Bangkok Canal
Bangkok Canal
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
31 reviews
Excellent
8
Very good
14
Average
6
Poor
1
Terrible
2
Mel S
Swineshead, UK447 contributions
Mar 2020
Our hotel was situated close to the canals and this was the first time we had used the
canal network to discover the delights of Bangkok. The boats run frequently and cost no more than 15bht. Getting on and off some of the boats can be a challenge and you need to know where to get off. Having the right change or small currency is also a good idea. It’s a great way to see the real Bangkok
canal network to discover the delights of Bangkok. The boats run frequently and cost no more than 15bht. Getting on and off some of the boats can be a challenge and you need to know where to get off. Having the right change or small currency is also a good idea. It’s a great way to see the real Bangkok
Written March 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ianwyj
Singapore5,221 contributions
May 2024 • Solo
With over a thousand separate canals making up a distance of over two thousand kilometres, they remain an important part of the lives of many of its citizens. Short of having one's own boat or hiring a private boat, there are only two public east-west long-boat lines that traverse the San Saep canal. The first, the Nida line, originates out in the eastern Bangkok suburb of Bangkapi and ends at the central interchange pier at Pratunam. The Golden line links Pratunam pier with Panfa Leelard (or Phan Far Lilat, as its sometimes spelt) pier, close to the Khao San district. While I did not take a ride on a recent visit, a day-long ticket allows unlimited travel and costs appoximately 200 baht, but individual fares are between 10-20 baht depending on distance. Rides ares fairly speedy but because the boats sit quite close to the waterline, there is a slight risk of getting wet, so beware. Along some stretches of the canal are walking paths - very pleasant to walk when the weather is cool.
Written October 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
luv4phood
Marietta, GA922 contributions
Jan 2023
It was interesting enough to see the city from a different perspective. However, the river is extremely dirty. There are lots of companies offering this service. It seemed as though it was difficult to understand what we were paying for and what we got. We were sold a 2 hour tour that was not quite 90 minutes. Again, it was an OK experience but definitely not a must.
Written April 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
M100B
Europe79 contributions
Nov 2017 • Couples
The best way to get around Bangkok is the waterways. It's the least stressful, least crowded and best value way to travel.
You do not need to book onto a tour to get the very most from Bangkok's river & canals. You just need a bit of a plan of where you want to see. A good starting point is Saphan Taksin pier where you will find maps of all the piers and their color codings. You Can also download a map from the internet or find one in a good travel book.
There are a number of boats running on the main river, Chao Praya, and you can get the entire length of it for 40 baht. Some of the boats, identified by colored flags, stop at all the piers and other at far fewer. Unless, you want a day trip where you can hop on and off, then you do not need the more expensive 200baht tourist boats that you will be approached for tickets at major stops. Just be sure that this boat stops where you need go.
There are also quite a number of free hotel water taxis operating if you are going to a particular riverside hotel for food or drinks. These run much later than the ordinary water boats, so make sure you check those out. There are also a number of 'locals' river crossing boats which operate for around 5baht. There is one at Wat Arun crossing to Grand Palace and another at River City arcade crossing to the Khlong San Market beside the Hilton.
Not only can you get away from the crowds on the river boats, but there are fabulous taxis that run on the canals. One of the easiest is the one operating Jim Thompson house to the Golden Mount. It costs 200baht for a day ticket which is slightly more than the river boats, but it is well worth it to see a different part of bangkok and avoid the masses. I've read that these canals are not safe and dirty, but we found them taking us through some of the most stunning bridges and scenery and often into the heart of communities living on the canals. Definitely worth checking out. There are guides online in the links above. Just be sure of where you are going, so you know where to get off.
You do not need to book onto a tour to get the very most from Bangkok's river & canals. You just need a bit of a plan of where you want to see. A good starting point is Saphan Taksin pier where you will find maps of all the piers and their color codings. You Can also download a map from the internet or find one in a good travel book.
There are a number of boats running on the main river, Chao Praya, and you can get the entire length of it for 40 baht. Some of the boats, identified by colored flags, stop at all the piers and other at far fewer. Unless, you want a day trip where you can hop on and off, then you do not need the more expensive 200baht tourist boats that you will be approached for tickets at major stops. Just be sure that this boat stops where you need go.
There are also quite a number of free hotel water taxis operating if you are going to a particular riverside hotel for food or drinks. These run much later than the ordinary water boats, so make sure you check those out. There are also a number of 'locals' river crossing boats which operate for around 5baht. There is one at Wat Arun crossing to Grand Palace and another at River City arcade crossing to the Khlong San Market beside the Hilton.
Not only can you get away from the crowds on the river boats, but there are fabulous taxis that run on the canals. One of the easiest is the one operating Jim Thompson house to the Golden Mount. It costs 200baht for a day ticket which is slightly more than the river boats, but it is well worth it to see a different part of bangkok and avoid the masses. I've read that these canals are not safe and dirty, but we found them taking us through some of the most stunning bridges and scenery and often into the heart of communities living on the canals. Definitely worth checking out. There are guides online in the links above. Just be sure of where you are going, so you know where to get off.
Written November 20, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mangogirl777
24 contributions
Apr 2019 • Friends
I went for a boat ride in April, the hottest month of the year. It was awesome!! I recommend you take private boat from operators you can trust. The ride usually take at least two hours or so. It’s the best way to relax I guarantee.
Written July 4, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hans S
Los Angeles, CA59 contributions
Mar 2019 • Family
The boats go om Bangkok canal from the Chao Phraya river to Pratunam which is next to Asoke Mall. 100 Baht 1 way, 200 bats all day.
Written March 28, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tans MY
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia31 contributions
May 2019 • Family
The orange boat ride offers a pleasant view of Bangkok city. If you are lucky to bag a seat instead of having to stand along the journey, there are many opportunities for photo taking. Occasionally, you will get some river water splashes. Look out for river boats traffic during peak hours.
Written May 25, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
abelorellana
Melbourne, Australia1 contribution
Feb 2018 • Family
With my family of 5 asked a TUK TUK to take us to the water canals and pointed out the places we wanted to get off and see, they took us to a dodgy operator that I believe has an arrangementt with the Tuk tuk drivers to take tourist to them and in return get a piece of the cake, to our surprise they charged us 4200 THB equivalent to $182 AUD for 2 hours sightseeing on a boat just for my family and 1 stopage to a temple. As a first timer in Bangkok we got sucked in to the deal with a bit of bargaining, but while at the other side I watched people buying tickets for 20THB for 2 stopages. Beware of these astute operators in Bangkok who just want the tourist money, Remember, normal wage in Thiland is 250 THB a day.= $10 AUD a day. Just ask for hop on off tickets.
Written February 7, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
M c
Ibiza, Spain70 contributions
Dec 2017 • Couples
We decided to go on this as its 200bhat to hop on and off as much as you want but we got so much more. It ended up being a trip to see the lizards. So many swimming in the water and basking in the sunshine on the rocks it was mega.
The staff were super happy and fun also. They interacted with us and slowed down and stopped so we could make videos of the lizards then got us up from for photos etc. So much more than a little taxi trip up the river.
The staff were super happy and fun also. They interacted with us and slowed down and stopped so we could make videos of the lizards then got us up from for photos etc. So much more than a little taxi trip up the river.
Written December 29, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
riad b
15 contributions
Dec 2017 • Solo
Staff very very friendly and helpful.
Really cheap 200 bht for a day pass
Old and new town
Avoid jam
Really cheap 200 bht for a day pass
Old and new town
Avoid jam
Written December 16, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I would like to go on the Bangkok Canal and there are different stops I can get off at to look around. Is there a description of what is at each stop and where to walk when I get off the public ferry?
Written April 30, 2019
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