Chao Praya

Chao Praya - River of Kings

Thailand's lazy Main River is a must-see when you visit Bangkok. It is a wonderful, inexpensive transport system through the city, which often takes you to your destination faster than a taxi. It also offers one of the most beautiful sightseeing tours in Bangkok. Because most of the attractions are right on the river. From the world-famous Oriental Hotel to the unique Wat Arun or the breathtakingly majestic Royal Palace.

Sightseeing from the boat

Chao Praya trips are so cheap (if you get on the right boat) that it's worth picking out different destinations and then taking the hop-on, hop-off express boat. My highlights near Piers: the area around the River City, the Flower Market, Wat Po, the Royal Palace and Wat Arun, the Khao San Road.

More about the sights along the river

Caution! Tourists trap boat trip

The ride on the Chaopraya can cost you 50 cents or as much as €5! So be careful. It just depends which switch you choose at the starting point under Taksin Bridge at Sathorn Pier! And believe me: the cheap trips are worth it because they are with normal Thais!

The express boats sail with different flags. Be sure to! Orange flag boats are best for you because they go to all major tourist destinations. The "no flag" boats, also known as locals, stop at every pier! This could be interesting for you if you want to explore off the beaten track!

   

The way to the right switch..

You can either arrive at "Saphan Taksin" station by Skytrain "Blue Line Silom" or you can get here by taxi. Importantly, Sathon Pier is on the left side of the Skytrain as you face the river!


The river with huts and palaces

Bangkok has undergone rapid development over the past 30 years. Numerous old quarters have disappeared and have mostly had to make way for characterless skyscrapers. On the river, however, you have the chance to discover old, protected parts of Bangkok in addition to all these new buildings. Sometimes there are also simple huts or traditional old Thai houses between the hotel towers because the owners could not be pushed out. You just have to have the courage to hop off at an unassuming pier every now and then and explore the local area!

   

More about the Express Boat

  • The Bang Krachao Peninsula

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    • An evening cruise on the Chaopraya - relax and enjoy

    Excursion to Ko Kret

    The island, 20 km north of downtown Bangkok, was formed in a river bend 200 years ago when a canal was cut in the east. This is where the Mon people traditionally lived, a minority from central Thailand who were best known for their pottery. When I first went to the island 20 years ago, all I found there were some very nice temples, small settlements and a few shops. In the meantime, a small market street with numerous small food stands, souvenir shops and handicrafts has emerged on the island bank of the canal. A lot of Thais from the capital come here on weekends. You hardly see any foreign tourists. It is much quieter during the week. The approx. 5 km long circular route is very nice.

    Map of Kret

    01

    Chao Praya Express Boat

    Between 6-8am the green flag boat goes straight to Ko Kret! Otherwise choose the orange flag boat to Nonthaburi Pier (Pibul 3 | N30).

    The ride costs only 15 THB (0.40€). Then continue by taxi to Wat Sanam Nuea in Nonthaburi. From there to the jetty and take the small ferry to Ko Kret.

    02

    Taxi

    Tell the taxi driver to go to Pak Kret Market or Wat Sanam Nuea in Nonthaburi. From there to the jetty and take the small ferry to Ko Kret.

    03

    Bus

    In Bangkok, from Victory Monument, take bus #166 to Pak Kret Market. From the bus stop to the jetty at Wat Sanam Nuea.

    Worth seeing: potteries


    In the market street, which branches off to the left of the pier, you can discover numerous small stalls with the typical Mon pottery. I do recommend going to villages 1 and 6 on the island though, where you can visit small artisan potteries which are less frequented by tourists. Very good for souvenirs (careful, fragile!).

    Magical ancient temples

     

    A special feature of the island are small temples from the Ayutthaya period with beautiful paintings on the ceiling and on the wooden shutters! Particularly beautiful: Wat Phai Lom with a reclining Buddha.

    Also worth a visit: Wat Sao Tong. However, the main temple of the island and the small Mon community is Wat Poramaiyikawat right at the jetty. This includes the famous crooked chedi on the canal bank, said to contain a relic of the Buddha.

    Relaxed dining by the river


    As the island is predominantly Thai frequented, it's clear that food plays an important role on the island! Of course you can enjoy various delicacies right in the market street along the canal. But what is really nice: around the island there are numerous small restaurants on the shore where you can eat a little something and really relax. Worthwhile watching the hustle and bustle on the river!.

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