Bangkok Water Transport consists of the Chao Phraya Express Boat, Bangkok Tourist Boat & the new Boat
Water is one of the most convenient and unique forms of transport in Bangkok. The Chao Phraya River flows through the city, and portions of Bangkok are covered by a network of canals (also known as long, money exchange), and the capital was dubbed “Venice of the East” at the time. Some of these canals were excavated by hand to redirect water, but many of them are now gently falling asleep, reclaiming ground for building.
Unfortunately, the network of water transport routes to Bangkok is not very extensive. Despite their representation on the map, many of the waterways are not navigable. However, this mode of transportation has a significant advantage: by boat, you may go anywhere fast while avoiding gridlock on the roads. It should be emphasized that the Chaophraya River may be navigated not just in Bangkok but also well outside the city limits.
Types of Boats:
Water taxis, Express boats, and ferries over the Chao phraya River are the three types of water transit in Bangkok.
Water taxi or Charter boat
For example, a water taxi is a boat that you can catch anyplace and they will carry you wherever you need to go, except, of course, this will allow channels. However, there is one caveat: you cannot grab a water taxi anywhere, but only on the wharves and where you may take the Express boat.
For foreigners, the cost of the water taxi is too expensive. Almost every ride will cost at least 500 baht (see Thailand’s currency, the conversion rate), although the price may be reduced numerous times throughout the negotiation process. As a result, foreigners must rely on taxis to go from one location to another.
However, instead of purchasing around, it is more practical to rent a boat in time for a walk along the Chaophraya river. Of course, bargaining is required here as well, and it is favorable that the trip will take place if you are some individuals.
Shuttle boats on the Chao Phraya river
The Chao Phraya River is the most significant waterway. It is the city’s major river, and there are several docks along its banks, with frequent boat service between them. Even though they all travel the same path (the river), boats vary in that they stop at various docks. Routes (lines) are identified with colors rather than numbers, and to indicate the precise route of the boat, a flag may be hung on the nose:
- Blue flag tourist boat;
- Orange, yellow, and green – normal boats, that do not stop at all stops;
- Boats without a flag are the least expensive and stop at all ports along the route.
Also, take in mind that the majority of the piers are on the river’s East Bank (i.e., from the center of the city). To go to the opposite side of the river from any pier, though, use the ferry. The fee varies based on the kind of boat and the distance traveled, and ranges from 10 to 40 baht, which you pay to the conductor onboard or at the box office on the dock. Tell the conductor where you want to travel, and the bus will tell you how much it will cost and then drop you off at the correct location. Nonetheless, the boats are fairly busy at peak hours, so be prepared for a rush.
On weekdays, it is common to have to wait in a short line to board the boat. On the landing piers, some specific individuals regulate all of the passengers, so trust them. They labor for free and are not required to leave tips. If you’re not sure which line to stand in, just point this “traffic COP” hand in the direction you need to go, and he’ll place you in the right one.
Boats operate often, but only for a limited period, including certain days of the week. The timetable and cost (depending on distance) are as follows:
- Boats without a flag: 06:45 – 07:30 and 16:00 – 16:30 on weekdays only. The cost 9 / 11 / 13 Bath.
- Orange flag: 06:00 – 19:00 daily. Cost 14 Baht.
- Green flag: from 06.10 – 08.10, 16:05 – 18:05 on weekdays only. The cost 13 / 20 / 32
- Yellow flag: 06:15 – 08:20 and 16:00 to 20:00 on weekdays only. The cost is 20 Baht.
The important stop:
- Sathorn (Taksin): All boats stop here, and this is the only location where you may ride the subway to the Bangkok Metro‘s Silom Line.
- N9 (Tha Chang) and Maharaj Pier: the pier between Bangkok’s Grand Royal Palace and the Morning Dawn Temple (Wat Arun).
- N8 (Tha Tien): the pier near the reclining Buddha Temple (Wat Pho).
Read More at: How to Get Around Bangkok by Ferry and River Boat
Ferry across the Chao Phraya river
There are tiny boats at each dock for the Chaophraya River, making it simple to travel to the opposite side. They go around every 10 minutes, and when there are people, they go much more often. The ferry ticket is 3 baht per passenger.
Payment may be paid in cash, and boats can be boarded and landed via turnstiles separate from the mainstream to the Express boat. Piers are distinct, not the same as those for shuttle boats on the river, which are just a few dozen meters away.
Run from 6:00 a.m. until 21:00 p.m.
The quickest method to find piers for the crossing today is to use Google Maps, which shows all of the routes along the river, including the ferry.
Read More at: How to Get Around Bangkok by Ferry and River Boat
Tour boat along the Chao Phraya river
Along with ordinary boats on the Chaophraya River, which runs from the pier to the Phra Arthit pier, Asiatique (the pier immediately behind the Sathorn/Taskin) offers a Hop-on-Hop-off tour boat system. They run every half hour between 09:30 and 18:00, and every 15 minutes between 16:00 and 17:00.
All information on the route and ticket prices may be found at the extreme station described above. A single ticket costs 50 baht, while a one-day trip costs 180 baht. Travel permits you to spend the whole day riding on these boats to log on to any of the piers.
It makes little sense to utilize these boats when everything can be viewed on a standard boat for less money. However, on such vessels, in addition to the fact that they are more pleasant and not as crowded with guests as a cruise.
Regular Boat Channels
- Hours: boats run from 5:30 until 20:30 on weekdays and from 5:30 to 19:00 Saturday and Sunday
- Frequency: every 20 minutes during peak hours more often
- Cost: from 8 to 20 Bath.
Only two routes travel through Bangkok’s canals (Longum): the Express Boat and the Khlong Saen Saep Express Boat. This a-line is formed by the Golden Mount Line and the Nida Line. Both of these lines go through the same channel and converge at the same point on the Pratunam pier.
Line Golden Mount Line starts from Pampa Leelard pier, near the Golden Mount Temple (Wat Saket), and terminates at Pratunam area Pratunam pier beneath the bridge on Rathaprarop street. Then, from the same pier, proceed to the Nida East line.
The fare on these lines ranges from 8 to 20 baht depending on the distance. Payment is handled at the boat jig: just tell them where you want to travel and they will give you a price. Use care while boarding and disembarking the boat, and hold on to the railing tightly.
There are also specific tourist boats in the canals. They purchased the tickets for 200 baht, and you may ride all day, get out, and sit anywhere you want.
It is possible to take a boat along no-traffic channels from the city’s central neighborhoods near the Chaophraya River to the Peninsula Ratanakosin, which contains the districts of Khao San, Chinatown, and the majority of Bangkok’s attractions.
The carrier’s website has detailed information on the routes and pricing here
