Traveling in Thailand: the best sightseeing spots on the Chao Phraya River Ferry!

Introduction to Thailand and the Chao Phraya River: Bangkok’s tourist artery.

Thailand is Southeast Asia’s premier tourism powerhouse, where vibrancy and tradition coexist in Bangkok’s temples, Chiang Mai’s culture and Phuket’s beaches, which will attract an estimated 39 million visitors by 2023. The Chao Phraya River is the main river flowing through Bangkok and popular ferries connect Bangkok’s tourist attractions such as Wat Pho, Wat Arun and Icon Siam. Ferries are an important part of the local transportation system and are used by tourists and locals alike. More information is available from the Tourism Authority of Thailand. For information on Wat Pho visit the official Wat Pho website, for Wat Arun visit the official Wat Arun website and for Icon Siam visit the official Icon Siam website. Ferry fares and routes are available on the official Mekong River Express website. On this trip, we took the Chao Phraya River Ferry to see the sights and sounds of Bangkok.

Inspiration for ferry travel: Bangkok on the water.

Our family of three planned a trip to Thailand and decided to take a ferry on the Chao Phraya River to see the sights of Bangkok. We chose the ferry, which departed from Sathorn Pier near Saphan Taksin BTS station, and efficiently explored the Buddhist temples, Wat Arun and Icon Siam. The four-day, three-night trip spends the first day at a riverside temple and the second day shopping. Check ferry schedules in advance on the official website. During the rainy season (July), bring a folding umbrella in case of sudden rain. Such choices kicked off our Bangkok water travel adventure.

Ferry Swing: as much fun as an attraction

The ferry was facing the wind and was often rocked by the river. It’s as thrilling as a Disneyland ride and very exciting for adults and children alike. The boarding time is 5-15 minutes depending on the section of the boat and the ferries smoothly transport tourists to Wat Pho (Tatian Pier) and Wat Arun (Arun Pier). Surveys show that the Chao Phraya River Express has about 40,000 passengers per day, and the orange-flagged ferries for tourists are frequent (every 10-15 minutes). Tips include: sit at the front of the boat to feel the wind and have your camera ready. If you have children with you, make sure they have life jackets. This fun adds to the excitement of the trip.

Fares and payments: the pitfalls of cash and the benefits of day passes

Ferry fares are cheap at 40 baht (about 160 yen) per person per leg, but be careful when paying in cash: three people who were supposed to pay 120 baht were ripped off when they paid 200 baht and only got 10 baht back in change. According to our research, overcharging tourists is rare. As a solution, it is recommended to buy a one-day unlimited ticket (150 baht, about 600 yen). Tip: Purchase your one-day ticket at the ticket counter at Sathorn Pier. Prepare cash in small denominations (20-100 baht). These tickets provide more freedom for our sightseeing.

Fare Type	charging	dominance	tip
1 section	40 baht (about 160 yen)	Low cost for short distances	Payment in small-denomination bills
One day unlimited rides	150 baht (about 600 yen)	Freedom to move multiple locations	Purchase at Sathorn Pier

Attractions: Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Icon Siam.

The Pho Temple (admission 200 baht) is breathtaking with its huge reclining Buddha and colorful decorations. The Wat Arun (100 baht) offers beautiful views from the river and is illuminated at dusk, while Icon Siam is an upscale shopping center with a fun food court and floating market. Wat Pho is the oldest temple in Thailand (16th century), according to research, and Icon Siam opened in 2018, attracting 100,000 visitors a day. In my case, I took the ferry for efficient sightseeing. Tips:- Wat Pho opens at 8 a.m. to avoid crowds.Icon Siam is busier in the evening. This tour allowed me to see all aspects of Bangkok.

International atmosphere: bustling with Westerners and Americans.

The ferry was filled with western tourists and the joyous atmosphere was impressive. A smiling American family poses for a photo with an American family at Wat Arun pier. According to surveys, the Chao Phraya River is the main tourist route in Bangkok, with 5 million people, mainly Westerners, taking the ferry every year. Tip: Greeting them in simple English will make the interaction more pleasant. The boat is crowded, so queue up early to get a standing seat. The hustle and bustle of the crowd adds a bit of coziness to the journey.

Overall satisfaction: the value of ferry travel

The ferry tour on the Chao Phraya River was impressive and as an attraction it was both fun and efficient. The rip-offs taught us a lesson, but the day pass solved the problem.Wat Pho, Wat Arun and Icon Siam appealed to us deeply and next time we’d like to take the ferry at night and enjoy the lights. Note: All of the above information is based on personal experience and varies from time to time.

Similar summaries to Private Wisdom

Ferry tours on the Chao Phraya River are an excellent way to truly appreciate the spectacular scenery and vibrancy of Bangkok. As a personal wisdom, the key is to travel freely with an unlimited day pass and savor the interaction with westerners. The rocking of the boats and the glow of the temples quietly tell you of the richness of your journey.