Bangkok is one of the most vibrant cities in the world and a must-visit if you’re in Thailand. It can also be rather hectic and humidity at times, however one way to see it in style is from the water. Here are 5 good reasons why you should try a Bangkok river cruise.
Why Take a River Cruise in Bangkok
There are some fascinating Bangkok attractions that are easy to visit by boat. Here’s our pick of the best sights.
1. Chao Phraya River
Chao Phraya River, also known as the River of Kings, is the lifeblood of Bangkok. Many Thai people ply their wares at the floating markets such as Wat Sai.
You’ll occasionally come across individual boats in other parts of the river, selling fruit, vegetables, sunhats and more. Our private X2 2 hour luxury river and canal tour started at Sathorn Pier, which is easily reached from the centre.
Alternatively, you can ask to be picked up from Taksin Pier. The boat holds up to 14 people and is open at the back but with a cover providing welcome shade. We chose the daytime Bangkok river cruise for maximum photo opportunities although the sunset visit sounded very tempting.
2. Temple of Dawn
At the moment, there is quite a lot of construction in the centre of Bangkok whilst the Green Line transit extension is being constructed. Due to this, travelling by road can be quite time-consuming.
Seeing the sights by boat is a great alternative and you won’t get stuck in a traffic jam. Wat Arun, or the Temple of Dawn, is located directly on the waterfront and well worth a visit.
This iconic Bangkok temple dates from the seventeenth century, although its iconic prana or spires were constructed during the reign of King Rama II in the nineteenth century. Our private boat docked a minute’s walk from the temple and we were whisked straight inside by our charming guides. They’d even thought of a parasol to protect us from the sun.
When we visited, there were ongoing repairs although that didn’t spoil our enjoyment of this majestic monument. As you enter the temple, you will notice signs asking visitors to respect Buddha and not to buy decorative items of the deity.
It’s important to cover your shoulders and knees, although you can borrow a shawl inside the temple grounds.
Wat Arun has some striking mosaics made from broken pieces of porcelain that really catch the light.
You can climb up the temple stairs to get a closer look. we’d definitely recommend wearing flat shoes as the steps are quite high. It’s best to visit early morning or late afternoon as the heat and humidity can be quite strong.
As we left the temple, our guide handed us a fresh coconut purchased from a stall holder within the temple – it was wonderfully refreshing. Back on board, they gave us a cool flannel which was very welcome after the heat of the sun.
3. Off the Beaten Track Bangkok Sights
As well as the river, there’s a whole network of canals in Bangkok that are off the tourist trail. One of the most fun activities on a Bangkok river cruise is feeding the fish in the Bangkok-Noi canal.
It’s located in the Thonburi neighbourhood, nicknamed the Venice of the East. For many years, locals and visitors have been giving the fish food and as a result, there are some huge fish waiting to be fed. You won’t spot them until you throw bread into the water, at which point they’ll appear in their droves.
There’s a boat in front of the temple selling bread but our guides had thoughtfully brought several loaves along for us. It’s a really fun experience seeing the fish leaping up and catching the bread.
4. Bangkok Tips from the Locals
We asked our Bangkok river cruise guide for a good place to eat authentic Thai food and she recommended Celadon within The Sukhothai hotel. It was a great tip – the food was beautifully presented and tasted delicious.
She also told us about her favourite museum near our hotel, Kamthieng House, that we sadly did not get time to visit.
5. Asiatique Bangkok
Our tour ended at Asiatique The Riverfront, although you can ask to be dropped off at Saphan Taksin Pier if you prefer. Asiatique opened in 2012 on the site of the former docks of the East Asiatic Company.
Asiatique is home to many restaurants such as Baan Khanitha by the River. There’s also Asiatique Sky, a 60 metre high ferris wheel as well as a puppet theatre and a night market.
It’s the perfect place to end your Bangkok river cruise. You’ll take in many key sights in a truly relaxing way.
Have you ever visited Bangkok and did you travel on the river?
You might also enjoy:
- Bangkok Off the Beaten Path
- Most Luxurious Cruise Ship Suites
- Thailand Island Hopping Itinerary
- Thailand Luxury Spas
- Virgin Scarlet Lady Cruise Ship Review
Pin for later or share with friends if you’ve found these Bangkok river cruise tips useful.
Thanks to X2 River Cruises for this Bangkok river cruise experience.
During our stay in Thailand we decided to fly straight to Phuket and skip Bangkok but now that I learn more about the city I wish we would have spent at least a night there.
We literally just scratched the surface of all there is to see so it’s definitely worth spending a few nights there if you can on your next trip
Wow, great pictures and post. I’ve always wanted to visit Thailand and the river cruise sounds like a much more relaxing way to explore Bangkok than the hustle and bustle of the tuk tuks!
Thanks for sharing,
Jaz xoxo
http://www.thelifeofasocialbutterfly.co.uk
I wanted to go in a tuk tuk but it was so humid and we’d have been stuck in a traffic jam so we went for Ubers and the river cruise instead!
I visited Bangkok a few year back and fell in love with it! It’s such a beautiful city!
XoXo,
Tamara – Loveofmode.com
I was surprised at how much there is to do there too! Thanks for stopping by
I have seen Bangkok about 15 years ago and I fell in love with this amazing city!!! Great pics hun!
Kisses, Paola.
Expressyourself
Thanks Paola, I hope you get to return soon – you’d get some great pics yourself!
Oooh I did mini cruise when I was there, it’s the perfect to see the city. Actually Mr S loves seeing a city from the water.
I can see why he likes it so much, it felt very relaxing!
Beautiful place, thanks for sharing!
http://zunera-serena.com/
You’re very welcome, Zunera, glad you liked it
You know what? I have actually never been to Bangkok but always wanted to visit there. Thanks for always giving us such detailed information on your lovely excursions, Suze. x
FASHION TALES
I’m so glad you found it interesting, Madison and have a lovely weekend
Love your travel guides! I will definitely give this a try when I visit. Xo, Ellese
Rock.Paper.Glam.
That’s very sweet, Ellese – wishing you a lovely year of travel ahead
Looks amazing! What a cool way to explore.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
It was a real pleasure to travel like this!
This looks like it would be so much fun!
xo
www.laurajaneatelier.com
It was a great way to spend an afternoon, Laura!
Your pictures are always so gorgeously breathtaking. I’ve got to put this on my bucket list for sure.
That’s very kind of you Danyelle, greetings from snowy London!
I would love to go to Thailand, it looks amazing from your photos.
It was brilliant and I have some more blog posts to come on it!
I went to Bangkok some 8 years back and it was so amazing. Missed the river cruise though.
I can see why you enjoyed it so much, Deepika
I love Bangkok,I went many years ago and still miss it! This post brought back many happy memories!
I’m very glad to hear that, Becky! Wonder if it has changed much since you went
Wow. I’ve wanted to go to Thailand for so long and this just makes me want to go even more! This sounds like an amazing trip. Thanks for sharing!
xx, Pia
http://gymbagsandjetlags.com
My pleasure, Pia, I hope that you get to travel there this year!
I want to visit Thailand so badly and you’re killing me with these gorgeous photographs! I’ll definitely have to go and take this river cruise when I finally make it to Bangkok!
http://thecourtneydiaries.com
I’m sure you’ll really enjoy it, Courtney – it’s a fascinating city and country!
Looks so beautiful in Thailand. I would love to go there one day! The temple looks so beautiful. Gemma x
www.jacquardflower.uk
It was fascinating to visit the temple and there were quite a few Buddhist monks there – taking photos with their mobile phones!
Wow really! You wouldn’t expect that. Great experience for you. Gemma x
This sounds like an amazing experience, what beautiful scenery too 🙂 great post, thanks for sharing!
Camille xo
www.cococami.blogspot.co.uk
It was a very fun experience, Camille! Have a great weekend
I bet you had a time of your life in Thailand! I have never been to Bangkok but definitely plan to in the future.
Shireen | Reflection of Sanity
We really enjoyed it, the country is huge so I’ll definitely be back to see more
All the photos are so great that makes me want to go!!! Amazing post!
www.fashionparadoxes.com
Oh that’s very kind, I’m glad you liked them and thanks for stopping by
Bangkok is somewhere I have always wanted to visit and a river cruise sounds perfect. Especially for a foodie I bet the cooking is wonderful. Wat Arun looks very similar to the beautiful Mosaics in Guell Park Barcelona Lucy
I can see the resemblance with Guell Park, now that you mention it, Lucy
you definitely convinced me!
THE FASHION MATTERS- Travel & Fashion blog | INSTAGRAM: TheFashionMatters
Thanks Hadas, have a lovely week
A river cruise is such a fantastic way to see Bangkok! The first time round as I was so jet lagged that I just sat on it and didn’t get off but I’m pleased to say that the next day we got on and off quite a few times. Loving your black and white halter neck dress by the way!
Thanks very much, Maggie, the dress kept me protected from mosquitoes although there aren’t many in Bangkok
what a fun adventure! I love being on the water!
kelseybang.com
Me too, Kelsey – hope your week has started well
What a beautiful setting! I have yet to visit Thailand but it’s high on my list! I love hope nice and cheap it is to travel to as well (not the islands though, booooo). So glad I stumbled upon your blog! You have great content and take lovely photos! Happy Travels lady. 🙂
-Emily www.coatandcoffee.com
That’s very sweet of you, Emily, looking forward to reading your posts too!
I didn’t know that you could see Bangkok from a canoe too, must have been fun!
You definitely should, Hayley, I’m sure you’d enjoy it