Chao Phraya River, Bangkok: Hours, Address, Chao Phraya River Reviews: 4/5
Chao Phraya River
Chao Phraya River
4
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
About
This scenic river, flowing through the heart of Bangkok, offers convenient boat transportation and sightseeing cruises since many of the major city attractions are easily accessible from various points along this waterway.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Riverside
Best nearby
Restaurants
5,087 within 3 miles

Thara Thong
1,908
0.1 mi$$$$ • Thai • Healthy • Vegetarian Friendly

Kamui Hokkaido Dining at ICONSIAM
163
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Steakhouse • Seafood

Giorgio's
384
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

ThreeSixty Jazz Lounge and Rooftop Bar
310
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar

The Coffee Club - River City
194
433 ft$$ - $$$ • Cafe • Thai • Vegetarian Friendly

Nang Gin Kui - Bangkok Private Dining
262
0.3 mi$$$$ • Asian • Thai • Fusion

Flow - Millennium Hilton Bangkok
640
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Chinese • International • Sushi

JUMBO Seafood Bangkok
342
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Chinese • Seafood • Asian

Sirimahannop
527
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • Asian • Healthy

The Never Ending Summer Restaurant
656
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Asian • Thai • Vegetarian Friendly
Attractions
549 within 6 miles

River City Bangkok
303
408 ftShopping Malls

333 Gallery
1
0.1 miArt Galleries

The Jam Factory Gallery
56
0.1 miArt Galleries

ICONSIAM
1,171
0.3 miShopping Malls

Rong Kuak Shrine
2
0.2 miReligious Sites

Sook Siam
54
0.3 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks

Assumption Cathedral
84
0.3 miReligious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

Grand Postal Building
22
0.2 miSpeciality Museums

Lhong 1919
155
0.4 miArchitectural Buildings

So Heng Tai
1
0.2 miHistoric Sites
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
8,533 reviews
Excellent
3,576
Very good
3,274
Average
1,357
Poor
230
Terrible
96
Winter W
4 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
iconsiam offers free ferry from a couple locations (including China town). we find it is the best way if you want to do a short trip on the river.
the normal price to get across the river is 3.5-4 bht. Do not get tricked by the people who try to get you on a boat tour. Those people are normally around the Grand Palace area, and will approach you on the street pretending to offer help to you. Some of them pretend to the official travel information guide or the security around the area, they also work with some tuk tuk driver to take you to a specific port. Do not trust those people.
we took the free ferry from iconsiam back to China town at night. the view was beautiful
the normal price to get across the river is 3.5-4 bht. Do not get tricked by the people who try to get you on a boat tour. Those people are normally around the Grand Palace area, and will approach you on the street pretending to offer help to you. Some of them pretend to the official travel information guide or the security around the area, they also work with some tuk tuk driver to take you to a specific port. Do not trust those people.
we took the free ferry from iconsiam back to China town at night. the view was beautiful
Written February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
daf57
Adelaide, Australia708 contributions
Sep 2019
A visit to Bangkok is not complete without spending time on the Chao Phraya River. It offers insights into Thai culture with an amazing "city at work" on the river with all sorts of commercial activity taking place night and day. There are plenty of ferries on the river that are cheap. There are many attractions close to the river so the best time to appreciate them is at night when they are majestically lit up. A night cruise including a sumptuous buffet dinner can be booked through the Tourist Information Office (highly recommended for all bookings). It lasts about three hours and costs about $A50-55.
Written February 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Off their P
Manchester, UK3,237 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
Our hotel balcony was right on this wonderful river and there’s always something going on. If you were trying to read a book it is very hard to concentrate as there is just so much activity and it is fascinating.
Due to the current circumstances there are much fewer boats than usual but there’s still loads and they are beautiful to watch.
Every so often a party boat goes past in full swing which creates noisy entertainment.
We also went for many walks along as far as we could and there is always something to new to see and do.
Due to the current circumstances there are much fewer boats than usual but there’s still loads and they are beautiful to watch.
Every so often a party boat goes past in full swing which creates noisy entertainment.
We also went for many walks along as far as we could and there is always something to new to see and do.
Written April 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Kim G
Pacific Grove, CA3,134 contributions
Mar 2019
The Chao Phraya River is the major river of Thailand, and the life-blood of Bangkok. Serving as a highway of industry with large barges transporting their freight to the Gulf of Thailand, the mighty river is also used as an inexpensive, fun and easy access to main attractions in Bangkok, offering several levels of transportation at differing price-points on the river public transit boats. We stayed at Sala Rattanakosin on the Chao Phraya River, with views across to Wat Arun. Using the public transportation system, we crossed the river by ferry and took the public transit boats to travel both up and down river to access the tourist sites and BTS Skytrain Station. Grab a long boat to tour a khlong (canal), or book a spot on a dinner cruise with colorful illumination and live music, also very pretty to view at night from the banks, as the large dinner cruises move up and down the river taking in the lovely illuminated sights and architecture along its banks. Unfortunately, the loud, live music pulsates and trails in their wake. Stay on the banks of the Chao Phraya River where the heat and pollution are somewhat diminished.
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
chiangmaicharlies
Chiang Mai, Thailand5,615 contributions
Jan 2020
My favourite way of seeing Bangkok City is to use the 'Chao Phraya river public service Boats'.
These public boats can take you from end to end for 15 baht or you can get off at any pier you wish. Great value. Look out for orange flags for best value, but there are a number of different options.
They run approximately from Pakkret in the north to Wat Rajsingkom in the south, with about 30 stops. These stops are often perfect for many tourist locations. Allow about one hour for the longest journeys.
These public boats can take you from end to end for 15 baht or you can get off at any pier you wish. Great value. Look out for orange flags for best value, but there are a number of different options.
They run approximately from Pakkret in the north to Wat Rajsingkom in the south, with about 30 stops. These stops are often perfect for many tourist locations. Allow about one hour for the longest journeys.
Written January 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Omar_AV
Muscat, Oman64 contributions
Dec 2019
Bangkok is a city with long history of Buddhist traditions and South Asian culture. The historic quarter of city is located on the banks of Chao Phraya river. Spectacular temples, glorious Buddhist monasteries, local markets, museums and the Grand palace are on the side of the river, so a boat ride on Chao Phraya will be a great way to explore it. I was on a solo trip to Bangkok last December, the climate was sunny and comfortably warm, nice to have long and easy walks through the less crowded streets, temple courtyards, seeing local life and tasting yummy Thai dishes. I was staying at Rambuttri road, nearest point to catch the boat is from Phra Arthit Pier. Full day hop on hop off ticket will be a good option, costs around TBH 200. The boat have stops at all important places, and the temples/ markets are within walking distance from the stops- Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Grand place, China town, Flower market etc. . Before moving to the next destination Chiangmai - Phuket, this is a great way to enjoy the Bangkok. Cheers
Written July 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Raj Blueheart
Kuantan, Malaysia173 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
The tour package includes leaving by bus from Bangkok to Ayutthaya in the morning, then returning by cruise boat back to the city. It was a 2.5-hour cruise, with lunch served right before moving. Lunch was buffet syle with Thai, Continental and Italian cuisine served. The lower deck is air-conditioned and comfortable after the hot tour of the ancient city. There are glass panels all around to see the sights along the river banks, but for an open-air experience, one could move to the upper deck. The upper deck is still covered, but the air feels hot, plus the sun's rays warms the seats and decks. On the upper deck, you could move all around to snap photos of traditional river houses, barges and boats moving along the river, or keep an eye out for famous landmarks. The tour guides explain the sites and what to look out for very clearly. Coffee and biscuits were also served around 3pm on the upper deck. It was a very enjoyable cruise, relaxing and a unique experience.
Written February 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Traveller of the world
1,115 contributions
Jan 2022 • Solo
I really enjoyed the river but don't bother with a river dinner cruise. I have done a few around the world and find them very touristy. We got on a free passenger commuter boat at Asiatique the Waterfront which was fifteen minutes each way. Makes one stop and then returns. We did it at sunset and it was perfect. Beautiful. The boat was basic, clean and simple. One of those old fashioned longtail boats. There were no windows so it was open and we could really enjoy the setting. We then had dinner by the river with live music, followed by a rooftop bar. This allowed us to experience different parts of the river. Loved it.
Written January 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Julie6409
Auckland, New Zealand18 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
This river dominates Bangkok and the best way to see it is on it. We took a night dinner cruise. The scenic part of it was lovely. Seeing the riverside temples lit up,magical. However, the " dinner" was buffet style which brings out the worst in people and the caberat/show a little stilted.
During the daytime the river is a fascinating highway and worthy of a long visit to a riverside cafe to watch the boat traffic .
During the daytime the river is a fascinating highway and worthy of a long visit to a riverside cafe to watch the boat traffic .
Written March 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Bangoe
174 contributions
Oct 2020
Travelling up and down the Chao Phraya river is definitely one of the best ways to see Bangkok. Although there are special tourist boats available, it is also easy to just hop on the regular commuter ferries that travel up and down the river.
You can either sit down and let the boat take you all the way up and down while you enjoy the sights, or you can disembark when you see something interesting, and then continue your trip later (you have to pay the fee, 15 Baht, every time you enter the ferry).
A super easy and cheap way to see Bangkok from the water.
You can either sit down and let the boat take you all the way up and down while you enjoy the sights, or you can disembark when you see something interesting, and then continue your trip later (you have to pay the fee, 15 Baht, every time you enter the ferry).
A super easy and cheap way to see Bangkok from the water.
Written October 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
bcbg76
Dallas, TX13 contributions
hi there! how did you book the river cruise on the speed boat? Can it be simply arranged at the hotel and how late do they work?
Thank you!
Anya
BC@$$
New York City, NY120 contributions
You could just take a local boat from the pier. It'd be a great way to view the city. I don't think you'd need to book a speed boat prior but I'm not 100% sure
roberto v v
Bogota, Colombia383 contributions
buenos dia
Para visitar el rio chao phraya donde se toma el bote turístico, que horario tiene y su costo
MUCHA GRACIAS
rOBERTO VALENCIA
roberto v v
Bogota, Colombia383 contributions
el bote turístico en en rio CHAO PHRAYA donde se toma y que horario tiene
gracias
Angeles Echevarria
Bilbao, Spain1,366 contributions
Tiene varias paradas dependiendo la ruta que escojas
Te informan cuando compras los billetes
Al lado del hotel sangri la hay paradas de muchisimos tipos de barcos y sus oficinas de venta de tickets en internet tambien puedes ver los recorridos
Regalgranny
Saint Louis, MO35 contributions
we want to do a nice dinner cruise with hotel pick up and drop off, What do you suggest?
Raphael M N
Nairobi, Kenya41 contributions
Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise with Private Transportation
by Travstore Travel Management.
Set out onto the Chao Phraya River for a romantic evening that takes you past the wonders of ancient and modern Thailand. This cruise lets you dine on exquisite Thai and international cuisine and enjoy the soothing sounds of saxophone and violin as you glide past the glittering temples of Bangkok.
A private, air-conditioned vehicle carries you from your hotel to the banks of the Chao Phraya, the great river that flows through the center of the city. There, you board the elegant cruise ship, relax with a welcome drink, and settle in for the voyage to see the sights illuminated at night. Check out spectacular landmarks like the temple of Wat Arun, with its towering stupa-like pagoda, and the golden spires of the Grand Palace.
nadia c
Genoa, Italy287 contributions
Ho letto che si può anche cenare ma quanto costa e come di fa a prenotare?
Grazie
Gabriella T
San Benedetto Del Tronto, Italy462 contributions
Devi fare un tour con la cena, basta rivolgersi alle agenzie che stanno direttamente ai pirti di attacco. Ce ne sono molti.
lokeshk742
Jaisalmer, India6 contributions
I want to do dinner with my wife on this river ,,how much does it cost ?
KASI VENKOBA RAO
Hyderabad, India1,681 contributions
Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya River costs around 990 THB.
You can book online or through your Travel agent, at the Hotel where you are going to stay. It may increase to around 1200 THB when they arrange to pick from the hotel and drop you back after the dinner cruise is over.
It is a wonderful experience to have the dinner cruise.
Tariq O
1 contribution
We plan to visit bangkok on 5th september...The question it is the boat a friendly stroller on both local boat and tourist boat???
And how about infant fare...
KASI VENKOBA RAO
Hyderabad, India1,681 contributions
Both local and tourist boats are not friendly strollers. You may go for a private boat so that you have sufficient time to hop on and off the boat.
Jennie M
11 contributions
I would like to find out where in bangkok you can get the Sampon boat for 2 nights
TonyMac64
Leeds, UK83 contributions
Your hotel should be able to book this for you, alternatively you can book this from one of the tour offices located just before you turn onto Khoasan Road. Make sure you use a tour office rather than from one of the many stands selling tour tickets nearby.
sbar
Luz, Portugal33 contributions
I want to take a boat along the river to Grand Palace where is the best place to get on I’m staying at intercontinental..... I’m not sure if you can pick the boats up near the Sheraton ?
GeoffandSarah
Wickford66 contributions
Hi we got our boat trip outside Sky Train station Saphan Taskin on the Silom line which is right on the river. We was staying in the Shangri La so it was just a short walk for us. We got our boat from there, which is in the right hand side of the bridge if you are facing the river. The were several choices and we went for the two hour Longtail boat trip which takes you along the river and then through the canals and you can see how the Thai people live and see large lizards like little dragons, but you can get taxis to see the places and temples. We saw the temples and palaces by taxi, we hired a cab for one day and he took us to them all and waited at each one for us. As you in Bangkok it good to see them both but the Longtail boat trips are great value for money
Hope this helps
Frequently Asked Questions about Chao Phraya River
- Chao Phraya River is open:
- Sun - Sat 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- We recommend booking Chao Phraya River tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 217 Chao Phraya River tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Chao Phraya River:
- Bangkok Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya River (From $37.15)
- Venice of The East: River Cruise by Rice Barge with Return Transfer (SHA Plus) (From $42.45)
- Bangkok Rice Barge Afternoon Cruise (From $37.54)
- Venice of the East : Bangkok Klong (Canal) Tour with The Temple of Dawn (From $83.84)
- Private Guide In and Around Bangkok: Custom Tour (From $53.93)
- Hotels near Chao Phraya River:
- (0.12 mi) Millennium Hilton Bangkok
- (0.13 mi) Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel and Towers - SHA Extra Plus
- (0.24 mi) Old Town Hostel Bangkok
- (0.18 mi) Tiny Taladnoi Hostel
- (0.18 mi) Four Sisters Homestay
- Restaurants near Chao Phraya River:
- (0.08 mi) The Coffee Club - River City
- (0.11 mi) Flow - Millennium Hilton Bangkok
- (0.13 mi) Thara Thong
- (0.10 mi) The Never Ending Summer Restaurant
- (0.13 mi) Giorgio's
- Attractions near Chao Phraya River:
- (0.06 mi) Apsara Dinner Cruise by Banyan Tree
- (0.12 mi) Co Van Kessel Bangkok Tours
- (0.13 mi) Om Fashion and Silk Custom Tailor
- (0.07 mi) ANS International Custom Tailors - River City
- (0.08 mi) River City Bangkok