This was published 5 years ago
Reader tips and advice: Exploring Bangkok via the river on the ferries
K9MBBD Passengers boarding a express ferry boat,in Phra Pin Klao Bridge Pier, Chao phraya river, Bangkok, Thailand SunAug26TipometerCredit: Lucas Vallecillos / Alamy Stock Photo
TIP OF THE WEEK
CHAO TIME
Traveller often highlights Bangkok as a wonderful destination yet there are some not so well-known ways to experience its ribbon of life, along the Chao Phraya River.
Long boat ferries from Sathorn Central pier near Saphan Taksin BTS station offer opportunities for authentic river travel alongside locals including commuters and students.
There are 20 stops taking in amazing cultural sights with most fares for any distance less than 20 baht (about 80¢).
The stops includes Pier 8 stop at Wat Pho directly opposite the magnificent Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn) accessible by a cross-river shuttle service for only 3 baht.
Pablo Bateson, Katoomba. NSW
EIRE TRAVEL
In April this year we wanted to travel Ireland by rail. Our research led us to Railtours Ireland and we selected a nine-day tour starting at London Euston station and connecting to Dublin by cruise ferry.
We were impressed with the customer service as were met by a representative at each stage of our journey, even when we were the only ones travelling.
It was great value as lovely hotels with breakfast were included in the price. Railtours Ireland's website also welcomed booking via travel agents if you didn't want to do book it yourself.
Judi Rosevear, Wantirna, VIC
HIKE SOCIETY
Regarding your correspondent's letter (Tripologist, August 12) on how to get to Machu Picchu, my wife and I walked into Machu Picchu on a four-day hike with World Expeditions.
We walked on a relatively newly opened trail from around the village of Chillca, generally along the river. It went through a number of villages on the first day.
As I recall it was a four-day hike not at high altitude. On the last day we had 750-metre climb up to above Wihay Wayna and walked into Machu Picchu from above.
This trail had been used by the Incas as evidenced by the stone steps along the way. It went through some beautiful forests. This is a great trail and there was almost no one on it and I would highly recommend it for anyone not wanting to take the traditional trail.
Bill Higgins, Cammeray, NSW
CHANGING TIMES
We visited Sardinia and Corsica last June. On arriving in Sardinia's capital, Cagliari, we went to change money having US, Australian and sterling cash with us.
No bureau de change at the airport, no money changers in the city and none of the banks provided foreign exchange. The main Bank of Sardinia suggested the GPO, which accommodated us.
A week later in Corsica we found that no money change facilities, no bank, nor the GPO in the capital Ajaccio, would change money.
They simply said they don't do it. Like us, this can catch travellers out. The travel guides I read didn't mention it.
Hayley Anderson, Balmain, NSW
PERMIT ME
If you lease a French car under the excellent short-term lease scheme available to non-EU residents, you will be asked to show an international driving permit when you pick up your car.
I have usually been asked to show it at the depot. Renault Eurodrive's documentation "highly recommends" having a permit, warning that "it is compulsory in many European countries".
All three French car companies use the same organisation so I assume the others say the same. Better to have it and not need it than the opposite.
Brian Macdonald, Watsonia, VIC
Travellers need to be aware that if they wish to apply for an international driving licence that many NRMA centres no longer offer this service.
For many the best option is apply online. Uploading a passport-size picture may be difficult for those who aren't tech savvy.
Peter Miniutti, Ashbury, NSW
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