The Chao Phraya River is Bangkok’s main river, and flows completely through the city before widening out into the Gulf of Thailand. The Chao Phraya River carries with it centuries of history, having seen major milestones of the country, from the rise and fall of Ayutthaya to the foundations of Bangkok — and the hop-on hop-off boat pass will take you on a voyage through Bangkok’s flowing soul. Leaving from Sathorn and Phra Arthit piers every half an hour, the hop-on hop-off boat is one of the most convenient ways to explore Bangkok. Here’s your ultimate guide on the places you can visit as you travel down the river.
Two types of tickets are available for the hop-on hop-off boat:
- All Day River Pass (200 THB): Unlimited "hopping" from 9am - 9pm on the ticket date. (Last boat at 8:30pm)
- Single-journey Ticket (60 THB): Valid for one "Hop off" only. Buy a new ticket to hop back on.
After reading this guide, hopefully you can decide which ticket is best for you!
Sathorn Pier
To get to Sathorn pier, alight at BTS Saphan Taksin station. Before you hop on the boat, you might want a visit to Wat Yannawa. One of the oldest Buddhist temples in Bangkok, Wat Yannawa was built in the 19th century during the Ayutthaya era. Most prominently defined by its viharn (assembly hall), the structure is modelled after a Chinese junk vessel, thus earning its nickname — the Boat Temple. It’s just south of Saphan Taksin Station, making it the perfect start to your Chao Phraya River adventure.
Address: 40 Charoen Krung Rd, Yan Nawa, Sathon, Bangkok 10120
Opening Hours:
Monday - Sunday: 8:30am - 6pm
ICONSIAM
This mega mall first opened its doors in November of 2018, instantly rising in the ranks for shopaholics. Its many floors are crammed with retail stores, luxury brands, and dining options, with the ground level built to resemble a pseudo-floating indoor market. Situated by the riverfront, ICONSIAM is also the perfect spot for photos, as well as for dining with a great view.
Address: 299 Charoen Nakhon Rd, Khlong Ton Sai, Khlong San, Bangkok 10600
Opening Hours:
Monday - Sunday: 10am - 9pm
LHONG 1919
On the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, is the historic port of LHONG 1919. Constructed in the distinct Sanheyuan style of Old China, three teak and brick buildings surround an open courtyard — an arrangement believed in Feng Shui to help foster heaven-earth connections. Take a stroll through ancient Chinese architecture, admire strings of beautiful lanterns and hunt down all the wall art murals. Venture into the heart of LHONG 1919, and you’ll find the shrine dedicated to Mazu, the goddess of the sea who protects fishermen and seafarers. If the rush of the city ever gets tiring, make a quick escape and spend a quiet afternoon within these atmospheric streets of ancient China.
Address: 248 Chiang Mai Rd, Khlong San, Bangkok 10600
Opening Hours:
Monday - Sunday: 8am - 8pm
Ratchawongse Pier
Hop off at this pier if you want to visit Bangkok’s very own Chinatown, one of the oldest Chinatowns in the world, established in 1782 during the migration of Thailand’s capital to Bangkok. Its main street, Yaowarat Road, is marked by the intimidating and beautiful Chinatown Gate. Enter and be greeted by endless options for street dining, quaint temples to visit and charming alleys to explore.
At the heart of Chinatown, Wat Mangkon Kamalawat stands in all its glory. Known as the most important Chinese-Buddhist temple in all of Bangkok, Wat Mangkon is where most major Chinese festivals throughout the year are held, such as the Chinese New Year and Chinese Vegetarian Food Festival. Affectionately dubbed the Temple of the Dragon Lotus, it earned its secondary namesake through its delicate Chinese-style architecture: red dominates as the main theme and all around the temple complex, murals of beautiful dragons and lotuses abound. In the main hall, many Buddha images are enshrined.
Address: 423 Charoen Krung Rd, Pom Prap, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100
Opening Hours:
Monday - Sunday: 6am - 6pm
Pak Klong Talad (Yodpiman) Pier
At this pier, you’ll find Pak Klong Talad, the biggest flower market in Bangkok. Fresh blooms like roses, lilies and orchids are available for sale — usually in bulk of 50 to 100 flowers per pack. Testified to be most active in the pre-dawn hours of 3 to 4 in the morning, the roadsides flaunt bright and kaleidoscopic colours as trucks of fresh flowers arrive and vendors rush to receive their stock. Chaotic and strangely romantic, a visit to this market will be a feast for the senses.
Address: 116 Chakphet Road, Wang Burapha Phirom, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
Opening Hours: 24 Hours
Wat Arun Pier
The first temple at this stop is Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. It is most revered for its 46-metre long reclining Buddha statue which dominates the temple, and has origins tracing back to the early 1780s. Being the oldest and largest temple complex in Bangkok, Wat Pho is one of the six first-class Royal temples of Thailand, and is also where the first official school of Thai Medicine and Massage was established in Thailand. Take your time exploring the sprawling temple complex, and perhaps drop by for a Thai massage afterwards.
Located on the opposite bank of the Chao Phraya River from Wat Pho is the impressive Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn. This temple’s defining feature is the colourful ceramic tiles decorating its central spire — Chinese porcelain shards found in a British shipwreck were repurposed into flower ornaments and used to adorn the central spire, giving it an illusion of glittering under the sun. Both a magnificent and unforgettable sight, Wat Arun is one of the most famous temples in the city, and a must-visit for anyone travelling in Bangkok.
Address & Opening Hours:
Wat Pho:
2 Sanam Chai Road, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200
Monday - Sunday: 8am - 6:30pm
Wat Arun:
158 Thanon Wang Doem, Wat Arun, Bangkok Yai, Bangkok 10600
Monday - Sunday: 8am - 6pm
The Maharaj Pier
Here at this pier, you’ll find the sprawling Bangkok Grand Palace. The palace complex is home to not only the Grand Palace, but also several temples and other residential buildings that used to house the King, his court and the royal government until 1925. Although it is no longer the residence of Thai royalty, it remains a working palace, with royal ceremonies and state functions held within its walls every year, and some royal offices are still situated there. With 200 years of organic development by successive kings adding additions and rebuilding structures, it is an impressive estate that is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand.
Nestled in the grounds of the Grand Palace is Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, named after the Emerald Buddha statue housed within the temple. Despite the diminutive size of the Emerald Buddha, which sits at a mere 26 inches tall, it is revered as one of the most sacred objects in the Thai culture. It is carved from either jade or jasper — no one is entirely sure, because archaeologists have not been given the opportunity to properly study the statue, enhancing the mystery surrounding it. Nonetheless, legend has it that the statue dates back to as early as 1434, and to this day the Emerald Buddha continues to stand as a symbol of the rich culture of the Thai kingdom and its people.
Address: Na Phra Lan Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200
Opening Hours:
Monday - Sunday: 8:30am - 3:30pm
Tickets: 500 THB (Must be purchased online at least 24 hours in advance of visit)
Thonburi Railway Pier
As this pier, you can visit the Royal Barge Museum, dedicated to an impressive fleet of royal barges — a unique collection of boats that historically served as the preferred mode of transport along the Chao Phraya River for the Royal Family and the High Society. Typically built to service kings, the royal barges also doubled as warships during times of war. Following the fall of Ayutthaya, the previous Thai capital, most of the barges suffered severe damage or were destroyed. The Royal Barge Museum puts on display the last of these impressive vessels, which are presently only used to commemorate auspicious events.
Another museum in the area is the Siriraj Medical Museum, ominously dubbed the Death Museum. The rooms offer an array of disturbingly grotesque exhibits featuring deformed and diseased babies, preserved in formaldehyde, to the fractured skulls of unfortunate murder victims. Opened in 1886, this museum is located within the Siriraj Hospital, initially put together as a place for medical students to study anatomy. The museum is actually composed of 6 separate museums, a huge space where you’ll have a one-of-a-kind learning experience.
Hidden away along the Chao Phraya River is Wang Lang Market, a local hotspot promising delicious street food, snacks and affordable retail therapy. Here, you can find all types of food, both local and international: bento sets go for a cool 50 THB per box, mini pancakes won’t set you back more than 20 THB for a box of 12 and you can wash all that down with a cup of Thailand’s celebrated iced milk tea for around 25 THB.
Address & Opening Hours:
Royal Barge Museum:
80 1 Arun Amarin Road, Arun Amarin, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok 10700
Monday - Sunday: 9am - 5pm
Siriraj Medical Museum:
2 Wanglang Road, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok 10700
Wednesday - Monday: 10am - 5pm
Wang Lang Market:
Wanglang Rd, Siri Rat, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok 10700
Monday - Sunday: 8am- 8pm
Tickets:
Royal Barge Museum:
General Admission: 100 THB
Additional fee for camera: 100 THB
Additional fee for video camera/recorder: 200 THB
Siriraj Medical Museum:
Adult: 200 THB
Phra Arthit Pier
Stop at this pier to visit Khao San Road, notorious as a backpackers’ district and is where you’ll go if you like to party, drink and have a good time. Swing by on the cusp of evening and you’ll be bombarded with a burst of activity. From one end of the street to the other, affordable hostels and eateries are crammed next to each other, filled with travellers from all around the globe chugging beers and hanging out together. Though, if you prefer a less chaotic alternative, wander a little further to the neighbouring areas and grab yourself a quiet meal along Chakrabongse Road.
There you have it; Cruise along the river, and indulge yourself in all the different attractions within walking distance from each of the river’s 9 piers — the Chao Phraya River hop-on hop-off boat will show you Bangkok in a nutshell.
