Bangkok River Cruise...

[craige1]

I want to explore bangkok/see beautiful views from river... so what route and what you would recommend as far as Cruise goes along the river of bangkok

 

 

[bbi1]

I would recommend getting on the free boat from Sathorn pier to Asiatique and the one that goes to Icon Siam. Truly spectacular indeed! Not to mention free!

[craige1]

2 hours ago, bbi1 said:

I would recommend getting on the free boat from Sathorn pier to Asiatique and the one that goes to Icon Siam. Truly spectacular indeed! Not to mention free!

Yup Asiatique boat ride is already on list...

[Kinnock]

There's a 'tourist boat' from Saphan Taksin pier/BTS station that makes several stops up the river.  Pay on board, low cost.

 

But if you want the full, local experience, jump on the express Taxi Boat - move inside (it's bad form to travel on the rear entry/exit platform - find a spot near the rails and watch Bangkok go by to the sound whistles and turbo charged diesels. Goes as far as Nothaburi, pay on board, only about 50 THB.

 

Or do the tourist option and hire a long tailed boat for a tour of the smaller canals, about 1,500 THB after negotiations.

 

The Manorha and Horizon dinner cruises are also nice - see the river at night, but cost is higher.  The big 'buffet' cruises are cheaper, but you need to have rugby scrum training to get near the food.

[craige1]

4 hours ago, Kinnock said:

There's a 'tourist boat' from Saphan Taksin pier/BTS station that makes several stops up the river.  Pay on board, low cost.

 

But if you want the full, local experience, jump on the express Taxi Boat - move inside (it's bad form to travel on the rear entry/exit platform - find a spot near the rails and watch Bangkok go by to the sound whistles and turbo charged diesels. Goes as far as Nothaburi, pay on board, only about 50 THB.

These both option sound fab ^

This taxi boat is also available from same taksin pier ?

[Kinnock]

8 hours ago, craige1 said:

These both option sound fab ^

This taxi boat is also available from same taksin pier ?

Yes.  Saphan Taksin Pier has three main jetties, from right to left when facing the river; 1. Taxi boats, 2. Hotel Boats, 3. Asiatique night market boat.

[ballpoint]

16 hours ago, craige1 said:

Goes as far as Nothaburi, pay on board, only about 50 THB.

Just 15 baht for the orange flagged one.

[samsensam]

 

if you want to hang out with fellow tourists there's the tourist boat at, i believe 50 baht, or if you want to be just another person, and get yelled at by the boat crew ???? , then the orange flag, 15 baht option is for you. i choose the latter.

[Denim]

21 hours ago, Kinnock said:

Or do the tourist option and hire a long tailed boat for a tour of the smaller canals, about 1,500 THB after negotiations.

 

To really see something and glimpse how Bangkok might have looked 50 years ago this is a good choice and worth the money.

Make sure to wear a hat or have a small umbrella.

The canals around old Bangyai are very picturesque.

[Kinnock]

26 minutes ago, samsensam said:

 

if you want to hang out with fellow tourists there's the tourist boat at, i believe 50 baht, or if you want to be just another person, and get yelled at by the boat crew ???? , then the orange flag, 15 baht option is for you. i choose the latter.

Yes, it's good to be aware that these boats are a very busy commuter service - but all the bustle and shouting and the speed of the boarding/disembarking makes me feel more like a traveller and less like a tourist.

 

And if you need to cross the river because the express boat lands at the wrong side for your destination - take the the little shuttle ferry for the bargain price of 5 THB.  

[kingstonkid]

The night cruise is nice for the lights but if you want to see things I suggest the baht bus.  You can get on and off with ease and see what you want

[tpkhk]

If you are looking for something upscale, these guys are running a 2 for 1 - (625 baht for sunset drinks only and up for a dinner cruise)

http://www.supannigaeatingroom.com/thaiairways/

 

If you simply want to get a feel - fully agree, from free to 50B works very well.  Nice weather for it.....

 

[moontang]

I use the 15 THB ones, but avoid peak rush hours.. KSR is a pretty good place to board, and less congested then Sathorn.  They are currently upgrading Nonthaburi Pier, but there are pay toilets for 5 THB, two 711, and squid satay, etc.. perfectly acceptable to walk and dine with a cold one.  Very nice sunsets.. 

http://www.chaophrayaexpressboat.com/en/services/

 

Also, heard good things about the cruises, but don't have any specifics. Heard of some guys taking their new Thai gf's on them and it was a very reasonable great night out, compared with dinner on sukhumvit or 300 THB drinks on a rooftop.