The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is introducing a new travel experience for tourists that will guide them through the canals of Thonburi.

The “Thonburi Historic Canal Route Programme” was announced on Friday by deputy governor Sanon Wangsrangboon.

He said it will promote community tourism and provide visitors with a close-up view of the canals in Thonburi and their importance to the people who live along or near them.

“Residents of Thonburi still prefer using canals as their transport routes, and the canal-side lifestyle of communities is really worth exploring,” Sanon said.

“Visitors can discover why this part of town has been called the ‘Venice of the East’ by foreign visitors,” he added.

Three tours will be held next month. The first, on July 15 and 16, will focus on Bangmod canal in Thung Khru district. The second will guide visitors through Talat Phlu canal in Thonburi district and Bang Luang canal in Phasi Charoen district from July 22 to July 26.

The third, on July 29 and 30, will explore the canals in the Bang Khun Thian-Chai Thalae neighbourhood in Bang Khun Thian district.

Each tour, and the activities that are part of it, will be free, Sanon said.