Tourists paddle on Vietnamese basket boats through this river at an idyllic ecotourism spot in Thailand.

Nature lovers can enjoy the scenic landscape while riding the bowl-shaped motorboats at the Wat Thong Ramphai temple in Samut Prakan province.

Aside from the relaxing view of the nipa hedges bordering the stream, visitors can also observe the river fauna like mudskippers, shrimps, clams, crabs, and fish, which are harvested by local communities.

Phra Kru Winaithorn Thanakorn Yanakaro, the acting abbot of Wat Thong Ramphai temple, said the rides were inspired by the 'thung chai' or 'thuyen thung' basket boats of Vietnam.

He said he had obtained five basket boats made in Chanthaburi province, and brought them to the temple to be used by tourists for free.

He said: 'My intention was for visitors to learn about the local way of life and natural resources, which made the temple more famous.

'Many people had never heard of the temple before because it was inaccessible by road, but now we welcome outside visitors.'

The monk added that the river was a source of livelihood for the residents, who hunt for seafood there to be sold at local markets.

Tourists who want to try their hands at the basket boat rides can head to the Phra Samut Chedi junction, then turn right towards Chulachomklao Fort, where they will find a pier leading to the temple.