Main Modes of Water Transport
1. Chao Phraya Express Boats (River Taxi / Express Boat Service)
- Operated by Chao Phraya Express Boat Company. Runs the length of the Chao Phraya River, from Rat Burana in the south to Nonthaburi in the north. Wikipedia+1
- There are five main lines, color-coded by flags: Orange, Yellow, Green-Yellow, Red, and Blue (Tourist Boat). hotels+2เรือด่วนเจ้าพระยา+2
- Fares vary: roughly 10–32 THB depending on distance and line; express lines (e.g., Yellow, Red) tend to be more expensive and skip many piers. Wikipedia+2เรือด่วนเจ้าพระยา+2
- Operating hours: Generally around 06:00 to 18:30 or later depending on line and day; some lines run longer or have reduced schedules on weekends. Wikipedia+2Thaizer+2
2. Tourist Boats / Hop-On Hop-Off Services
- The Blue Flag Tourist Boat routes run between piers like Sathorn, Phra Arthit, Asiatique, etc. They’re more comfortable, have commentary in English, and offer all-day passes (~150 THB) or single-ride tickets (~45 THB). chaophrayatouristboat.com+2Thaizer+2
- A convenient way to explore riverside attractions at your own pace.
3. Long-Tail Boats & Private Charters
- Traditional slender boats with an extended propeller. Available for private hire, perfect for going through narrower waterways or canals. Locations like Tha Chang, Sathorn Pier, etc. hotels+1
- Costs are negotiable, often more costly than public boats.
4. River-Crossing Ferries
- Inexpensive ferries (2–5 THB) that shuttle across the Chao Phraya River. Useful for reaching places like Wat Arun from Tha Tien Pier. Наша
Планета+2Thaizer+2
5. Canal Boat Services (Klong Boats / Water Bus Services)
Bangkok’s network of canals (khlongs) still supports several active boat lines:- Khlong Saen Saep boat service
- Other canal services include:
- Khlong Phra Khanong — 13 stops; suspended as of mid-2025 for works.
- Phasi Charoen, Rangsit Canal, Phadung Krung Kasem, and more. Wikipedia
6. River Cruises & Hotel Shuttle Boats
- Some hotels on the river offer shuttle services to piers like Sathorn (Central Pier), or arrange dinner cruises and tour packages. hotels+1
Summary Table
| Mode | Description & Use Case |
|---|---|
| Chao Phraya Express Boats | Fast, affordable commuter service along the main river. Great for daily transport and sightseeing. |
| Tourist Hop-On Boat | More comfortable, commentary included, good for sightseeing and visiting attractions. |
| Long-Tail / Private Boats | Flexible for canal routes and river tours; negotiable and usually more expensive. |
| River-Crossing Ferries | Cheap, quick crossings between riverbanks; ideal for short distances. |
| Canal Boats (Khlong Boats) | Good for reaching areas blocked by road traffic; a local and efficient option. |
| Hotel Shuttles & Cruises | Higher-end options for convenience or leisure (e.g., dinner cruises, private hotels). |
Tips for Using Water Transport in Bangkok
- Know the flags & lines: Each type of express boat has different stops and schedules—check maps at piers or the Chao Phraya Express Boat site.
- Keep small change: Many boat operators only accept cash and may not have change for large bills.
- Avoid rush hours: Boats can be very crowded during commuting hours.
- Check canal boat availability: Some routes like Khlong Phra Khanong may be suspended for maintenance.
- Beware of scams: Especially with long-tail boat offers; agree on a price in advance.
- Combine modes: Piers often connect to BTS/MRT or areas like Khao San Road, making multi-modal travel easy.
Last edited:
