Chao Phraya River (Mae Nam Chao Phraya) Tours and Tickets

Most visitors will explore the Chao Phraya River via a “tourist boat” (sort of like a hop-on/hop-off bus, only on water), long-tail boat, river cruise, or dinner cruise. For a more local experience, you can opt for the transport-oriented riverboats and ferries—five public lines run along the river seven days a week.

The Chao Phraya River is known as the “River of Kings” and the “Venice of the East.” Lined with slow-moving canals and ancient temples, it’s long been the lifeblood of Bangkok. Today, it doubles as a city throughway and a place for visitors to explore, appreciate, and photograph.

There’s much to see on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, as this is the city’s main artery. You’ll witness historic spots like the Grand Palace, Pak Khlong Flower Market, Phra Sumen Fort, and various wats (temples) sharing space with modern hotels like the Four Seasons or Hilton, ICONSIAM Park, and more.

If you’re spending time in Bangkok, cruising the Chao Phraya River is absolutely worth it—the river is why the city exists, and all its eras collide here. From local ferries that run every 15 minutes to touristy weekend dinner cruises, there are options for every budget and every schedule, and no ride comes without great views and history.

There are many Chao Phraya River cruises, from longtail boats that wander the canals to tourist boats that depart every half hour to dinner cruises that take in the Chao Phraya leisurely at night. With that in mind, most designated cruises typically last 2–3 hours, though some can be booked for 60–90 minutes.

Chao Phraya River cruises start at various piers along the river—some at Pier 2, some at the Sathorn Bridge Pier, some at River City Pier, and still others. The river has more than 40 piers, but only around a dozen are used for tourist boats and river cruises. Consult with your cruise company to learn where your specific trip begins.