Going to Bangkok by Boat: Comprehensive Guide to Pier Prices and Avoiding Getting Lost on the River
Bangkok's public transport is very easy to use, with BTS and MRT connecting in the city center, and river cruises connecting to the old riverside district by the Chao Phraya River. The Chao Phraya River cruise is a very important transportation tool for tourists to explore the riverside old district, traveling along the Chao Phraya River, visiting various attractions in the old city.
In recent years, the scenery of the old city has become increasingly diversified. No matter what kind of Bangkok you like, you can find it here. Even if you don't rush to visit any attractions, simply enjoying a leisurely cruise on the Chao Phraya River under the sun is quite relaxing (although it's a bit hot). Now let's take a look at how to board the boats!
Wat Zheng (Wat Thep Wiset) and other attractions are accessible by boat. The Chao Phraya Express Boat operates on several lines. Let's first take a look at the map of the stops – Central Pier to N13, you can reach attractions like Wat Pho, Wat Zheng, Grand Palace, Khao San Road, etc. From Central Pier southwards, the most crowded route is to take the free shuttle boat to Asiatique Riverside Market.
The most frequently used piers are around Central Pier to N13. You can reach attractions like Wat Pho, Wat Zheng, Grand Palace, Khao San Road, etc. The Chao Phraya Express Boat operates on several lines. Let's first take a look at the map of the stops – Central Pier to N13, you can reach attractions like Wat Pho, Wat Zheng, Grand Palace, Khao San Road, etc.
The Chao Phraya Tourist Boat (Blue Flag Boat) is a popular sightseeing option. Ticket prices vary depending on the type of ticket – single journey tickets range from 60B, day tickets from 200-300B, and the full day ticket from 300B. For those who just need transportation, want to save money, or don't need to visit many attractions, taking the orange flag boat is a good choice!
How to get to Central Pier by boat? The Chao Phraya River boat and BTS Saphan Taksin station meet at Saphan Taksin station. After exiting Saphan Taksin station, follow the signs, and you'll arrive at Sathorn Pier (also known as Central Pier). From here, your boat journey begins.
There are clear signs at BTS Saphan Taksin station, making it easy to reach the pier. Sathorn Pier (Central Pier) is a major station, with a large crowd. The Blue Flag Boat (Chao Phraya Tourist Boat) and the Orange Flag Boat are available here. The Blue Flag Boat features double-deck seating, with an open-air upper deck and an English-language commentary.
The Blue Flag Boat is a popular sightseeing boat. Ticket prices: 3 types of day tickets or single journey tickets, besides single journey tickets, all tickets are available for free travel between piers.
Full day ticket (09:00~20:30) 300B
Day ticket (09:00~17:30) 200B
Night ticket (15:00~20:30) 200B
Single journey ticket 60B
Tickets can be purchased at the ticket counter at Central Pier, or online – you may get discounts.
Blue Flag Boat Schedule
Operating time:
From Sathorn to Phra Arthit 9:00~20:30
From Phra Arthit to Sathorn 9:30~20:30
From Sathorn to Asiatique 16:30~18:30
Every 30 minutes
Blue Flag Boat Route Map, with key attractions labeled on the map.
Stopover Pier:
★Asiatique, Central Pier(Sathorn), ★ICONSIAM, ★Lhong 1919, N5 Ratchawong, N6/1 Pakklong Talad, ★Wat Arun, ★Maharaj, N11 Thonburi Railway, N13 Phra Arthit
(★ indicates special piers)
The Blue Flag Boat tickets can be purchased at the ticket counter at Central Pier or online. The Blue Flag Boat has staff with white metal containers to collect money and sell tickets to everyone.
No Flag Boat
This boat doesn't have a flag, and it stops at every station from S3 to N30. The operating period is shorter and may not be able to catch it.
Ticket price: 9~13B, depending on the distance
Operating time: Monday-Friday 6:45~7:30, 16:00~16:30
Stopover Pier: S3~N30
Green Flag Boat
This boat is the only one that stops at piers from N31 to N33.
Ticket price: 13/20/32B, depending on the distance
Operating time: Monday-Friday 6:10~8:10, 16:05~18:05
Stopover Pier: Central Pier~N33, N31~N33 every station is stopped
Yellow Flag Boat
The Yellow Flag Boat operates on a long route but has few stops. It's a commuter boat.
Ticket price: 20B
Operating time: Monday-Friday 6:15~8:20, 16:00~20:00
Stopover Pier: Central Pier~N30, important piers include Central Pier(Sathorn), N5 Ratchawong, N15 Thewet
Supplement: Two-bank river transport boat Reua Kaam Faak-Faak
Besides the various Chao Phraya River boats mentioned above, let's also introduce the two-bank river transport boat (Reua Kaam Faak-Faak). This boat travels back and forth across the Chao Phraya River with fixed piers, and the travel time is about 3 minutes, with a price of 3-5B. The main piers are Phra Chang and Wang Lang, Tha Tien and Wat Arun, etc. For example, if you want to travel from Wat Zheng to Wat Pho, you can use this transport.
Note that these routes are not included in the Chao Phraya River Boat day pass, and you need to pay separately for each trip.
Finally, let's briefly introduce some of the most commonly used piers and attractions around them.
Since the following boats are more commonly used, let's focus on these 4 types, and other boats' stopovers are mainly based on the official route map.
Blue/Attached ★Asiatique Pier:
Asiatique Riverfront Night Market
You can reach Asiatique Riverfront Night Market by taking the free shuttle boat or the Blue Flag Boat from Central Pier.
Blue/Orange Attached Central Pier(Sathorn):
Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, Peninsula Bangkok.
Orange ★N1 Oriental Pier:
Chinese Town
Blue/Orange ★N5 Ratchawong Pier:
The Jam Factory, Warehouse 30, Thailand Creative and Design Center (TCDC)
Warehouse 30 is a newly opened creative park in recent years, with many Bangkok brands to find treasures.
Yellow ★N6/1 Yodpiman Pier:
Pak Khlong Talat (Flower Market)
You can take the Blue/Orange boat to N13 pier to walk to Khao San Road, visiting attractions like Wat Pho, Wat Zheng, Grand Palace, etc.
If you don't like historical attractions, you can also go to Khao San Road to see the backpacker paradise where Western tourists love, or visit the latest large department store – ICONSIAM, or play around at the artistic district – The Jam Factory, Warehouse 30, TCDC্যাশ.
N1 Oriental
(Mandarin Oriental Bangkok)(Peninsula Bangkok)
/★ICONSIAM Pier
ICONSIAM
N3 Si Phraya Pier
River CityWarehouse 30(TCDC)
Warehouse 30
Klong San Pier(N3)
The Jam Factory
★Lhong 1919
1919
/N5 Ratchawong
/N6/1 Yodpiman
Pak Khlong Talat
//N8 Tha Tien(★Wat Arun)
★Wat Arun(N8)
N9 Tha Chang
★ Tha Maharaj
Maharaj
/N13 Phra Arthit
N13
ICONSIAMThe Jam FactoryWarehouse 301919TCDC
