The Chao Phraya River curves along Bangkok, bisecting the older, western part of Thonburi from the more populated and bustling eastern part. If you plan to go to places like the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun or Khao San Road, you’ll probably take a boat on the Chao Phraya. Boat ferries run along the river regularly, plying a number of routes from the morning to the late evening. The river traffic is full of ferries, longtail river taxis (long, slim boats with raised prow) and transport barges. While it could be thought of as Bangkok’s river, the river actually begins in the north of Thailand, flowing 372 kilometers southwards along the country and passing through Bangkok before flowing into the Gulf of Thailand.

Several of the piers are just a short walk from subway stations, with the pier by Sathron Taksin subway station being the most convenient for taking ferries. Taking the ferry on the river is a scenic experience as you get to see modern skyscrapers and hotels, traditional temples and even naval forts. Along the way, there are smaller canals that link to the river and river taxis run on those as well.

Wat Arun

This river fort is near Phra Arthit ferry pier, which is close to Khao San Road.