Chao Phraya River Express: Our Practical Guide for Tourists in Bangkok

Traveling around Bangkok is always a treat when we take the Chao Phraya River Express. We love seeing the city from the water—it’s a great way to dodge the crazy traffic and soak in some amazing views of Thailand’s best sights. Whether it’s your first time here or you’re a returning visitor, this guide will help you figure out the river boats and get the most out of your trip. Keep reading!

View of the Chao Phraya River with Bangkok city skyline at sunset

Fast, affordable, and scenic way to explore Bangkok

The Chao Phraya River Express, also known as river boats, river taxis, or river ferries, is a fast, affordable, and scenic way to explore Bangkok. These boats sail along the Chao Phraya River and connect key piers throughout the city. We love using them to avoid street traffic while enjoying unique views from the water.

Whether it’s your first time in Bangkok or you’ve visited before, this guide will help you navigate the river boats easily and comfortably.

Boat docked on the Chao Phraya River with tall buildings in Bangkok, Thailand.

Tourist boat and day passes (Blue Flag)

The tourist boat with the blue flag is designed for visitors wanting an easy way to explore Bangkok from the water. It stops at all major tourist spots along the river and offers English-language information onboard or via guides at the piers.

Important Information:

Price: About 40 Baht for a one-way trip.
Day Pass: For around 200 Baht, you can buy a day pass that lets you hop on and off all stops as much as you want. This is great if you want to visit many places in one day.
Schedule: The boats leave roughly every 30 minutes from sunrise to sunset.
Where to Buy: Tickets and day passes are sold at Saphan Taksin pier, near the BTS Skytrain station.

Note: Usually, you’ll save money and have more flexibility by using the regular orange flag boats, which cost about 15 Baht per ride and stop at nearly all key locations. Since visiting many stops in one day can be challenging, individual tickets are often enough.

Tip!

Choose the tourist boat if it’s your first time in Bangkok, you want convenience, or you prefer English commentary during your trip.

Tourists sitting inside a wooden boat on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, Thailand.

How to use the regulair boats

Buy your ticket at the pier or pay onboard.
Check the color of the boat’s flag; it shows the route (more on this below).
Board and disembark at any stop you choose.

Prices and routes of regular boats (2025)

Flag Color	Price per Person	Route	Availability	Frequency
Orange	15 Baht per ride	Nonthaburi (N30) – Wat Rajsingkorn (S3)	Daily 06:00 – 19:00	Every 5-20 minutes
Yellow	20 Baht per ride	Nonthaburi (N30) – Sathorn	Mon-Fri rush hours	Every 20-30 minutes
Green	13/20/32 Baht*	Pakkred (N33) – Sathorn	Mon-Fri rush hours	Every 15-30 minutes

*Price depends on distance traveled.

Man in orange vest making a hand gesture on a boat in the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok.

What the flags on the boats mean

Orange: Our favorite line since it stops at nearly all popular spots.
Yellow: Runs mainly during rush hour for commuters heading to the city center; also stops at Charoen Nakhon Pier (S10), close to ICONSIAM shopping mall.
Green: The longest route; we enjoy taking this boat just to relax and explore new, less touristy piers—turn it into a fun adventure!

Tip!

We love hopping on a boat with no set plan, just to unwind and discover new, less crowded spots—turning it into a fun little adventure!

Free shuttle boat with orange life jackets at Iconsiam pier in Bangkok, Thailand.

Main stops and points of interest

Wat Arun: N8 Tha Tien + short ferry to the temple
Grand Palace: N9 Tha Chang
Chinatown: N5 Rajchawongse
Khao San Road: N13 Phra Athit
Asiatique The Riverfront: S3 Wat Rajsingkorn
ICONSIAM: Near Charoen Nakhon Pier (S10), accessible by yellow flag boat

Map of boat routes on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok with piers and landmarks.

Which boat goes to Wat Arun?

Take the orange flag boat to N8 Tha Tien. From Tha Tien pier, take a short ferry to Wat Arun on the opposite side of the river. The crossing only takes a few minutes and is the easiest way to get to Wat Arun without detours or taxis.

Wat Arun temple in Bangkok at sunset with boats on the Chao Phraya River

Beware of longtail boat scams

Here’s a quick tip: watch out for long-tail boat operators near busy piers who offer private tours at sky-high prices. Most of the time, these “tours” aren’t really tours—you just end up cruising up and down the river without any commentary or info.

For a better experience, check out The Other Side of Bangkok tour, where you explore the smaller canals on private or group trips. Mention ThailandMagazine when you book and enjoy a 10% discount!

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Free shuttle boats

From Sathorn pier (Saphan Taksin), free shuttle boats run regularly to Asiatique The Riverfront—perfect for shopping or dining.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

How do I pay?
Usually cash at the ticket booth or onboard with the conductor.
Are day passes available? Yes, especially for the blue flag tourist boat.
Are boats accessible for people with limited mobility?
Some piers are tricky; we recommend the tourist boat for better accessibility.
Can I bring a bicycle? Usually not allowed due to limited space.

Travel to Bangkok

Hotels on the Bangkok Riverside

Here are some top hotels along the Bangkok Riverside that we’ve personally selected. These hotels don’t just offer comfort—they also provide stunning views of the river and city, making them perfect for unwinding after a day full of adventure!

While most riverside hotels tend to be luxury properties with higher prices, there are also some affordable options available. Just be sure to book early, as these spots are in high demand.

The Siam

Experience luxury and culture at The Siam Bangkok: boutique hotel, private butlers, antiques, river views, and exclusive Thai hospitality.

Booking

Agoda

Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside Hotel Bangkok

Experience panoramic river views, luxury spa, and authentic Thai dining at Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside Hotel Bangkok on the Chao Phraya River.

Booking

Agoda

Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel

Read all about the ultimate riverside retreat at Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel. Enjoy breathtaking Chao Phraya views from every room, exquisite rooftop dining at SEEN and SIN, and […]

Booking

Agoda

Millennium Hilton Bangkok

Millennium Hilton Bangkok offers luxury riverside stays with stunning 360° city views from its unique UFO-shaped rooftop bar.

Booking

Agoda

Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort

Read about the true retreat vibes of Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort, a luxurious riverside haven blending Thai culture, lush gardens, and exceptional service. From stunning rive […]

Booking

Agoda

Hostel URBY

Hostel URBY is located right on the river in the center of Bangkok. The hostel offers views of the water, and you can easily walk to famous sights, markets, and street food stalls nearby. A convenient base with great views.

Booking

Agoda

Praya Palazzo

Praya Palazzo is a charming boutique hotel set in a beautifully restored colonial mansion, with a lush garden and a lovely pool right on the Chao Phraya River. Only accessible by boat—experience peace and luxury in the heart of Bangkok!

Booking

Agoda

Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok

Top hotel by the river with a large pool, spacious rooms, and super friendly staff. The free boat takes you straight to the Skytrain. Amazing breakfast and everything is spotless. Highly recommended for exploring Bangkok!

Booking

Agoda

Shangri-La Bangkok

Shangri-La Bangkok is a fantastic 5-star hotel with super friendly staff, a beautiful riverside pool, and great restaurants. Everything’s spotless and the service is top-notch. Perfect if you want luxury and relaxation during your Bangkok stay!

Booking

Agoda

Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

Mandarin Oriental Bangkok is a super luxurious 5-star hotel by the river. You’ll love the top service, beautiful rooms, great food, and relaxing pool. Perfect spot to explore Bangkok. Highly recommended if you want a real luxury stay!

Booking

Agoda

Mowa Bangkok

Great hotel with free wifi, very clean rooms and friendly staff. Walking distance to the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew. Excellent value for money and perfect riverside location. Ideal for couples or families exploring Bangkok.

Booking

Agoda

Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River

Super luxurious 5-star hotel on Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River. Pools, top restaurants, and spacious rooms with river views. Friendly staff, great service, and a relaxed vibe. Perfect for a special city trip or holiday.

Booking

Agoda