Travel Bangkok, Thailand

River Trips with the Mae Nam Chao Phraya Express

January 5th, 2010

The Mae Nam Chao Phraya river in Bangkok is great tourist attraction and every day thousands of people are guided up and down the river. You can catch the Chao Phraya Express at several piers and cruise in northern or southern direction.

Most northbound boats go as far up as the Tha Nonthaburi pier and in the south the last terminal is likely to be the Tha Sathon, also called Central Pier near the Saphan Taksin Skytrain station. Whenever you feel like getting off just make your way to the exit as the Chao Phraya Express stops at all piers. You can buy your tickets on board for 10-27 bht.

Looking out on the Bangkok River Looking out on the Bangkok..

From the river you have a great view of several important buildings like the Wat Arun on your left if you're heading north and the temples of the Grand Palace on your right. On the shore you'll notice all the little wooden and bamboo houses build on the river which depend heavenly on the water of the river.

Cruising along the Mae Nam Chao Phraya you'll see people washing their clothes or washing their fruit in the same dirty water that comes out of all the motor boats passing by.

You can also hire a longtail boat to make your way over the river and there are even tours by longtail boats arranged by Mit Chao Paya. If you want to hire the entire boat for 1 hour it this will costs you about 700 bht. Rates can be set for an entire boat or per person.

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Travel Tips for Bangkok Thailand:

Where to stay in Bangkok: -

What to do in Bangkok: Use the Chao Phraya Express if you want to cruise the river in Bangkok, tickets will cost you close to nothing.

Where to eat in Bangkok: -

Travel Pictures of Bangkok, Thailand

  • Looking out on the Bangkok River Looking out on the Bangkok River
  • Longtail boat waiting for clients Longtail boat waiting for clients
  • Big Warehouses on the Phraya River Big Warehouses on the Phraya River
  • Longtail taxi boats in Bangkok Longtail taxi boats in Bangkok
  • Protestant Church on the river banks Protestant Church on the river banks
  • The houses on the Mae Nam Chao Phraya The houses on the Mae Nam Chao Phraya
  • The Dinner Cruise boat The Dinner Cruise boat
  • Locals doing laundry in the river Locals doing laundry in the river
  • Cleaning up the Mae Nam Chao Phraya Cleaning up the Mae Nam Chao Phraya
  • Wat Arun from our river boat Wat Arun from our river boat
  • The slums on the Bangkok River The slums on the Bangkok River
  • River View of the Grand Palace River View of the Grand Palace
  • Temples of the Grand Palace off shore Temples of the Grand Palace off shore

Weather

Bangkok Weather

Mostly Cloudy
29 °C | 84.2 °F

Traveller

Gabriele photo
Name: Gabriele
Age: 42-49
Travel type: Business trip

Travel Blog

River Trips with the Mae Nam Chao Phraya Express
Continent: Asia
Country: Thailand
City: Bangkok
Period: Aug '09-Oct '09
Lenght of stay: 5 days
Views: 5046

Travel Review

Liked: The river cruise and the view of the temples.
Disliked: The shocking contrast between the 5 star hotels on the shore and the bamboo houses on the river.
Trip Rating: Excellent

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