Navigating Bangkok can be daunting! One of the best ways of getting around is by taking the easy-to-use river ferries. We’ve found that the ferries provide a convenient and efficient way to explore the city. Not only do they offer an escape from the traffic congestion, but they also provides a unique perspective of Bangkok’s beautiful scenery.
As a tourist, you’ll discover that the Chao Phraya River is your key to unlocking the city’s iconic attractions, authentic markets, and cultural delights.
First, let’s talk about finding your way around. Wondering if there’s an app for that?
Absolutely! Several apps, such as Google Maps or the Chao Phraya River app, provide ferry stop maps and schedules to make your journey as smooth as possible.
You’ll be able to quickly locate the nearest ferry stop, track your route, and even get an estimated arrival time based on the current ferry schedule. With the help of these apps, you’ll soon be navigating the river with confidence.
Now that you have a reliable app in hand, let’s discuss which service to choose. When it comes to selecting the best river ferry option for tourists, the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat (Blue Flag) is top of the line. With all-day access to nine essential piers and English-speaking staff on board to assist you, it’s an ideal choice for visitors. The costs are affordable too: a single-journey ticket costs 50 THB (about $1.50 USD) and an all-day pass goes for 180 THB (roughly $5.40 USD). To give you a better perspective, the river ferry is typically cheaper than city buses and trains and offers a more scenic travel experience.
Let’s Cut Thru the Confusion with So Many Boat Services!
Here are the five types of river boats operated by the Chao Phraya Express Boat company:
Blue Flag Express Boat: This is the fastest and most direct express boat service offered by the Chao Phraya Express Boat company. The Blue Flag boats have limited stops and run from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily. The Blue Flag boats are designed for commuters and travelers who need to get to specific destinations quickly.
Chao Phraya Tourist Boat: As a tourist, you’ll find the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat is the most suitable ferry service for exploring Bangkok’s sights. It costs 200 THB (about $6.25 USD) for a day pass, which allows you unlimited hop-on-hop-off access to the ferry. In comparison, city buses and trains charge 15 THB (about $0.47 USD) to 52 THB (about $1.62 USD) per ride. Using the tourist boat not only provides affordable and convenient transportation but also offers the opportunity to see Bangkok from a fresh perspective.
For each ferry stop, you’ll find a location description to help you navigate the city more efficiently. So, relax, carry your day pass, and get ready to explore Bangkok’s culture, history, and charm while enjoying a breezy trip on the Chao Phraya River.
Orange Flag Express Boat: This is a newer express boat service that operates along the Khlong Saen Saeb canal, which runs through the eastern part of Bangkok. The Orange Flag boats are designed to provide a faster and more convenient option for commuters and travelers who need to travel between the eastern part of the city and the central business district.
Yellow Flag Express Boat: This is a local express boat service that stops at every pier along the Chao Phraya River. The Yellow Flag boats are slower than the Blue Flag boats, but they are a good option for travelers who want to see the sights along the river and explore different parts of the city.
Green Flag Express Boat: This is a tourist express boat service that stops at several of the major tourist attractions along the river, including the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun). The Green Flag boats offer a narrated tour in English and are a good option for travelers who want to learn more about the history and culture of Bangkok.
No Flag Express Boat: This is a local express boat service that stops at every pier along the Chao Phraya River, similar to the Yellow Flag boats. The No Flag boats are older and slower than the other express boats, but they are also the cheapest option for travelers on a budget.
Comparing Services for Tourists
As a tourist, choosing the right river ferry service can make a big difference in your Bangkok adventure.
Two popular river ferry services are the Blue Flag Chao Phraya Express Boat and the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat.
What’s the difference between the blue flag express boat and the tourist boat?
The Blue Flag Express Boat and the Tourist Boat are two different river ferry services offered in Bangkok, each with their own characteristics and advantages.
The Blue Flag Express Boat is a fast and direct service that runs along the Chao Phraya River and has limited stops. The Blue Flag boats are designed for commuters and travelers who need to get to specific destinations quickly. The boats are usually crowded during peak hours and can be less comfortable than the tourist boats.
The Chao Phraya Express Boat is ideal for more budget-conscious travelers, with ticket prices ranging from 10-32 THB ($0.30-1.00 USD) depending on the distance traveled. However, this service tends to be crowded, and the boats move at a relatively fast pace, leaving limited time for sightseeing.
The Chao Phraya Tourist Boat is a slower and more leisurely service that stops at several of the major tourist attractions along the river, including the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun).
The Tourist Boat offers a narrated tour in English and provides a good way to see the sights along the river while learning about the history and culture of Bangkok. The boats are usually less crowded and more comfortable than the Blue Flag boats.
In short, the Tourist Boat offers a more leisurely experience, prioritizing sightseeing and comfort. Prices are slightly higher, with a single-journey ticket costing 60 THB (1.90 USD) and a day pass available for 200 THB ($6.00 USD). However, the tourist boats provide informative guides, comfortable seating, and are less crowded.
Overall, the main difference between the Blue Flag Express Boat and the Tourist Boat is their speed and the number of stops they make. The Blue Flag boats are faster and more direct, while the Tourist Boat is slower and more leisurely, with more stops at tourist attractions. Which one to choose depends on your needs and preferences.
Ticketing and Pricing Information
When it comes to using the River Ferry in Bangkok, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with ticketing and pricing options to get the most out of your transportation experience.
Individual Ride Costs
Your journey starts with understanding the cost of each individual ride. The River Ferry in Bangkok charges on a per trip basis, with prices varying based on the route and distance traveled. The fares typically range from 10 to 20 THB ($0.30 to $0.60 USD), making it an affordable option to explore the city. Just make sure to have Thai Baht on hand, as the ferry does not accept foreign currencies.
Day Pass Availability and Rates
If you’re a tourist planning to use the River Ferry to visit multiple attractions in a day, consider purchasing a day pass, also known as a tourist ticket. This ticket offers unlimited rides on the ferry for a single day, making it a convenient and cost-effective choice. The cost of a tourist day pass is 200 THB (approximately $6 USD).
Essential Apps for River Ferry Navigation
When exploring Bangkok via river ferry, having the right apps at your fingertips can significantly enhance your experience. In this section, we will discuss the usefulness of apps for ferry stop maps and schedules, and help you decide which service is best for tourists like you.
Ferry Stop Maps and Schedules
Navigating the Chao Phraya River is now easier than ever thanks to various mobile applications that provide detailed ferry stop maps and up-to-date schedules. With these apps, you can be sure to never miss a stop and always know when the next ferry is due to arrive.
Some popular apps for river ferry navigation include Google Maps, Chao Phraya River app, and the Bangkok Transit app. These apps not only supply you with real-time information on ferry stops and schedules but also offer additional insights on points of interest, nearby attractions, and local tips.
Simply enter your desired destination, and these apps will guide you on which service to take, the price for the route, and even the approximate travel time in both distance and duration (Km/miles and minutes).
Cross River Ferries
To get to the other side of the river, you can take one of the many small ferries that depart from most docks. Expect to stand for the brief river crossing as seating is quite limited on these boats.
Fare: varies from 2-4 Baht (usually paid at entrance to pier before boarding the boat)
More details on boat timetables are available from the Chao Phraya Express Boat company.
Comparing River Ferries to City Buses and Trains
When comparing the River Ferry to other public transportation options in Bangkok, it’s crucial to weigh the costs and benefits of each. Here’s a brief overview of each mode of transit:
- River Ferry: Fares between 10-20 THB ($0.30-$0.60 USD), with a tourist day pass available at 200 THB ($6 USD).
- City Buses: Fares between 8-25 THB ($0.23-$0.72 USD), depending on the route and type of bus. No tourist day pass available.
- Trains (BTS/MRT): Fares based on distance traveled, starting at 16 THB ($0.46 USD). Various tourist passes available, ranging from 140-490 THB ($4-$14 USD).
Keeping your specific travel needs in mind, it’s up to you to decide which mode of transportation best suits your journey. The River Ferry offers the advantage of eliminating traffic and providing an enjoyable scenic ride, while city buses and trains cover vast areas of the city and can be better options for landlocked destinations.
Navigating the River Ferry Stops
As a tourist in Bangkok, you might be wondering about the best way to take advantage of the River Ferry system. Fear not, as we guide you through the notable stops for tourists and the location of each ferry stop.
To use the Bangkok river ferry, it is best to purchase a ticket at the pier before boarding the boat. The ticket prices vary depending on the distance you are traveling and the type of boat you are taking.
For example, the Chao Phraya Express Boat service offers different ticket options ranging from 15 to 50 baht per person, depending on the distance and type of boat.
To use the ferry, you should first check the route map and timetable to determine which pier you need to go to and which boat you should take. Then, simply wait at the pier until the boat arrives and board the boat with your ticket.
Notable Stops for Tourists
Some of the must-see stops along the River Ferry route include:
- Tha Tien Pier (N8) Temporarily Closed: From here, you can easily explore Wat Pho, the famous temple housing the impressive Reclining Buddha, and enjoy some Thai cuisine in the nearby markets.
- Tha Chang Pier (N9): This stop brings you to the doorstep of the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, both essential attractions for any Bangkok visit.
- Wang Lang Pier (N10): This stop is known for its vibrant market, where you can find tasty street food, clothing, and souvenirs.
- Phra Arthit Pier (N13): Located near the backpacker district of Khao San Road, this stop offers access to numerous bars, restaurants, and budget accommodations.
It’s worth noting that the river ferry can be a great way to avoid Bangkok’s notorious traffic and see the city from a different perspective.
It’s important to note that the Express Boat can be quite crowded during peak hours, so it’s a good idea to plan your journey in advance and allow extra time for any delays.
Bangkok Has Even More Ferry Services
In addition to the Chao Phraya Express Boats, there are other ferry services in Bangkok that operate along the city’s rivers and canals. Here are some of the additional ferry services in Bangkok:
- Khlong Saen Saeb Express Boat: This is a river ferry service that operates along the Khlong Saen Saeb canal, which runs through the eastern part of Bangkok. The boats are blue and white and are a fast and convenient way to travel between the eastern part of the city and the central business district.
- Saen Saeb Canal Boat: This is another river ferry service that operates along the Khlong Saen Saeb canal. The boats are smaller and slower than the Khlong Saen Saeb Express Boat, but they also offer a more local and authentic experience.
- Bangkok Water Bus: This is a newer river ferry service that operates along the Chao Phraya River and some of its canals. The boats are blue and white and offer a comfortable and air-conditioned option for travelers.
- Tha Chin River Ferry: This is a river ferry service that operates along the Tha Chin River, which runs through the western part of Bangkok. The boats are orange and white and offer a scenic way to explore the outskirts of the city.
Overall, these river ferry services provide a range of options for travelers and commuters in Bangkok, depending on their needs and preferences.
Canal Boat Tours
Canal tours offer one of the best ways for a tourist to become immersed in the charming old-style Bangkok which hasn’t changed much in the past decades in comparison to the modern city with its skyscrapers and bright lights. I’ve written an entire article on the wonders of taking a canal tour in Bangkok.
Tips and Tricks for Smooth Sailing
Now that you have all the essential information about using the river ferry in Bangkok, let’s dive into some handy tips and tricks to make your experience enjoyable and hassle-free.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
While using the river ferry in Bangkok, there are a few common pitfalls you should be aware of:
- Always validate your tickets before boarding the ferry, as some tourists have fallen prey to getting fined for not correctly validating their tickets.
- Make sure you’re aware of the ferry’s operating hours so you don’t end up stranded at a pier.
- Keep an eye on your belongings, as crowded ferries could be an opportunity for pickpocketing.
- It’s best to avoid rush hours (around 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM) when ferries are more crowded.
Maximizing Efficiency and Enjoyment
To make the most of your river ferry experience, consider these tips:
- Use available smartphone apps like Google Maps, which in most cases, show ferry stops and schedules. This will help you plan your route and timetable effectively.
- The tourist boat service is an excellent option if you want to enjoy sightseeing at a leisurely pace. Remember, the cost of the tourist boat service is THB 200 ($6 USD) for a day pass, which provides you unlimited rides for the whole day.
- To save money, compare the cost of the river ferry (THB 10-50 or $0.3-$1.5 USD) with city buses and trains, which could be cheaper or more expensive depending on your destination and route.
- Don’t forget to carry a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and some water, as the weather in Bangkok can get quite hot and sunny.
By following these tips, you can make your river ferry journey in Bangkok smooth and enjoyable. So, hop on and explore the beautiful sights that this vibrant city has to offer!
Where does the Chao Phraya Express boat go in Bangkok?
Ferry Stop Locations
Below is a list of the main ferry stops along the Chao Phraya River, labelled with their respective pier number and name:
| Pier Number | Pier Name |
| N1 | Sathorn/Taksin |
| N4 | Ratchawongse |
| N5 | Rajinee |
| N6 | Memorial Bridge |
| N8 Check if closed | Tha Tien (near Wat Pho and the Grand Palace) |
| N9 | Tha Chang (near the Grand Palace) |
| N10 | Wang Lang |
| N12 | Phra Pinklao Bridge |
| N13 | Phra Arthit |
