When we think of Bangkok we are thinking in particular of its canals, the floating markets and possibly to its river, the Chao Phraya. But how many actually venture by boat along the river? The reason being that when you don't know the system, taking the boat bus (The Chao Phraya Express) can be a little confusing… So here's a quick recap of what you can visit as you stop and how to go about it.
Chao Phraya, Bangkok's lifeblood
The river crosses the city from north to south, literally cutting the town in two, with on one side the place known as Thon Buri (which was originally the first capital before Bangkok and an independent city until 1971!
From the neighboring town of Nonthaburi in the north to the loop south of Rama III, the bus is a perfect means of transport to avoid the world-renowned traffic jams (although on a daily basis you just have to avoid rush hours). If this doesn't mean anything to you, don't worry, I'll explain everything!
How to take the boat
Absolutely nothing complicated… you just need to know where you want to go and stop. Depending on these 2 criteria you need to choose between the 4 public boat lines or the special tourist one (stopping only at places with a certain tourist interest, see the “Some links” section)
The lines are recognizable by their color of the flag flying at the front of the boat. Namely, an orange, yellow or green flag, which makes 3 you might say? Yes, because the last line is a boat simply called a "local line" and does not have a flag... The tourist boat has a blue flag.
But what is the difference between these different lines and which one to take then?
Again, nothing too complicated, the difference is in the stops made, the local line for example stops at all platforms, making the journey longer but it is also the cheapest. The yellow line is the fastest because it stops very little but therefore limits the options for stops, the blue line (tourist) only covers half of the total journey compared to the other lines.
In summary it is generally advised to take the orange line, it is the one that operates regularly throughout the day while stopping at the most important quays.
Some links (info in English):
All stops depending on the line
Schedule details (operation times and frequency of boats)
All prices
Schedules and routes from the special tourist boat
A summary of all this but in French Is available on this site.
Where to stop and why?
The main reason for this article, where to go by boat? Which dock to stop to see what? The answers below!
Nonthaburi (N30)
Reasons to stop by:
- Nonthaburi is a city at the gateway to the countryside, it is a good place to go for bike rides and flirt with the rice fields.
- Koh Kret, the island where a Mon tribe settled is also an ideal place for walks, on foot or by bike. Formerly known as an island whose specialty was pottery. Today it is mainly relaxation and its weekend market that attracts Bangkokians.
Lines: orange, yellow, green, local
Kiak Kai (N21)
Reasons to stop by:
- Not far from the Saphan Kwai and Ari districts (admittedly accessible by BTS).
- Only 4km to get to the Chatuchak weekend market.
Lines: orange, local
Thewet (N15)
Reasons to stop by:
- To observe people feeding and releasing fish in order to do a good deed.
- For a romantic dinner on the river bank at the In Love restaurant, during the day you won't be left out, especially with a restaurant that looks like a simple street restaurant but with a Michelin-starred chef!
- You will be 2 steps from the Dusit Royal Quarter, including Vimanmek Palace, Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall, Bangkok Zoo, Marble Temple.
Lines: orange, yellow, green, local
Rama VIII Bridge(N14)
Reasons to stop by:
- Many riverside restaurants and in the surrounding area are located here (for example Kin Lom Chom Saphan)
- The main street is Samsen Rd, which is home to many guesthouses.
Lines: local only
Phra Athit (N13)
Reasons to stop by:
- Near the Rambuttri Street, alternative to Khao San Road not far from there either.
- Bang Lamphu District, with its riverside park, numerous guesthouses, restaurants and bars for going out in the evening.
- Phra Sumen Fort.
Lines: blue, orange, local
Phra Pin Klao Bridge (N12)
Reasons to stop by:
- Le Royal Barge Museum.
- This is the closest stop to the Southern Terminal bus terminal (9km away).
Lines: orange, yellow, green, local
Wang Lang (N10)
Reasons to stop by:
- Local market.
- Patravadi Theater, a small riverside theatre performing both traditional and modern plays.
- Wat Rakhang Khositaram, a former royal temple known as the Temple of Five Bells.
- Siriraj Hospital (very famous since this is where the king himself was treated!)
Lines: blue, orange, yellow, green, local
Maharaj Pier
Reasons to stop by:
- Not far from Sanam Luang and therefore tourist hotspots such as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho.
- National Museum.
Lines: special tourist only (blue)
Tha Chang (N9)
Reasons to stop by:
- The main quay to get to the Grand Palace/Wat Phra Kaew, the royal square of Sanam Luang.
- The sanctuary of the "pillar of the city" ("City Pillar").
Lines: orange, green, local
Tha Tien (N8)
Reasons to stop by:
- The main quay to get to the Wat Pho.
- Access to Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) by crossing the river from this quay (3 baht).
- Old historic district of Rattanakosin.
- Restaurants with a view of Wat Arun.
Lines: local, orange, yellow, green
Rajinee (N7)
Reasons to stop by:
- Near Wat Pho.
- Siam Museum (interactive museum on the history of the country).
- Flower market (open 24 hours).
Lines: local only
Memorial Bridge (Saphan Phut) (N6)
Reasons to stop by:
- Flower market and night market under the bridge.
- The Memorial Bridge is the first bridge in Bangkok.
- Typical small shopping street (Sampeng Lane), close Indian Quarter (Prahurat).
Lines: orange, local
Ratchawong (N5)
Reasons to stop by:
- Yoawarat district better known as Chinatown.
- Wat Mangkon Kamalawat, Chinese temple.
- Sampeng Lane.
Lines: blue, orange, yellow, green, local
If Phaya (N3)
Reasons to stop by:
- River City department store.
- Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel.
- Charoen Krung Road, a district where you can still find old houses typical of the 30s/40s.
Lines: blue, orange, yellow, green, local
Oriental (N1)
Reasons to stop by:
- The venerable Mandarin Hotel, founded in 1876, it is considered one of the best in the world, many personalities have stayed there. It is obviously expensive, but they also have several restaurants with affordable prices including an Italian restaurant on the river.
- The French Embassy, whose location (of choice!) was offered by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V, grandfather of the current king) in 1875 but the French delegation had already been there since 1858, initially on a provisional basis (full story here).
- Former expat quarters, colonial style architecture.
Lines: blue, orange, local
Sathorn (Central Pier)
Reasons to stop by:
- Connection with Skytrain (Silom line, BTS Saphan Taksin Station).
- Sathorn Road, the city's upscale district, Silom is not far away.
- Boat shuttle to different luxury hotels like the Millennium Hilton Bangkok, Menam Riverside Hotel, Mandarin Oriental Bangkok and the Anantara Riverside Resort Bangkok (formerly the Marriott).
- Shuttle to the Asian night super market The Riverfront, built on renovated old docks, now with a big wheel to observe Bangkok at night (fashion in all big cities...).
Lines: blue, orange, yellow, green, local
Wat Rajinsgkorn (S3)
Reasons to stop by:
- Right next to the Asiatique the riverfront.
- Small local temple (Wat Rajinsgkorn).
Lines: orange, local
What if you slept on the banks of the Chao Phraya?
If you enjoy the river atmosphere, sleeping on the banks of the Chao Phraya It can also be a very good option for your stay in Bangkok. There are beautiful hotels, river views, and convenient access to boats to reach several major sites.
It's not necessarily the most economical choice, nor the most central for going out in the evening, but for a more relaxed stay, it's definitely an option to consider. I discuss it in more detail in my guide to choosing. Where to stay along the Chao Phraya River and in other parts of Bangkok.
Now you are ready to take the boat in Bangkok! Have you ever tried it?
