The Chao Phraya River cruise begins here
Chao Phraya River cruise as a Bangkok final
On my last day in Thailand, I decided to take a Chao Phraya River cruise and visit a couple places I have already been to. I jumped the Bangkok BTS Skytrain system and got off at Saphan Taksan on the Silom line. The spot is right along the river and it is a short walk to where the boats are.
I picked up a boat for 100 baht ($3.00) that stopped at Wat Arun. I spent about an hour at this beautiful temple and then grabbed a ferry across the river to the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. Unfortunately, the Grand Palace was already closed. It closes at 3:30, but Wat Pho is open till close to 6 p.m.
Love checking out the other boats on a Chao Phraya River cruise
It is awesome on its own that some of Bangkok’s best attractions are so close, but being able to see this on a boat cruise is an added bonus. I love seeing the different styles of other boats on the water, plus you get great views of Bangkok, and the temperature is a little cooler on the water. This is a welcome respite from the normal swelter of the city. I also enjoy checking out the birds. There are little islands of seaweed and Javan night herons like to perch on these to hunt for fish and other prey.
Boats flying up the Chao Phraya River
Chao Phraya River cruise
The boat that I went on was shared with 10 other people, which is why it was so inexpensive, but you can charter your own driver for slightly more if you want to go solo or with another person. I would recommend coming to this place on your own as if you get a taxi, he will bring you to a place and then you will have to pay extra because the cab gets a cut.
A lot to see along the shores of a Chao Phraya River cruise
Wat Arun comes into view
Beautiful Wat Arun – The Temple of Dawn
Chao Phraya River cruise
A view of the stunning Grand Palace
Boats out front of Wat Arun
Getting off at the ferry on the Grand Palace side of the river
Adventure on!
TT
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Lovely account of the river cruise.
We took the boat in the opposite direction, and at night. A different feel from this. 🙂
Still to write about the experience.
I would love to do this at night. Night cruises are always beautiful. I have done them in Chicago and Singapore.