Discover Bangkok's Temples and Travel by Longtail Boat on River of Kings
Bangkok

Price: T2,550
Min age: 6
Rating 4.59 / 5 [132 ratings]
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Travel bucket list idea:
Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand
|A trip down the Chao Phraya River or Bangkok’s many khlongs (canals) is the best way to get under the city’s skin. Seen from the water, a wholly different Bangkok reveals itself: kids dive-bombing from rickety bridges, elderly ladies doing laundry, and croc-sized monitor lizards lazing in the sun.
One of the most enjoyable (and cheapest) boat rides is the public San Saeb Express, which connects the gleaming city centre to Bangkok’s historical heart, passing by stilted shanties and glittering temples along the way.
On the other end of the spectrum are the snazzy dinner cruise lines, such as Suppaniga Cruise, which combine fabulous Thai food with spectacular sunset views of Rattanakosin’s riverside temples.
The Central Pier connected to the Saphan Taksin BTS station is the main transport hub for public transport boats running up and down the Chao Phraya River. Opt for one of the comfortable (but pricier) sightseeing boats if you’re planning to make frequent stops along the way or board a regular express boat for single trips. The Central Pier is also a good spot to arrange private long tail boat trips through the canals north of the river.
For the San Saeb Express boat option, Tha Hua Chang wharf is a handy boarding point if you’ve visited the Jim Thompson House. Tha Pratunam is a good pier if you’ve been shopping at Central World. At the other end of the canal, your final stop will be Tha Saphan Phan Fah, near the Golden Mount and a good departure point for exploring the older parts of Bangkok, including Pra Nakhon, Rattanakosin and Banglamphu.
Boat tickets start at £3, dinner cruise from about £30 per person.
Both the San Saeb Express and the Chao Phraya River lines run 7 days a week, year-round. They can get very crowded during rush hour in the mornings and early evenings, so you’ll want to avoid travelling long distances with them during these times.
The upscale dinner cruises, including Suppaniga Cruise, follow their own timetables. Check their websites for the latest updates and boarding points.
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Central Thailand, Thailand
From dazzling temples to dizzying nightlife, Thailand’s capital is a dish of delicious contradictions that beffudles the senses. One of the world’s most dizzying, fast-paced cities, home to the glittering Grand Palace.