How to Use the Chao Phraya Express Boat
Five different Chao Phraya Express Boat lines are available for transport. You can purchase your ticket onboard or on the pier. I’d recommend taking the orange line and paying the ฿15 Baht fee on the boat. Don’t worry if you don’t have exactly ฿15 Baht, they will have exact change. The blue line (tourist boat) is a rip-off and I would avoid using it.
If you’re a tourist, you will have the easiest and most affordable experience by taking the orange line. Avoid the blue line (tourist boat) unless you want an English narration for sites along the river. The orange line stops at all of the popular tourist destinations, has more boats in operation, and costs much less.
On the orange line, you can travel all the way to Nonthaburi (Pier N30) and back for less than $1 USD. This is a great way to see the city and has beautiful views. You can also hop off at certain piers for sight-seeing and then re-board and pay the fee of ฿15 Baht.
All five lines stop at different piers, so if you’re planning to visit a certain location you need to know which line to board. Here are the 5 different lines. All except the local line are identified by a colored flag:
How Much Is the Chao Phraya Express Boat?
- Blue Line: 1 trip = ฿60 Baht, day pass = ฿200 Baht
- Orange Line: 1 trip = ฿15 Baht
- Local Line (no color): ฿10-20 Baht
- Green Line: 1 trip = ฿13-32 Baht
- Yellow Line: 1 trip = ฿20-29 Baht
The local, green, and yellow lines only runs during morning and evening rush hours. I’ll go into further details below:
Chao Phraya Express Boat Operating Hours
| Line | Boat Direction | Operating Hours | Frequency of Departure |
| Blue Line | Northbound and southbound run simultaneously | Everyday 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM | ≈ 30 minutes |
| Orange Line | Northbound and southbound run simultaneously | Everyday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM | ≈ 15 minutes |
| Local Line (Rush Hour Only) | Northbound only | Weekdays only: 6:45 AM – 7:30 AM 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM | ≈ 20 minutes |
| Green Line (Rush Hour Only) | Southbound in the morning, northbound in the evening | Weekdays only: 6:00 AM – 8:10 AM 3:45 PM – 6:05 PM | ≈ 15 minutes |
| Yellow Line (Rush Hour Only) | Southbound in the morning, northbound in the evening | Weekdays only: 6:15 AM – 8:20 AM 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM | ≈ 15 minutes |
Chao Phraya Express Boat Map (Downtown Bangkok)
Chao Phraya Express Routes
| Pier | Stops |
| S3 (Wat Rajsingkom) | Local, Orange |
| S2 (Wat Worachanyawas) | Local, Orange |
| S1 (Wat Sawetachat) | Local |
| Central Pier (Tha Sathorn) | All |
| N1 (Oriental Hotel) | Local, Orange, Blue |
| N2 (Wat Muang Kae) | Local |
| N3 (Si Phraya) | Local, Orange, Yellow, Green |
| N4 (Marine Department) | Local, Orange |
| River City | Blue |
| N5 (Rajchawongse) | All |
| N6 (Memorial Bridge) | Local, Orange |
| N6/1 (Yodpiman) | Local, Orange, Blue |
| N7 (Rajinee) | Local, Orange |
| N8 (Tha Tien) | Local, Orange, Blue |
| N9 (Tha Chang) | Local, Orange, Green |
| Maharaj | Blue |
| N10 (Wang Lang) | Local, Orange, Green, Yellow |
| N11 (Thonburi Railway) | All |
| N12 (Phra Pin Klao Bridge) | Local, Orange, Green, Yellow |
| N13 (Phra Arthit) | Local, Orange, Blue |
| N14 (Rama 8 Bridge) | Local |
| N15 (Thewet) | Local, Orange, Green, Yellow |
| N16 (Krung Thon Bridge (Sung Hi)) | Local, Orange, Green |
| N17 (Wat Thepnahree) | Local |
| N17/1 (Wat Thepakorn) | Local |
| N18 (Payap) | Local, Orange |
| N19 (Irrigation Department) | Local |
| N20 (Kheaw Khai Ka) | Local |
| N21 (Kjak Kai) | Local, Orange, Green, Yellow |
| N22 (Bang Po) | Local, Orange, Green, Yellow |
| N23 (Wat Soi Thong) | Local, Orange |
| N24 (Rama 7 Bridge) | Local, Orange, Green, Yellow |
| N25 (Pibul 1) | Local |
| N26 (Wat Khema) | Local |
| N27 (Wat Tuek) | Local |
| N28 (Wat Kien) | Local, Orange |
| N29 (Pibul 2) | Local |
| Rama 5 Bridge | Orange, Green |
| N30 (Nonthaburi (Pibul 3)) | Local, Orange, Green, Yellow |
| N31 (Wat (Khaenok) | Green |
| N32 (Wat Klang Kret) | Green |
| N33 (Pakkret) | Green |
How to Get to the Chao Phraya River
From the BTS
I’ve written an entire guide on using the BTS and the only stop that intersects with the Chao Phraya River is the Saphan Taksin Station along the Silom Line. Get off at Saphan Taksin and head a bit west (you’ll see the pier from the station). The pier is called Sathorn Pier (Central).
Things to Do Near the Chao Phraya River
If you’re looking for the most popular tourist locations, they are:
- The Grand Palace (Tha Chang/Maharaj Pier)
- Wat Arun (Tha Tien Pier)
- Wat Pho (Tha Tien Pier)
- Wang Lang Market (Wang Lang Pier)
- Chinatown (Rajchawongse Pier)
If arriving at the Sathorn Pier from the BTS, there’s a decent temple that’s about 500 feet south of the pier in the same block called Wat Yannawa. If you have a bit of time it might be worth checking out.
From the pier you can mainly go north. Going south only has a few stops, the main attraction being Asiatique.
Asiatique is a popular tourist location that combines dining, shopping, and sight-seeing. It has tons of great food options (might be a bit pricey) with Thai shows, a ferris wheel, and boxing. It’s a pretty good area for night life as well. The shows are really cool if you’re into live theatre.
If you’re headed north, here are some stops in order and some of the sites at each stop:
Sathorn Pier (Central)
- Wat Yannawa: Beautiful and unique boat-shaped temple just a bit south east of the pier. I like this temple since it’s not too busy or crowded with tourists. It also has a beautiful roof.
- Bangrak Bazaar: This food and indoor market has numerous tasty Thai foods for low prices. As a place that’s always packed with locals, you know the food will be good.
Lines: All
Oriental (N1)
- Assumption Cathedral: Beautiful Catholic church located near the pier with a 10 AM English mass on Sunday morning. Well-known for the beautiful architecture, this is a decent spot to check out not too far off the pier.
- The Bamboo Bar: A really impressive jazz bar with amazing service and live performances. If you love jazz, the bamboo bar is a must-see spot and opens up around 5 PM.
- O.P Place Shopping Centre: Filled with antique shops, boutiques, and shopping complexes, this European-style building houses many unique artifacts. Be prepared to pay high prices for Khmer museum-quality pieces or just check them out!
- Wat Suan Phlu: Pagoda style temple with a reclining Buddha. Might be a little out of the ways from the pier, but if you’re visiting some of the other sites around here might be worth checking out.
- State Tower: 64-floor skyscraper with a famous sky bar on top where the movie Hangover 2 filmed a scene. Very expensive, drinks can run $30 a pop, so I’d avoid it unless the view is worth it to you.
Lines: Local, Orange, Blue
Wat Muang Kae (N2)
- Go Beyond Asia: There’s a hub near this pier for Go Beyond Asia – an all-around tour company that has some unique offerings. They have cooking classes, bike tours, hiking, and much more.
- Cotton House: If you’re looking unique Thai attire, this place offers very well-reviewed products. From tailored suits, shirts, blouses, etc., they’ll measure you up and ship you perfectly-fit clothing with a unique appeal.
- Serindia Gallery: Located just south of the Cotton House, Serindia Gallery offers art exhibits that focus on photography and paintings. Offers an interesting look at the history of Bangkok.
- Diamonds of Eden: Custom jewelry designed exclusively for you. Includes engagement rings, earrings, necklaces, etc.
Lines: Local
Si Phraya (N3)
- ICONSIAM: Massive shopping mall along the far banks of the river. You’ll need to take a ferry across the river to access the mall, but it is well worth it for tourism.
- Various dinner cruises are offered at this stop. Dinner cruises are a great experience that allows you to view the city from the river while enjoying a nice meal for about $40 USD.
- The Spa at Royal Orchid Sheraton: A hotel, spa, restaurant with a view all in one. Offers great Thai massages, for more detail about Thai massages click here.
- Om Fashion and Silk Custom Tailor: Also located at the Royal Orchid Sheraton, this tailor has over 20 years experience and focuses on suits with great prices and workmanship.
- Warehouse 30: Not much to see here, but great for grabbing coffee. There’s also a place called Erb Spa which is a great place to grab an oil massage.
Lines: Local, Orange, Yellow, Green
Marine Dept (N4)
- River City shopping mall: has become a major art center in Bangkok. Contains many small and mega shows, with traveling exhibitions scheduled year-round. Also has nice restaurants and shopping.
Lines: Local, Orange
Rajchawongse (N5)
- Chinatown: Popular and very crowded area with cheap eats and souvenirs. Considered by most to be a must-see stop filled with bustling street life and beautiful small temples along the roads and alleyways.
Lines: All
Memorial Bridge (N6)
- King Rama I Monument: Beautiful monument of King Rama I riding an elephant. It is said that many people have their wishes come true here.
- Park/Sky Park: Many markets and small eating places nearby, so this is a good and busy place to stop. Great area to visit at night.
- Saphan Phut Night Market
Lines: Local, Orange, Blue stops at Yodpiman nearby
Rajinee (N7)
- MRT Sanam Chai Station
- Chinatown vegetable market (Pak Khlong Market)
Lines: Local, Orange
Tha Tien (N8) (Most Popular Stop):
- Wat Phra Cetuphon: AKA Wat Pho – has the famous reclining Buddha. If you only visit one temple in Thailand, visit here to see the beauty and architecture. Stop is close to the pier but crowded so be prepared.
- Wat Arun: Wat Arun is one of the most famous temples in Thailand. You’ll need to take a ferry across the river to get here, but it’s well worth the trip. Ferry ride costs about ฿4 Baht per person. At night this place is lit up and it’s absolutely great.
- Siam Museum: One of the most popular museums in Bangkok with many interactive exhibits. Covers a lot of different aspects of Thai culture and beliefs including “What is Thai-ness”.
- Bangkok Tuk Tuk Tours by Feel Good: A bit of a walk south from the pier, but might be a good one-time Tuk Tuk experience if you’ve never had one. A good option for tours at this location since there is less traffic, but be aware of the safety risks of Tuk Tuks that I’ve outlined here. I’d recommend taking this tour at night if you’re thinking about it.
- Clay pot Thai Cooking Mate (Cooking Class): An interesting cooking class that gives you a feel for purchasing foods from the local market and cooking with a local Thai chef.
- Pijiu Bar: Nice little beer bar close to the pier, good place for to grab a quick pint and head off to Wat Arun or The Grand Palace.
Lines: Local, Orange, Blue
Tha Chang (N9)
- The Grand Palace complex: One of the most popular tourist locations and historical sites. I don’t like the fees charged to tourists here, which are ฿500 Baht per person. Thai citizens can enter free. Be aware of the dress code which requires shoulders and legs to be covered. Garments are available to rent for a small price.
- Pier Market: Great place to stop for local food right in front of the pier.
Lines: Local, Orange, Green
Maharaj
- Pretty much the same as Tha Chang, check out The Grand Palace by stopping here.
Lines: Blue
Wang Lang (N10)
- Wang Lang Market: Completely local market near the station, great place to stop if you’ve never seen a bustling local Thai market. It has all sorts of goods for sale from food to cook ware and souvenirs.
- Tha Maharaj: You’ll have to take a ferry across the river to get here, but this open market near the river is a beautiful place to get street food or pick up some souvenirs.
Lines: Local, Orange, Green, Yellow
Thornburi Railway (N11)
- A good place to pass-by and check out the trains
- Siriraj Medical Museum: A bit of an unusual site but has a fascinating display of Thai historical medicine and healthcare. Has a lot of different exhibits and overall recommended if you’re not squemish.
Lines: All
Phra Pin Klao Bridge (N12)
- Not much recommended to do here
Lines: Local, Orange, Green, Yellow
Phra Arthit (N13)
- Santi Chai Prakan Public Park with Phra Sumen Fort: This beautiful park has a nice riverside view with an 18th century fortress.
- Pipit Banglamphu History Museum: Learn all you can about the history of Bangkok past and present along with a couple extra bits (coin minting and crafts). A nice museum with very low cost (฿30 Baht) that includes guided tours with English speakers).
Lines: Local, Orange, Blue
Rama VIII Bridge (N14)
- Beautiful place to walk at night with a wide view of the river from the bridge.
Lines: Local
Thewes Pier (N15)
- Wat Makut Kasatriyaram Ratchaworavihan: Nice clean temple not overcrowded with tourists. Memorial site for King Rama IV and built with grandeur and architectural savvy. Decorated with royal artistry paintings.
Lines: Local, Orange, Green, Yellow
You can continue down the river from here, but the major sites are behind. It’s very relaxing riding to the end and back just for the views. Enjoy