At Mina A'Salam, the fort-like resort opened by Jumeirah International last year, outdoor transport is available by electric versions of traditional water taxis plying the 3.5 kilometres of specially-constructed inland waterways. Sit on authentic Middle Eastern rugs as you glide between bedrooms, beach, restaurants and spa.

At the Venetian - themed because owner Sheldon Adelson went to Venice on his honeymoon in 1991 - the Grand Canal flows outside and in, beneath bridges and beside streets with shops and cafes. Book your gondola trip on the day, from 9 am: a private two-person trip is $60 for indoors, and $50 outside.

The Peninsula, on the east bank of the Chao Phraya river, uses a fleet of traditional teak barges as shuttles to take you the five-minute journey across to the main part of the city. On the other side, the hotel has a luxurious lounge where you can relax, shop for art souvenirs or call a limousine. And for a perfect sundowner, take a private cocktail cruise followed by dinner in the hotel's magical open-air Thai restaurant, Thiptara.