Express River Boats
If wanting to travel on the river then you have several options.
The Chaopraya Express Boat is a water bus (think Thames Clipper if from the UK). It usually stops quite early around 7pm however.
Transport up and down the Chaophraya River is primarily using the Chaophraya Express boat but there are other that stop at all stations and there is a tourist version as well. Be aware that they stop running around 7pm.
There are several types of Chao Phraya Express Boats, each with a different color flag and route.
- No Flag: Boats without a flag stop at every pier.
- Blue Flag (Tourist Boat): Stops upon request, ideal for tourists exploring the river. Operates from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. You can purchase a one-day pass for unlimited trips. Staff will call out the pier names and stop the boat upon request.
- Orange Flag: Stops at main piers
- Yellow Flag: Large express boat for commuters during rush hours.
- Green Flag: Express boat for commuters during specific hours
The main places to get on these boats is at the Saphan Taksin Pier near the Saphan Taksin BTS Station
Shuttle boats also dock at the Sathorn Pier to take guests to the major riverside hotels and also to ICONSIAM and Asiatique
Smart Ferry
The MINE Smart Ferry (now branded as Thai Smile Boat) is a 100% electric, air-conditioned catamaran service operating on Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River, offering eco-friendly, quiet, and stable transport. These boats cost 20 THB, feature cashless payments, and connect key areas like Sathon (BTS Saphan Taksin) to Nonthaburi.
Key Details and Features
- Operating Hours & Frequency: Generally operates from morning until roughly 6:00 PM.
- Cost: Flat rate of 20 THB, though some sources indicate prices may vary (e.g., 40 THB).
- Payment Method: Cashless only—accepts bank app transfers (QR code), credit/debit cards, or the HOP card.
- Routes: The service connects major piers, including Sathon, IconSiam, and Nonthaburi.
- Comfort & Safety: Air-conditioned, features wide doors for easy access, and is equipped with modern safety gear like CCTV.
- Technology: Developed by Energy Absolute PCL, the boats can run for 2-4 hours (approx. 80-100 km) on a 20-minute charge.
River Taxi Boats
These operate on the canals (khlongs) in Bangkok and aren’t obvious to the tourist. You could be in the centre of the city and not realise there is a canal just beneath you. Despite their name they run on predefined routes.
River Crossing Ferries
These just cross the river but they only go from one side of the river to the other usually for around 5 baht
Other methods of getting around Bangkok
The BTS Skytrain is a great way to get around Bangkok, especially when traffic is bad.
Motorbike Taxis are a quick and exhilarating way of getting through the traffic in Bangkok
The MRT is Bangkok’s underground or metro system, although outside the centre of the city it surfaces above ground.
River Transport is an ideal way to get around Bangkok. There are many options available.
Taxis are a cheap way to get around the city but it maybe better to use the BTS during busy…
Tuk Tuks are a fun way to get around the city but aren’t as cheap as you might think.