Aboard · BANGKOK BOAT TOURS
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 bangkok boat tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you step aboard.
Travel from Bangkok to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Maeklong Railway Market by air-conditioned coach. A 20-minute traditional boat ride, train-side photos, local snacks, and guides such as Sam, Jenny, Tammy, and Jeed make this a lively, well-organized day out.
“Everything went great! Especially the guide! Jema was great and very fun!”
Meet your English-speaking guide near Wat Pho, cross the Chao Phraya by traditional longtail boat, and cruise Thonburi’s canals. You’ll stop at Baan Silapin, pass Wat Arun and Wat Paknam’s giant Buddha, and return after about two hours. Departure times include morning and afternoon options.
“Great value. Saw a lot of the city. Knowledgeable guide. Learned a lot about the city and culture. Would recommend.”
Spend two hours aboard the White Orchid, a three-deck dinner boat with Thai and international buffet dishes, unlimited beer, live music, Thai dance, and a cabaret show on the night cruise. Choose departure points at Asiatique or ICONSIAM, then watch Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, and Rama VIII Bridge light up along the river.
“After reading the reviews and comments from people that had a bit of negativity, my friend and I can honestly say that it was really a great experience and lovely chilled experience. Plenty of food and beer, and the atmosphere was great too. Enjoyed the entertainment, they really put on a great show. Would definitely recommend and great value for money. Thanks”
Spend two hours on Bangkok’s canals with an English-speaking guide such as Ken, Bella, Pam, or Neo. Ride a long-tail boat past Wat Arun and Wat Paknam, photograph the giant Buddha, then walk through Khlong Bang Luang and its 200-year-old Artist’s House.
“loved seeing the canals and big golden budda and the art house.”
Use an all-day Chao Phraya Tourist Boat pass from 9 AM to 7:15 PM, with access to 11 piers including Wat Arun, the Grand Palace area, Iconsiam, Chinatown, and Asiatique. You get river views and a route booklet, but no onboard guide or audio commentary.
“An incredible way to see the sights of Bangkok. The river offers a much more relaxed way to travel, especially on a hot day. Really well organised and ran. Easy to hop and off throughout the day.”
Cruise Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River for two hours aboard a new three-deck boat. Choose a sunset departure from Yodpiman River Walk or a night cruise from Asiatique, with a 30-plus-item international buffet, drinks, live music, and Thai dance.
“Great activity to view the city lights. Our group of four adults opted to sit in the air conditioned 2nd level for comfort. We were lucky to get a window table and enjoyed the sights. You can always go to the top deck for even better views and pictures. Good variety of food. The entertainment (traditional dances) was great.”
Spend two hours with an English-speaking guide on Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River and Daokanong Canal. From River City Bangkok, you’ll pass Wat Arun, stilted homes, wooden houses, temples, monitor lizards, and local boats. Guides such as Mindy, Nui, and Bobo are praised for clear stories and good humor.
“Bobo is an amazing guide. He is very knowledgeable and I loved his sense of humour. The trip was great and well worth it. I highly recommend it if you want to see parts of Bangkok you won't see otherwise”
Spend nine hours visiting Ayutthaya’s reclining Buddha, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, Wat Mahathat, and Wat Chaiwattanaram. An English-speaking guide such as Donna or First leads the temple visits, followed by a two-hour Chao Phraya River cruise with Thai and international buffet lunch.
“What a fantastic tour! Our guide was very knowledgeable and provided us with the history of Ayutthaya (which was fascinating). We were also given time at the various sights to wander on our own. The tour wrapped up on a boat that gave us a different perspective of Bangkok (and we had a delicious Thai and Western lunch aboard too).”
Meet at ICONSIAM Pier 4 for a two-hour evening cruise with a Thai and international seafood buffet, live music, singers, and traditional Thai dance. From the open deck, you can see Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, bridges, and Bangkok’s lights, with tea, coffee, and water included.
“Amazing customer service with a good buffet and gorgeous spot to view the fireworks next to iconsiam. Loved it had lots of fun”
Cruise Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River for 90 minutes to two hours aboard the Chao Phraya Princess. Check in at Iconsiam, enjoy an international buffet, watch temples and monuments glow at night, and listen to live music from jazz and classic hits to dance numbers.
“Great cruise! Ticket pick up could have been more organised and convenient for customers but the food, live performance, and cruise itself was such a fun time!”
Ride through Thonburi’s narrow lanes with guides such as Otto, Bo, or Jobe, stopping at temples, markets, and The Artist’s House for Thai lunch. You’ll then load the bikes onto a long-tail boat for a 50-minute canal ride. Expect local life, some traffic, and more cycling than the short duration suggests.
“Otto our tour guide made the ride experience super fun. He really puts effort into getting to know his small group. It’s a great ways to see the back streets of Bangkok, made more fun with the locals. The market stops is fun, don’t forget to take a moment to reflect on how simple life can be.”
Spend two hours aboard the White Orchid Cruise with a welcome drink, Thai and international buffet, live music, classical Thai dance, and cabaret. You’ll pass the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun after dark. Check your confirmation carefully for the boarding pier, as meeting details can vary.
“Every thing was good. The food, service and the show.”
Board The Planet at Asiatique for a 90-minute sunset cruise or two-hour dinner cruise. Expect an international buffet, live music, rooftop river views, illuminated temples, and a Thai dance show on the dinner program. Assigned seating and lively boarding queues are part of the experience.
“We had such a beautiful experience on this dinner cruise. The weather was perfect and the sunset over the river was absolutely stunning. The staff were very attentive and friendly, always making sure everything was ok. The singer really brought great energy and made the evening feel special. The food was tasty and varied, with plenty of options to choose from. It’s a great idea if you’re looking for a different kind of dinner experience in Bangkok.”
Choose an evening departure from Asiatique, ICONSIAM, or Terminal 21 Rama 3. The Chao Phraya Princess cruise pairs a buffet dinner with live music, Thai dancing, a welcome drink, and views of Bangkok’s bridges, temples, and night skyline. Bring your ticket, arrive early, and expect a lively group setting.
“Really enjoyed this. We would have liked to be upstairs on the top deck but the music was great and the food was awesome. It’s well worth the price.”
Spend two hours aboard the Luxury White Cruise on Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River. You’ll have a welcome drink, unlimited Thai and international buffet dishes, beer, wine, and soft drinks, plus live music, cabaret, and Thai dance. Boarding is listed at ICONSIAM Pier 4, with other departure points sometimes offered.
“Excellent way to explore the river and city. Fun night, well organised, Helpful friendly staff, fantastic food, lovely boat, drinks package well worth it.”
Pick a river, a coast or a harbour.
