Khlong Saen Saeb, variously written as Khlong Saen Saep and Khlong San Sap, is a major canal and waterway in downtown Bangkok. It connects the Chao Phraya River with the provinces of Prachin Buri and Chachoengsao. Today Khlong Saen Saeb provides an alternative form of transportation through express ferry services, with stops at piers such as Watthana and Hua Chang.
Khlong Saen Saeb was dredged during the reign of King Rama III. Its original purpose was to provide water transport for soldiers. It was built in 1837 and was completed three years later. It starts at Khlong Mahanak, passing the Mahakan Fort, and terminates at Bang Pa Kong River.
An express boat service along Khlong Saen Saeb provides an alternative form of transportation to the congested road of Bangkok. However, the haphazard nature of its service earns it a rather checkered reputation. The 18km khlong is served by 100 boats each seating 40-50 passengers and operates between 5:30am and 8:30pm. The fare is between 8 and 18 baht, depending on distance. About 60,000 commuters use the service every day.
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