Boating Tour of Bangkok through Chao Phraya River, Thailand

While in Bangkok, there are multiple ways to move around and explore some of the main places to visit in capital city of Thailand. Most of the places of interest in Bangkok can also be reached through a boat ride and above all you can also be wise about opting for best boating deals and make best of you time with some of the exceptional experience of Bangkok city. This Blogpost shares more about Boating options, tips around managing your time well and have pocket friendly tour of Bangkok City.

While in Bangkok, there are multiple ways to move around and explore some of the main places to visit in capital city of Thailand. Most of the places of interest in Bangkok can also be reached through a boat ride and above all you can also be wise about opting for best boating deals and make best of you time with some of the exceptional experience of Bangkok city. This Blogpost shares more about Boating options, tips around managing your time well and have pocket friendly tour of Bangkok City. 


The Chao Phraya River can be a great way to explore Bangkok city, but the system of boats and their different coloured flags can appear confusing for a first-time visitor. Bangkok river boat service can be a very convenient (and cheap) way to get to some of Bangkok’s main attractions. Related Blogpost from Thailand - Tourist Boat Ride, China Market, and Flower Market in Bangkok||10-Day Vacation in Thailand (Day-9 and 10) The Chao Phraya is the major river in Thailand and certainly a very important river in Bangkok city. It flows through Bangkok and then into the Gulf of Thailand. Above photograph shows port near Khao San Road. One can buy tickets of Half day tour, full day tour or single ride etc from one of these ports around Chao Phraya River. There are government run boats as well as private company boats and accordingly there are different prices, timings and frequency of these boats. Related Blogpost - Chatuchak Market, Bangkok - The Largest Market of Thailand

The Chao Phraya River can be a great way to explore Bangkok city, but the system of boats and their different coloured flags can appear confusing for a first-time visitor. Bangkok river boat service can be a very convenient (and cheap) way to get to some of Bangkok’s main attractions.


The Chao Phraya is the major river in Thailand and certainly a very important river in Bangkok city. It flows through Bangkok and then into the Gulf of Thailand. Above photograph shows port near Khao San Road. One can buy tickets of Half day tour, full day tour or single ride etc from one of these ports around Chao Phraya River. There are government run boats as well as private company boats and accordingly there are different prices, timings and frequency of these boats. 


Major bridges cross the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok are Rama VI railroad bridge, Phra Pin-klao near the Grand Palace, Rama VIII, a single tower asymmetrical cable-stayed bridge, Rama IX, a semi-symmetric cable-stayed bridge and Mega Bridge, on the Industrial Ring Road. All of these look even beautiful when you are crossing through them in a boat. Above photograph shows one of the boards I noticed around ticket counter and it shows some of the main places along with their respective stops on Boating route. Related Blogpost - Temple on the Hill, Tribe in the forest, and more in Chiang Mai || 10-Day Vacation in Thailand (Day 2)

Major bridges cross the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok are Rama VI railroad bridge, Phra Pin-klao near the Grand Palace, Rama VIII, a single tower asymmetrical cable-stayed bridge, Rama IX, a semi-symmetric cable-stayed bridge and Mega Bridge, on the Industrial Ring Road. All of these look even beautiful when you are crossing through them in a boat. Above photograph shows one of the boards I noticed around ticket counter and it shows some of the main places along with their respective stops on Boating route. 


All piers along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok are clearly marked in English as well as Thai. The Central Pier is called Tha Sathorn and is conveniently located close to the Saphan Taksin skytrain station. Piers to the north of Central Pier are marked ‘N’ followed by a number and piers to the south of Central Pier are marked ‘S’ followed by a number. The most popular tourist attractions and sights are located between Central Pier and stop number N13 to the north. The ride from Central Pier to N13 takes approximately 30 minutes. Related Blog-post : Buddha in the Banyan Tree and other temples at Ayuthhaya || 10-day vacation in Thailand (Day-3 Continued)

All piers along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok are clearly marked in English as well as Thai. The Central Pier is called Tha Sathorn and is conveniently located close to the Saphan Taksin skytrain station. Piers to the north of Central Pier are marked ‘N’ followed by a number and piers to the south of Central Pier are marked ‘S’ followed by a number. The most popular tourist attractions and sights are located between Central Pier and stop number N13 to the north. The ride from Central Pier to N13 takes approximately 30 minutes.


Here are some of the details about different Piers and which one is located close to main places to explore around Bangkok City in Thailand : Central Pier (Tha Sathorn) – Saphan Taksin Skytrain station N1 (Tha Oriental) – O.P. Place shopping N4 (Tha Harbour Department) – River city shopping, Holy Rosary Church and Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel N5 (Tha Rachavongse) – Chinatown N6 (Tha Memorial Bridge) – Phra Poklao Bridge and Chinatown

Here are some of the details about different Piers and which one is located close to main places to explore around Bangkok City in Thailand :

Central Pier (Tha Sathorn) – Saphan Taksin Skytrain station

N1 (Tha Oriental) – O.P. Place shopping

N4 (Tha Harbour Department) – River city shopping, Holy Rosary Church and Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel

N5 (Tha Rachavongse) – Chinatown

N6 (Tha Memorial Bridge) – Phra Poklao Bridge and Chinatown

N7 (Tha Rajinee) – Chinatown vegetable market and cross-river ferry to Santa Cruz Church and the old Portuguese Quarter N8 (Tha Tien) – Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) and cross-river ferry to Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn) N9 (Tha Chang) – Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) N11 (Tha Railway Station) – Bangkok Noi (Thonburi) train station N12 (Tha Phra Pinklao) – Klong Bangkok Noi and National Museum of Royal Barges N13 (Tha Phra Athit/Banglamphu) – Ratanakosin Island (old Bangkok) and popular backpacker areas including Khao San Road N15 (Tha Thewes) – Bangkok flower market Related Blog-post : Kata Beach, Beach walks, Thai Food & lot more at Phuket || 10-Day Vacation in Thailand (Day 5)

N7 (Tha Rajinee) – Chinatown vegetable market and cross-river ferry to Santa Cruz Church and the old Portuguese Quarter

N8 (Tha Tien) – Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) and cross-river ferry to Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn)

N9 (Tha Chang) – Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)

N11 (Tha Railway Station) – Bangkok Noi (Thonburi) train station

N12 (Tha Phra Pinklao) – Klong Bangkok Noi and National Museum of Royal Barges

N13 (Tha Phra Athit/Banglamphu) – Ratanakosin Island (old Bangkok) and popular backpacker areas including Khao San Road

N15 (Tha Thewes) – Bangkok flower market


In Bangkok, the Chao Phraya is a major transportation artery for a network of river buses, cross-river ferries, and water taxis. More than 15 boat lines operate on the rivers and canals of the city, including commuter lines. Related Blog-post : Khao San Road - One of the most happening Nightlife places in Bangkok

In Bangkok, the Chao Phraya is a major transportation artery for a network of river buses, cross-river ferries, and water taxis. More than 15 boat lines operate on the rivers and canals of the city, including commuter lines.

Related Blog-post : Khao San Road - One of the most happening Nightlife places in Bangkok

Chao Phraya Tourist Boat : The tourist boat service is more expensive than the other boats, but it is less crowded so you should have no problems getting a seat and there is also an on-board commentary in English to point out landmarks and points of interest. A one-day unlimited ticket is available for 150 Baht and includes a handy map of the river and the various boat stops. Tickets for the tourist boat service can be bought at Central Pier (Tha Sathorn), pier N13 (Tha Phra Arthit/Banglamphu) or the skytrain stations at Saphan Taksin or Siam. Related Blog-post : Doi Suthep - Best place in Chiang Mai to explore Thai Temple, Aerial views of the City and some Hiking We boarded our boat from Tha Phra Arthit which is close to Khao San Road in Bangkok. Fare of Chao Phraya Tourist Boat : 150 Baht for unlimited day use or 30 Baht for single journey Timings of Chao Phraya Tourist Boat : Daily 09.30-16.00 Frequency of Chao Phraya Tourist Boat : approximately every 30 minutes Route of Chao Phraya Tourist Boat : Sathorn Pier (Central) – Phra Arthit Pier (N13)

Chao Phraya Tourist Boat :

The tourist boat service is more expensive than the other boats, but it is less crowded so you should have no problems getting a seat and there is also an on-board commentary in English to point out landmarks and points of interest. A one-day unlimited ticket is available for 150 Baht and includes a handy map of the river and the various boat stops. Tickets for the tourist boat service can be bought at Central Pier (Tha Sathorn), pier N13 (Tha Phra Arthit/Banglamphu) or the skytrain stations at Saphan Taksin or Siam.


We boarded our boat from Tha Phra Arthit which is close to Khao San Road in Bangkok. 

Fare of Chao Phraya Tourist Boat : 150 Baht for unlimited day use or 30 Baht for single journey

Timings of Chao Phraya Tourist Boat : Daily 09.30-16.00

Frequency of Chao Phraya Tourist Boat : approximately every 30 minutes

Route of Chao Phraya Tourist Boat : Sathorn Pier (Central) – Phra Arthit Pier (N13)

As we talked about various boating services and distinguished through flags. Orange flag boats is another service provider and following details are helpful to understand what they offer and other relevant details : Fare of Orange flag boats: 15 Baht (pay on boat) Timing of Orange flag boats : Daily 06.00-19.00 Frequency of Orange flag boats : approximately every 15 minutes Route of Orange flag boats: Nonthaburi (N30) – Wat Rajsingkorn (S3) Related Blog-post : Charming Thai-style Homestay, Authentic Thai food & Ayuthhaya Travel tips || 10-Day Vacation in Thailand (Day 3)

As we talked about various boating services and distinguished through flags. Orange flag boats is another service provider and following details are helpful to understand what they offer and other relevant details :

Fare of Orange flag boats: 15 Baht (pay on boat)

Timing of Orange flag boats : Daily 06.00-19.00

Frequency of Orange flag boats : approximately every 15 minutes

Route of Orange flag boats: Nonthaburi (N30) – Wat Rajsingkorn (S3)


There are Cross river ferries at different Piers in Bangkok. These small ferries are available at most piers for crossings to the opposite river bank. There is limited seating on these boats so expect to stand for the short journey across the river. Fare of Cross river ferries : varies from 2-4 Baht (usually paid at entrance to pier before boarding the boat) Related Blogpost : Chiang Mai Weekend Market and Various Wats || 10-Day Vacation in Thailand (Day 1)

There are Cross river ferries at different Piers in Bangkok. These small ferries are available at most piers for crossings to the opposite river bank. There is limited seating on these boats so expect to stand for the short journey across the river.

Fare of Cross river ferries : varies from 2-4 Baht (usually paid at entrance to pier before boarding the boat)


There are some Local or Standard boats running on Chao Phraya River without flags. Fare of local ferries : 10 - 15 Baht Timing of local ferries : Monday-Friday 15.00-17.30 Frequency of local ferries: approximately every 20 minutes. Route of local ferries : Nonthaburi (N30) – Wat Rajsingkorn (S3) Related Blogpost : Chiang Mai Nightlife - Some of the best & diverse experiences in Thailand

There are some Local or Standard boats running on Chao Phraya River without flags. 

Fare of local ferries : 10 - 15 Baht
Timing of local ferries : Monday-Friday 15.00-17.30
Frequency of local ferries: approximately every 20 minutes.
Route of local ferries : Nonthaburi (N30) – Wat Rajsingkorn (S3)

Related Blogpost : Chiang Mai Nightlife - Some of the best & diverse experiences in Thailand

There is another service provider Green flag boats : Fare of Green flag boats : 12-32 Baht Hours of Green flag boats: Monday-Friday 6.15-8.10 and 15.30-18.05 Frequency of Green flag boats: approximately every 15-20 minutes Route of Green flag boats: Pakkred (N33) – Nonthaburi (N30) – Sathorn (Central Pier) Related Blog-post : Bhubing Palace or Hmong Tribal village - Which one to pick for exploration along with Doi Suthep

There is another service provider Green flag boats :

Fare of Green flag boats : 12-32 Baht 
Hours of Green flag boats: Monday-Friday 6.15-8.10 and 15.30-18.05
Frequency of Green flag boats: approximately every 15-20 minutes
Route of Green flag boats: Pakkred (N33) – Nonthaburi (N30) – Sathorn (Central Pier)


As you may have noticed that there are many options during weekdays. Let's also know more about Yellow flag boats : Fare Yellow flag boats : 20-30 Baht (paid on boat – charged according to distance of travel) Hours Yellow flag boats : Monday-Friday 06.15-08.30 and 15.30-20.00 Frequency of Yellow flag boats: approximately every 30 minutes Route of Yellow flag boats : Nonthaburi (N30) – Sathorn (Central Pier) – Ratburana (S4) Related Blogpost : Top 10 Tips to better plan your Island Hopping Tour in Phuket, Thailand

As you may have noticed that there are many options during weekdays. Let's also know more about Yellow flag boats :

Fare Yellow flag boats : 20-30 Baht (paid on boat – charged according to distance of travel)

Hours Yellow flag boats : Monday-Friday 06.15-08.30 and 15.30-20.00

Frequency of Yellow flag boats: approximately every 30 minutes

Route of Yellow flag boats : Nonthaburi (N30) – Sathorn (Central Pier) – Ratburana (S4)


All photographs in blogpost are clicked when we took our boat from Phra Arthit pier close to Khaosan road in Bangkok. This whole boat-ride offers great views of riverside which is full of amazing architecture, temples (wats) and some of the cool high-rise establishments of Bangkok city. Related Blogpost - Google App for Cheaper & Reliable Commute in Thailand

All photographs in blogpost are clicked when we took our boat from Phra Arthit pier close to Khaosan road in Bangkok. This whole boat-ride offers great views of riverside which is full of amazing architecture, temples (wats) and some of the cool high-rise establishments of Bangkok city. 


While taking boat ride around Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, you can see Wat Arun, Wat Pho, Royal Palace from distance and lot of other places which are popular from Tourism standpoint. We took our boat from Phra Arthit to China Town. Related Blogpost from Thailand - Snorkeling near Phi Phi Islands, Walk along Kata and Kata Noi Beaches || 10-Day Vacation in Thailand (Day 6)

While taking boat ride around Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, you can see Wat Arun, Wat Pho, Royal Palace from distance and lot of other places which are popular from Tourism standpoint. We took our boat from Phra Arthit to China Town.


Related Blogpost - Birds of Ayuthhaya || 10-Day Vacation in Thailand (Day 4)


Above is a photograph of route map at closet pier around China Town. Not everything is readable in this but idea is to share that almost all piers have this information which makes it easier for you to plan where to get down for reaching the place you want to go.

Above is a photograph of route map at closet pier around China Town. Not everything is readable in this but idea is to share that almost all piers have this information which makes it easier for you to plan where to get down for reaching the place you want to go. 

We got to know about boating tour option on last day otherwise we would have made best use of day pass for Chao Phraya River boating tour.

We got to know about boating tour option on last day otherwise we would have made best use of day pass for Chao Phraya River boating tour. 

The Chao Phraya River can be a great way to explore Bangkok city, but the system of boats and their different coloured flags can appear confusing for a first-time visitor. Bangkok river boat service can be a very convenient (and cheap) way to get to some of Bangkok’s main attractions. Related Blogpost from Thailand - Tourist Boat Ride, China Market, and Flower Market in Bangkok||10-Day Vacation in Thailand (Day-9 and 10) The Chao Phraya is the major river in Thailand and certainly a very important river in Bangkok city. It flows through Bangkok and then into the Gulf of Thailand. Above photograph shows port near Khao San Road. One can buy tickets of Half day tour, full day tour or single ride etc from one of these ports around Chao Phraya River. There are government run boats as well as private company boats and accordingly there are different prices, timings and frequency of these boats. Related Blogpost - Chatuchak Market, Bangkok - The Largest Market of Thailand

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