Chao Phraya River

The waterways have always had an important role in the history, culture and economic development of Thailand. Since ancient times of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya, the first capitals of Siam Kingdom had been built along rivers, which besides serving for water supply they were efficient and fast waterways for transport of goods. In Bangkok, the Chao Phraya River is one of main transport arteries for commuters and tourists, with several ferries, tourist boats, water taxis and long-tails flowing over its waters. Almost always faster than taxis and tuk-tuk, the river boats are widely used by Thais and tourists to move along the riverside districts of Rattanakosin and Thonburi, the heart of Bangkok, to reach work place, tourist attractions or recreational places like typical restaurants or markets. The navigation along the river is also one of Bangkok's most famous attractions and a good opportunity for tourists to enjoy the whole panorama of City of Angels or to discover a part of capital often not visible, like old houses on stilts, children playing or swimming in murky waters, small crocodiles and giant fish.
Chao Phraya Boats & Ferries: Aside some boats and long-tails private-owned, which can be rented individually, about 700-1,000 THB for an hour rental, the public service along the river is ensured by several boats and ferries of Chao Phraya Express Boat. It is the only public operator and carries an average of about 40,000 passengers per day. Company provides river express transportation from Wat Rajsingkorn Pier in Rat Burana district, south of Rattanakosin Island, to Pak Kret district in Nonthaburi, the province immediately north of capital. The 21 kilometres route is served by 65 boats, almost all in wood, that hold from 90 to 180 passengers. The piers are numerous on both sides of the river; each one has a name as well as a number from S4, Rajburana Pier Pier, to N35, Pak Kret Pier. Sathorn Central Pier, close to Taksin Bridge in southern Rattanakosin Island, is the interchange stop with the Silom Line of elevated Skytrain, BTS Saphan Taksin station is just adjacent. There are four different lines in the same path, some stop all the piers while others are faster than skipping a few, only one line runs in the weekend. The Orange Line is the most useful to tourists because it is the only that runs in the weekend and holidays, and because its stops are close to the main tourist attractions on both riversides of Chao Phraya. The rates of one way ticket for all lines are cheap and super affordable compared to taxis costs; they vary depending on the distance covered and line, from 10 THB to a maximum of 31 THB. You can buy tickets at all piers. Chao Phraya Express Boat, in addition to its ferry service, offers to Bangkok's visitors a special tourist boat service, with comfortable larger boats and English speaking Tour Guides on board to recommend tourist attraction throughout the trip. Chao Phraya Tourist Boat provides service between 8 different piers, from Sathorn Central Pier and Phra Arthit Pier, which allow access to Bangkok’s most famous attractions, many of which are in the Rattanakosin Island and Thonburi Historic Areas. The boats run daily between 09.30 and 19.30, with departures every 30 minutes. The journey starts from Sathorn Central Pier, adjacent to BTS Saphan Taksin Station, and proceeds up the river, stopping at 8 pier and returns back to Central Pier on the same route. Calculate about 40 minutes by boat to cover the entire route. The daily ticket, One Day River Pass, costs only 150 THB and is valid for unlimited travel throughout the day of issue, practically you can hop on and off as many times as you want at any pier to explore the beauty of sites in surrounding areas. The service offers to tourists the great opportunity to see Bangkok from a whole new perspective. Tourists can visit many attractive tourist spots, such as the Temple of Dawn and the great Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, within a single day tour, without worrying about purchasing boat tickets. You can buy the One Day River Pass at Sathorn Central Pier and Phra Arthit Pier, and even at desks of Tourist Service in Siam and Saphan Taksin Skytrain stations. With this special ticket passengers may take any other Chao Phraya Express Boat, within the same route, from 09.30 to 19.30.Read More