Bangkok River Boats

The boats on the Chao Phraya river are another great way to get around downtown Bangkok. Travel by Bangkok river boat is almost always quicker than road transport. However, just like the Bangkok skytrain and Bangkok subway systems, the Bangkok river boats can only reach a limited area of Bangkok.

Most of the popular Bangkok tourist sites are accessible from the river. Chao Praya River Express operates a regular boat service up and down the river. It operates like a bus on the water. Fares are very inexpensive. Ticket prices range from 11 Baht to 25 Baht (0.36 USD to 0.83 USD) depending on the distance and the type of boat. There are piers next to many of the riverside hotels. Even if you aren't staying on the river, if you are staying close to the Bangkok sky train, you can catch a train to the Taksin Bridge station. A River Express pier is on the river right below the station, and there is generally someone on duty at the pier to sell you a ticket and help plan your trip. The boats can be dangerously crowded during peak traffic times, so avoid rush hours.

In 2003, the River Express company opened a new service specifically for tourists. The new "Chao Phraya Tourist Boat" uses newer more comfortable boats serving just those piers of interest to tourists. The price structure is also different. You must purchase a one-day river pass for 150 Baht (4.95 USD) which entitles you to an unlimited number of trips on the same day. Compared to the cost of just a couple of trips on the regular boats, it's rather expensive but may well be worth the comfort and convenience.

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