Tourism Authority of Thailand and Partners Launch “Explore, Paddle & Discover Bangkok” Waterway Route at Bangkok Design Week 2026

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) together with key public and private partners officially unveiled a new cultural tourism route, “Explore, Paddle & Discover Bangkok” (LadLor Long Krung) (ลัดเลาะ ล่องกรุง), highlighting the historic Bang Lamphu (บางลำพู) Canal and Ong Ang (โอ่งอ่าง) Canal as part of the Bangkok Design Week 2026 festival.

Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaiboon (ฐาปนีย์ เกียรติไพบูลย์), Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, presided over today’s press conference announcing the project. She was joined by senior government and city officials. The new “Explore, Paddle & Discover Bangkok” route along Bang Lamphu Canal and Ong Ang Canal comprises six curated experiences that allow visitors to enjoy scenic waterways and absorb the historic atmosphere of Rattanakosin (รัตนโกสินทร์) Island, Bangkok’s old city core. The initiative seeks to promote understanding of the canals’ historical roles, including bridges and former city fortifications, while encouraging exploration of Bang Lamphu (บางลำพู) and Ban Pan Thom (บ้านพานถม) neighborhoods to experience local community life and traditional crafts such as embroidery, gold leaf art, and nielloware. The tour also highlights Ong Ang–Chakkrawat, (โอ่งอ่าง-จักรวรรดิ) a vibrant multicultural district noted for its heritage and historic Thai-Chinese herbal trade.

The route is part of the wider Bangkok Design Week 2026 festival, an 11-day city-wide celebration of innovation and creativity running from January 29 to February 8, 2026. Organized by the Creative Economy Agency (CEA) in collaboration with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and public, private, and community partners, the festival features design exhibitions, workshops, talks and tours — all emphasizing the role of design in enhancing urban life and economic development.

TAT and its partners are offering guided boat tours and experiences along the Bang Lamphu–Ong Ang Canal route during Bangkok Design Week. Visitors and residents alike are invited to explore the waterways and surrounding creative districts as part of the festival’s program. Detailed schedules, tour times, and activity information are available at the Bangkok Design Week official website: www.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2026/program

For further travel information and assistance, visitors may also contact the 1672 Travel Buddy hotline.