Bangkok River Tour – Public boats along the Chao Phraya
The Bangkok River Tour follows public boat routes along the Chao Phraya River, offering an easy way to see central Bangkok from the water. The journey links historic districts with modern piers and connects directly to rail lines, ferries, and nearby sites.
Route and main features
The Chao Phraya River has shaped Bangkok’s growth for centuries. The Bangkok River Tour follows today’s public boats between Phra Arthit and Sathorn, linking older neighbourhoods with newer riverfronts. Along the route, travellers see forts, palaces, and temples such as Wat Arun beside its own pier and Wat Pho and the Grand Palace a short way inland from Tha Tien and Tha Chang. Near ICONSIAM and River City, cafés and promenades line the banks. Boats run frequently, with cross-river ferries allowing short, easy transfers between paired piers. Sathorn connects directly to BTS Saphan Taksin, Rajinee to MRT Sanam Chai, and Phra Arthit serves Khaosan Road. Signs are clear, but boarding is brief, so be ready to step quickly.
Explore by pier
Each short video explains how to use the piers between Phra Arthit and Sathorn to visit nearby attractions and make easy onward connections.
Includes a map of the route.
Near Khaosan Road and Phra Sumen Fort. Includes a map.
Closest pier to The Royal Barge Museum. Includes a route map.
An easy walk to Thonburi Station for trains to Kanchanaburi.
Close to good, reasonably priced restaurants with excellent river views.
A stone’s throw from The Grand Palace, City Pillar Shrine, National Museum, and Sanam Luang. Includes a map.
Alight to visit Wat Pho and, via a regular cross river ferry, Wat Arun.
Steps away from Wat Arun and the ferry to Wat Pho.
Near The Flower Market, Sanam Chai Station and Atsadang Pier. Includes a map.
Within easy reach of the Flower Market and a short walk from Little India. Includes a map.
Located near the Crocodile Temple and Chinatown. Includes a map.
Convenient for River City, Siam Commercial Bank, and Holy Rosary Church. Includes a map.
Exclusive to ICONSIAM shopping Complex.
Interchange with Saphan Taksin station for easy boat and rail connections.
Downloadable river commentaries
Two free video commentaries—one in each direction—can be downloaded to your phone and played during the cruise.
When the video loads tap the ⋮ (three dots) at the bottom-right of the player to download
Low-cost round trip on the Chao Phraya Express
The Chao Phraya Express boats follow the same route as the River Tour and offer a simple, low-cost way to explore the river independently. This video shows how to use the service for a complete round trip, travelling beyond the main tourist piers to the end of the line in both directions before returning to your starting point — or any pier you choose along the way.
