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For many Bangkokians who live far from the river, the chance to enjoy a boat ride on the majestic Chao Phraya River or visit its webs of canals is a joy only tourists get to experience. Most locals tend to be stuck in the concrete jungle from dawn till dusk.

We decided to enquire about the boat taxi in front of the hotel. A woman in her 50s stood next to the sign advertising the boat route. I asked her about the fare and she gave me a cold, almost hostile look. "1,000 baht an hour," she said, and then turned away.

"From where to where?" I insisted. She answered coldly again: "To Bangkok Noi Canal and return via Mon Canal."

"Bad vibes," I told my friends. "Let's not do it."

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