnoen Saduak in Ratchaburi Province.

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Khlongs.
  1. ↑ "The Venice of the East" (PDF). Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.


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