An elaborate network of canals (known as khlongs) gave Bangkok the nickname "Venice of the East" back when most transportation was by boat. Today, many of the canals have been filled in and converted into streets. There are still some khlongs around though -- and it's a popular tourist thing to rent a boat and go touring around them.
The boats are quite zippy and the water looks quite polluted (although there were kids swimming in it and one person washing their dog in it).
Nice way though to see another side of Bangkok -- the houses run the gamut from shacks to beautiful teak homes.
We were about 3/4 of the way through the tour when it started to rain (huge thunderstorm) -- we hid out under a bridge for awhile, but the storm didn't seem to be letting up at all --- so the boat driver took off for a small covered shopping area on the side of the canal and dropped us off there to wait for the car / driver. It was pouring --- and the boat offered little protection so we were soaked by the time we got to the shopping area. Very chilly car ride back to the hotel!
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