If you are visiting Bangkok, then you will be searching for the easiest and best ways to get around. Being such a big city, it can be daunting at first. The traffic gets terrible at times, and taxi’s and Tuk Tuk’s become expensive. The MRT doesn’t run everywhere, and buses can be hot and sweaty. The good news is that the Chao Phraya River runs right through the middle of the city, and you can get easy access to most of Bangkok’s most popular landmarks on the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat.
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Table of Contents
- About Chao Phraya Tourist Boat
- What can you see from Chao Phraya Tourist Boat?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Summary
About Chao Phraya Tourist Boat
The Chao Phraya Tourist Boat is a Hop on Hop off boat that runs along the river through Bangkok. Unlike the ferries that also service the river, the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat stops at 9 different piers. This allows passengers to see many different sights throughout the day. All for the one price.
The Chao Phraya Tourist Boat is the original Hop on Hop off Boat servicing Bangkok. It has been in service since 2012, and has operated continuously ever since, only shutting down briefly during Covid-19. There are 5 boats in the fleet, plowing up and down the river at a swift rate of knots, ferrying over 3000 passengers a day during the peak times.
What can you see from Chao Phraya Tourist Boat?
The Chao Phraya Tourist Boat is a wonderful Hop on Hop off option that works almost exactly the same as a Hop on Hop off bus works in most cities. You simply buy a day ticket, and get on and off as many times as you want.
But where does it go? What can you see? These are questions that I was asking before I used it the first time as well. Fortunately, one thing that this boat does that many other public transport options don’t do, is give you a handy map with not just the names of the stops, but indications of what attractions are accessible from each of them. It’s not exactly perfect, but is extremely helpful!
The other thing I really liked about this boat, was that you can get to see some things that you wouldn’t normally see. Things such as the Riverside Naval institute, the riverside local housing, or even just passing underneath the bridges that span the river. We also saw a pretty special sunset one evening on the way back from Asiatique! Take a seat on the upper level and really soak in the sun and the views.
So here is a list of stops (piers) on the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat, and the places you can expect to visit from each of them.
- Phra Arthit – The stop for The Art Gallery of Ban Chao Phraya, and also Khao San Road – the most popular nightlife destination in Bangkok.
- Thonburi Railway Station – This stop has not been in use recently due to renovations, and instead the boat stops at nearby Wang Lang Market. This is great to see a local market with local prices. (one of my favorite markets!)
- Tha Maharaj – Tha Maharaj is a small riverside but very chic shopping centre with great restaurants and shops. It is also the best stop for The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew. You can also walk from the Palace to Wat Pho, which is right next door, and then catch the normal ferry across the river to Wat Arun, where you will board the Hop on Hop off again. From Tha Maharaj you can also visit the Cannon Museum.
- Wat Arun – One of the most famous temples in Bangkok, also known as “The Temple of Dawn” is a not-to-be-missed experience. You can also catch the public ferry straight across the river to Wat Pho – the Temple of the Reclining Buddha.
- Pak Klong Taladd – Jump off here for the best Flower Market in Bangkok, and also if you want to change to the MRT.
- Ratchawongse – Chinatown! Get off here for access to everything that Chinatown has to offer. There is also the Sampheng Market if you are looking for a bargain.
- LHONG 1919 – This pier is still on the timetable, but has been out of service for some time.
- ICONSIAM – This incredible Shopping Centre really took me by surprise. Featuring all the luxury brands that you can think of, it is the “food court” downstairs that held me enthralled for a couple of hours. It has to be seen to be believed!
- Sathorn (BTS Saphan Taksin) – Jump off here for the beautiful Assumption Cathedral, and Wat Yannawa. It is also the last stop on the south leg before the Asiatique stops open up late in the afternoon.
- Asiatique – A great riverside centre with large ferris wheel, great boutique markets and some wonderful restaurants. Just wandering around Asiatique is an experience, with the architecture of the buildings featuring the styles from 1907 to 1947.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions in relation to the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat.
How much does Chao Phraya Tourist Boat cost?
There are a couple of different ways to ride the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat. You can buy an all day pass that allows you to ride the boat all day long, or you can buy a single ticket. Prices at time of writing are:
- Single ride ticket – 30 Baht.
- All day unlimited Hop on Hop off Ticket – 150 Baht
Where to buy tickets
There are several ways to buy your tickets for the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat, and each way has a different appeal. Personally, I just buy mine on the day. But if you don’t have enough Baht, want to book in advance, or perhaps save money for a group or family, then one of the following options might suit you better.
- Buy on the day at the pier. The ticket office is easy to find and staff very helpful.
- Buy online. Sometimes there are discounts on the website for families and small groups. Check THIS link.
- Order online from GetYourGuide to ensure your tickets in advance. Check THIS link.
A single ticket may seem a waste for some when it comes to a Hop on Hop off boat. But consider the fact that it could cost a LOT of money fighting traffic in a taxi or Tuk Tuk, and a lot less to travel by river if you are only going to one place. Then it is definitely worth it!
How often can you Hop on Hop off?
If you buy the all day pass, you can Hop on and Hop off as many times as you like. There are 9 piers up and down the length of the river that the boats run, so it is totally up to you when you get on and get off. Plus, you can take a boat in one direction, and then back in the other if you wish. Just try to organize it as best you can in advance, to maximize your time.
Of course, it is also really fun to get on the boat and then just jump off when you see something interesting. This is what I did the very first time that I rode the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat, as I really didn’t have any idea what to expect!
What times does it run, and how often?
The Chao Phraya Tourist Boat runs from 9am to 5.30pm. Prior to Covid-19, they ran until 8.30pm, but have scaled it back to 5.30pm. At this stage there is no indication that the original timetable will return.
Note that the Boat does not service the Asiatique stop (the last stop on river to the south) until late in the afternoon. The 330pm boat is the first that will take you there, as Asiatique is mostly closed during the day and opens in the late afternoon.
Take note that not all stops might be open! The last time I rode the ferry, 3 stops were closed for maintenance. This can happen, so check before you go, just in case you have to get off at the next stop along the way.
Summary
The Chao Phraya Tourist Boat is a great way to see Bangkok. If you are staying near, or within reach of the river, then it will certainly help you tick off the attractions along the river without the need to fight traffic. It will also help avoid the Tuk Tuk Scams that happen around the Grand Palace area, and give you an easy way to get in and out of those crowded areas around the major temples.
Did you find this article helpful? Then don’t forget to drop me a comment below, or to ask any questions you might have.
Very nice & informative article Thanks