The Chao Phraya River Trip

The easiest and cheapest way to observe the way of life along the Chao Phraya River is by boarding a Chao Phraya River express boat. The most enjoyable route is to take the BTS Skytrain to Taksin Station. From here take a Chao Phraya River Express boat at Sathorn Pier to another Pier.

Stop at Si Phraya Pier you will see River City. River City is the famous arts and antiques center of Bangkok.It contains numerous shops selling antiques, old maps etc. from Southeast Asia with great stores selling handcrafts and silk clothing.

Stop at Ratchawongse Pier you will meet with China Town (Yaowaraj).From here you walk ahead along Ratchawongse Road until the intersection of Yaowarat Road (About 450 m.). At China Town visitors will be able to take a glimpse at the Chinese way of life and experience the wonderful food at many restaurants on both sides of the road. It is also a good place to buy gold and jewelry.

Stop at Memorial Bridge Pier you will see Pak Klong Tarad . From here take a walk to the left about 300 metres. Pak Klong Tarad is the most famous wholesale flowers market, and also renowned for vegetables and fruits. Pak Klong Talad opens 24 hours a day. And it is crowded especially at night.

Stop at Tha Tien Pier you will see Wat Pho, Wat Arun(Temple of Dawn), Tha Tien Market.
From here take a walk about 250 m. along Thai Wang Road directly to Wat Pho on your right. Temple is open from 8.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m. Admission 20 Baht for foreigner.
From here take a cross river ferry to Wat Arun.Wat Arun is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is 20 Baht for foreigner.
From here walk straight ahead a short distances to the intersecting Maharat Road. Turn right and walk along Maharat Road to view Tha Tien Market.

Stop at Maharaj Pier you will see Wat Pra Kaeo, The Grand Palace, National Museum .
From here take a walk straight ahead about 75 m. to Maharaj Road turn right walk straight about 200 m. to reach the wall corner of the palace turn left about 50 m. to the entrance of the Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaeo on your right.
From here take a walk straight ahead to Maharaj Road turn left about 100 m. to reach Thammasat University turn right along the wall of the University then turn left about 150 m. to arrive at the National Museum on your left.

Stop at The Royal Barge Museum Pier you will see the Royal Barge Museum. From here take a walk straight ahead to the right, enter Siriraj hospital. Walk through the other side of the hospital (about 300 m.) Exit the main entrance to the left.Then walk across the bridge about 200 m. Turn right at the alley and walk straight about 100 m. to the Royal Barge Museum.

Stop at Phra Arthit Pier you will see Kao San Road . From here take a walk short distance to Phra Athit Road. Turn left and follow Phra Athit Road and continue another 300 m. to intersection with Chakrabongse Road. Cross Chakrabongse Road then turn right and walk ahead about 350 m. to Khao San Road on your left.

The whole trip takes about 1.30 hours. The fares for a standard express boat trip are from 5 to 16 baht, depending on the distance. The boats leave the terminals every 15 minutes from 6.00 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. daily. Special express boats, symbolized by yellow, red and orange flags, stop at major piers only and the fares are 15 for the yellow and 10 baht for the red and orange ones.

These special express boats operate only during rush hours 6.00 - 9.00 a.m. and 3.00 - 6.00 p.m.