The confluence of the Ping and Nan River marks the auspicious start of Thailand’s most important source of water: the Chao Phraya River. The rivers converge in front of a dam in Tambon Pak Nam Pho, its two distinct colors of red and green intermingling. The majestic river wends its way through many provinces before curling through Bangkok and flowing into the ocean via the Gulf of Thailand at SamutPrakan province.
Approximately 370 kilometers in length, the best place to view the very beginning of the Chao Phraya River is at the Chao Pho Thepharak-Chao Mae Thapthim Shrine. Boat rides are available from the Chao Phraya Pier, and visitors can pay homage to Luang Pho To Buddha image at Wat Pak Nam Pho (Wat Thong ThammachatNuea) nearby.