no alt text

Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 19 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Chris Schalkx

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.

Price from: £3
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around
Duration: 30+ minutes

Getting there & doing it

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.

When to do it

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.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Explore Bangkok by Bike & Boat with Lunch

Explore Bangkok by Bike & Boat with Lunch

Bangkok

Explore local markets, interesting temples and untouched parts of Bangkok by bike. Savor an authentic Thai lunch by the canal with your guid...

T1,350 | Rating 4.94 / 5 [51 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Bangkok Walking Tour Including Rickshaw Ride and Long-Tail Boat Ride

Bangkok Walking Tour Including Rickshaw Ride and Long-Tail Boat Ride

Bangkok

This guided walking tour offers a different view and experience of Bangkok for those who wish to see a non-touristy side of the Thai capital...

T1,890 | Rating 4.61 / 5 [13 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Bangkok Tour by Boat and Bike

Bangkok Tour by Boat and Bike

Bangkok

Our Bangkok Paradise Tour is a full day bike & boat adventure, taking you to undiscovered and unseen parts of Bangkok. Avoid the main stre...

T2,650 | Rating 4.94 / 5 [17 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

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

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

Bangkok

Feel like a king on the River of Kings, gliding through the waters of the Chao Phraya River on a longtail boat. Experience famous sights and...

T3,000 | Rating 4.58 / 5 [127 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[0.5 miles]

Landmark luxury at Bangkok’s most famous hotel, on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.

Official star rating:

Capella Bangkok

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[0.8 miles]

A gorgeous riverside bolthole away from the excesses of the city, this is one of the most luxurious hotels in the capital.

Official star rating:

Loy La Long

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[1.8 miles]

A disarmingly eclectic boutique hotel with river views like no other, and rooms with balconies over the water. One of Bangkok’s best budget stays.

Official star rating:

Ariyasom Villas

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[2.3 miles]

Beautiful, intimate boutique hotel in a 1940s villa surrounded by tranquil, lush gardens with a relaxing spa. Excellent location for sightseeing nd shopping.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Bangkok

Central Thailand, Thailand

From dazzling temples to dizzying nightlife, Thailand’s capital is a dish of delicious contradictions, and one of the world’s most dizzying, fast-paced cities.

Website >
Overview >

Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Bicycle tours of Chinatown

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[2 miles]

Bicycle tours through the back-alleys of Chinatown and Bangkok’s rural suburbs offer a fascinating peek into the daily lives of the city’s residents.

Best for ages: 13+ | £20 | 3-5 hours

Website >
Overview >

Jim Thompson’s House

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[3.7 miles]

The former home of silk magnate Jim Thompson – who mysteriously disappeared in the jungles of Malaysia – is a must-see for its well-preserved teak buildings and art.

Best for ages: 13+ | £4

Grand Palace

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[4.1 miles]

Thailand’s most famous cultural site is a glittering complex of jaw-dropping magnificence dating back to 1782. This former seat of power of Siamese kings houses the Emerald Buddha – Thailand’s palladium.

Best for ages: Any | £11

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Teak house surrounded by lush greenery
Experience

Bangkokian Museum

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[1.1 miles]

One of Bangkok’s most popular little museums. The charming, 70-year-old restored teak house offers a compelling glimpse of family life in Bangkok from the 1930s to the 1960s.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

Website >
Overview >

Bangkok’s Creative District

Bangkok, Thailand[1.8 miles]

With galleries, concept stores and art markets amalgamating into a kaleidoscope of creativity, Bangkok’s de-facto design district offers an excellent primer on the city’s burgeoning creative scene.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

Vibrant flowers in large woven baskets for sale
Experience

Flower Markets

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[3.2 miles]

Heaving with jasmine, orchids and marigolds, Bangkok’s flower market is a mesmerising riot of colours, floral scents and boisterous vendors. Visit after midnight, when wholesalers drop off their wares and the market is at its liveliest.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

Website >
Overview >
Overhead view of the park, showing the lake in the centre and the distinct skyline in the background
Experience

Lumphini Park

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[3.4 miles]

When you feel the need to escape Bangkok’s oppressive traffic fumes, Lumphini Park is a lush central oasis and a fantastic place for a stroll. Go early morning and late afternoon when locals come for sports and you’ll find elderly ladies practicing sword fighting and Tai-Chi.

Best for ages: 4+ | Free

Website >
Overview >