Bangkok
Chao Phraya River Cruise
Express boats, sightseeing cruises and dinner cruises past Bangkok's riverside landmarks.
Overview
Bangkok from the water
The Chao Phraya is the city's main river, and a boat is a good way to see it: you pass the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Wat Pho, the Royal Barges Museum, ICONSIAM and the Asiatique night market, and you skip the traffic.
There are four kinds of trip: the commuter express boat, the hop-on hop-off tourist boat, private long-tail boats and dinner cruises. For temples lit up at night, book the 7:00 to 9:00 PM departure, and choose a weekday over Friday or Saturday for a calmer ride.
Tours
Chao Phraya cruises and tours
Book sightseeing cruises, dinner cruises or combined tours that include river transport to key attractions.
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Essentials
Plan your river trip
| Express boat | The orange flag boat costs 15 THB. Flag colors mark different routes, and boats run every 15 to 20 minutes. Pay on board or at ticket booths. |
|---|---|
| Tourist boat | The blue flag boat has a 150 THB day pass with English commentary and stops at major attractions. |
| Long-tail and dinner cruises | Long-tail tours cost 500 to 1,500 THB for 1 to 2 hours. Dinner cruises cost 2,000 to 4,000 THB. |
| Key piers | Sathorn (Central Pier, linked to BTS Saphan Taksin), Tha Tien (N8) for Wat Arun and Wat Pho, Tha Chang (N9) for the Grand Palace, and Phra Arthit (N13) near Khao San Road. |
| Best time for views | Sunset and evening, for illuminated temples and the skyline. |
FAQ
Questions about Chao Phraya River Cruise
How much does a Chao Phraya River cruise cost?
The commuter ferry costs 15 THB ($0.45). Tourist long-tail boat tours cost 500-1,500 THB ($14-$43) for 1-2 hours. Luxury dinner cruises cost 2,000-4,000 THB ($57-$115).
What landmarks can I see on a river cruise?
You'll pass the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Wat Pho, the Royal Barges Museum, ICONSIAM, and Asiatique night market.
When is the best time for a dinner cruise?
Book the 7:00-9:00 PM departure to see temples lit up at night. Weekdays offer a calmer experience than Friday or Saturday.
How do I take the Chao Phraya Express Boat?
Take the BTS to Saphan Taksin, walk to Central Pier. The orange flag express boat costs 15 THB. A tourist day pass costs 150 THB for unlimited rides. Boats run every 15-20 minutes.